Shou Pu (sometimes called Cooked Pu Er) is a popular style of black tea from Yun Nan using Sheng Pu as its rough tea. Given the nature of its heavy processing, Shou Pu is usually a blend. Black teas are very dark and earthy with a full, smooth body.
Shou Pu is commonly said to be an "artificially aged" Sheng Pu. This fact is not actual; they are different teas. Sheng Pu aging does not result in Shou Pu. Shou Pu will continue to decompose while the bacteria in the tea continue to break down the leaves. Sheng Pu from newer tea trees planted following traditional practice with the prospect for the trees to be independent of human shaping and become big trees is called xiao shu cha. Our Shou Pu is a sophisticated batch made from mostly ancient tea trees from Jing Mai tea mountain.
Due to the large batch and rough processing method of black tea, many Shou Pus are harsh and taste funky. However, a well-made Shou Pu is the mellowest, easiest-to-drink tea out there. It is earthy but sweet, without any trace of astringency. Its thick body provides a particular kind of satisfaction.
Shou Pu is made of all Qun Ti Da Ye Zhong (Heirloom Large Leaf) material. This tea category is made by fermenting the already processed Sheng Pu and adding heat and moisture to facilitate "compost" of the leaves with beneficial microbes, making it a black tea.
