Shu pu ’25 new b7 Lao Cha Tou

Name: new b7 Lao Cha Tou
Year: 2025
Weight: loosee tea nuggets
Whereabout: Thailand, Mae Suai, Wawee organic tea farm

Details:

Lao Cha Tou (老茶头), often translated as “Old Tea Heads,” is one of the most fascinating and sought-after forms of ripe puerh. Unlike conventional shu puerh, these irregular tea nuggets are not intentionally shaped or manufactured. They form naturally during the fermentation process, making them both uncommon and impossible to produce with complete precision.

This particular Lao Cha Tou is even rarer. It originates from the same organic gushu material used to create Veian’s acclaimed old-tree shu puerh batch 7. During fermentation, only a small percentage of the tea naturally binds together into these dense nuggets—typically no more than 3–6% of the entire production. When the original material comes from genuine old tea trees, the resulting Lao Cha Tou becomes exceptionally scarce, representing only a tiny fraction of an already limited harvest.

The first infusion is light and subtle, yet already reveals an intriguing character. There is a familiar resemblance to well-aged sheng puerh, an impression that appears surprisingly early and gives the tea a depth seldom encountered in young ripe puerh. The second infusion becomes noticeably thicker and richer, coating the palate with a smooth, comforting texture while remaining remarkably easy to drink. A gentle sweetness begins to emerge in the finish, hinting at what is yet to come.

From the third infusion onward, the tea truly begins to shine. The sweetness gradually deepens, echoing the qualities found in the loose-leaf version from which these nuggets were formed. One of the most remarkable aspects is the abundant production of sweet saliva (shengjin)—a characteristic highly prized among experienced puerh drinkers yet relatively uncommon in shu puerh. Here it appears naturally and persistently, creating a long-lasting sweetness that continues well after each sip.

Because the nuggets dissolve slowly, longer infusions of around two minutes are recommended. This leisurely extraction rewards patience with increasingly rich and satisfying cups. The tea’s calming energy unfolds gradually, encouraging relaxation rather than stimulation. It is the kind of tea that naturally slows the pace of the day and invites long, unhurried sessions.

Compared to the loose-leaf version, the classic shu puerh characteristics are slightly more pronounced, offering deeper earthy richness while maintaining the elegance and balance derived from the old-tree material. This batch also appears to open more readily than previous productions, allowing the nuggets to reveal their character somewhat sooner while still retaining their legendary endurance.

And endurance is one of the defining traits of exceptional Lao Cha Tou. These nuggets seem almost inexhaustible. Twenty infusions are easily achievable, and often considerably more. Even after a full day of brewing, they continue to offer flavour, body, and sweetness, making them one of the most economical and rewarding styles of puerh to enjoy.

The aging potential is equally impressive. Over time, the liquor becomes progressively softer, smoother, and more velvety, while developing greater complexity and refinement. Given the quality of the original gushu material, this Lao Cha Tou possesses all the ingredients necessary for a long and graceful maturing.

What makes this tea truly special is the combination of rarity, craftsmanship, and origin. Genuine Lao Cha Tou from organic old-tree material is seldom encountered, and finding examples that display both pronounced sweetness and such a rich, thick tea soup is rarer still. This is not merely a by-product of fermentation; it is a small and precious part of the harvest that captures the essence of the original tea in a unique form.

For those who appreciate deep, comforting, all-day tea sessions, this Lao Cha Tou offers something increasingly difficult to find: authentic old-tree character, remarkable longevity, and a soothing presence that encourages you to put aside your obligations, settle into the moment, and simply enjoy the pleasure of good tea.