The quality of a Tea not only affects our tasting experience but also impacts its storage and potential appreciation in value. Therefore, when purchasing Pu'er tea, it is essential to select carefully. So, how do we correctly assess the quality of Pu'er tea? Let's find out.

How to Distinguish the Quality of Pu'er Tea?

1. Look at the Tea Stems

When opening a cake of Pu'er tea, the first thing you see are the tea stems. While I don't recommend judging the tea by its stems compared to factors like the tea liquor and taste, it can still provide some insights. There is no concept of “fake” Pu'er tea; rather, there are differences between famous mountains and ordinary mountains, ancient trees and young trees, ecological tea and plantation tea, old and new teas, single-origin and blended teas, spring and autumn harvests. By examining the stems, you can discern limited distinctions. However, if the stems are absent or appear very poor, the tea cake's quality is likely subpar, and you should consider other options during your purchase.

Good Pu'er tea typically has: stout, lustrous, well-defined, and evenly shaped stems that are neither too tight nor too loose, with colors ranging from greenish-blue to greenish-brown. As the tea ages, the color of the stems changes from greenish-blue and greenish-brown to brown.

For new tea cakes, avoid overall yellowing. During daily observation, avoid an excess of yellow leaves, black stems, red stalks, and old stalks. If the stems are not clearly defined, this indicates too many broken leaves and tea dust, making the tea cake unclean, which generally signifies lower quality.

2. Liquor Color: Bright, Red, and Rich

A high-quality Pu'er tea has bright, red, and rich liquor, resembling the color of red wine. Colors ranging from dark red to reddish-brown are normal, but if the liquor is dark red, dark black, or murky, it indicates inferior quality. Pu'er tea's ability to withstand multiple infusions is one of its advantages. When brewing aged Pu'er tea using a Gaiwan or Yixing Teapot, it can be infused more than 20 times, with the flavor and color gradually diminishing with each infusion.

3. Aroma: Distinguish Between Moldy and Aged Scents

During the fermentation process, Pu'er tea develops a unique aged scent, which is a composite aroma formed through the action of microorganisms and enzymes. This scent is similar to Osmanthus, jujube, betel nut, and other pleasant fragrances, distinct from moldy odors. Therefore, when buying aged Pu'er tea, it is important to pay attention to the aroma. If there is a moldy, sour, or other unusual odor, it is not normal.

4. Taste the Tea Liquor

There is no such thing as the highest grade of tea; what matters most is whether it suits your palate. No matter what, our mouths will not deceive us. Even the best tea is meaningless if you don't enjoy drinking it, regardless of its price. Conversely, even if a tea is inexpensive, if it is safe for consumption and you find it enjoyable, it is a good tea for you.

The taste of Pu'er tea should be smooth, refreshing, and have a lasting aftertaste. It should lack bitterness and feel comfortable in the mouth. The term “lasting aftertaste” refers to the tea liquor being full-bodied yet not overly stimulating, leaving a noticeable sweet aftertaste on the back of the tongue after swallowing.

5. Examine the Leaves

The leaves of raw Pu'er tea are usually greenish-yellow or dark green, with high flexibility and elasticity. Raw Pu'er leaves often remain intact, with distinct shapes and no impurities. When purchasing, if you notice the leaves do not fully unfold, have many wrinkles, or show impurities, they are likely not high-quality.

Ultimately, the best way to judge tea is through your own taste buds. Regardless of how others describe it, if you find it enjoyable, then it is good for you. It is unnecessary to criticize others' preferences. As for benchmark teas, they are mostly just marketing gimmicks. Among tea enthusiasts, extensive tasting eliminates the need for benchmarks. When purchasing Pu'er tea, enthusiasts are often both attracted and apprehensive. However, by adhering to certain objective principles, you can select satisfactory teas even amidst the ever-changing Pu'er market. Additionally, you can gain your own “tea assessment” experience, becoming a true expert in the world of tea!