Pu-erh tea has a history of thousands of years of cultivation and consumption in Yunnan, but it has only begun to shed its mysterious aura in the last couple of decades. Its unique flavor and pharmacological effects, which align with the modern pursuit of health, have attracted increasing attention. However, the current Pu-erh tea market is not yet fully developed, and there are few tea merchants capable of accurately discerning its true quality. Driven by profit, some falsely label products with old brand names or vintage designations, and it's increasingly common to find so-called 'treasured' Pu-erh teas claimed to be twenty, thirty, or even fifty or sixty years old. Many tea merchants also store tea products in dark, high-humidity environments to accelerate aging, often artificially sprinkling water, which frequently leads to tea leaves becoming moldy and spoiled. After the tea rapidly deteriorates, the tea cakes are air-dried, resulting in 'wet storage tea' that superficially resembles aged Pu-erh in a short period.

Here are some basic and convenient tips for identification:

6 Look-Out-For's:

1. Do not use incorrect era claims as a benchmark (Note: Truly 50s or 60s era tea is only found in museums. Think about it: would any tea factory/merchant store finished tea for 50 years before selling it?)

2. Do not rely on forged packaging;

3. Do not use the darkness of the tea liquor as an excuse;

4. Do not be guided by added flavors (Note: The true camphor or jujube aroma in Pu-erh forms naturally. How could it be so strong it's pungent?)

5. Do not be swayed by claims of 'mellow warehouse' character;

6. Do not base judgment solely on tree age or leaf variety.

4 Look-For's (Clarity, Purity, Correctness, Qi):

Clarity - The aroma should be clear, without any musty smell.

Purity - The liquor color should be pure, like jujube red or a rich, bright red, not black as lacquer.

Correctness - Stored in the correct environment, in dry storage, not wet storage.

Qi - When tasting the liquor, it should uplift the spirit and please the mind.

Note: The standards for selecting any type of tea are always consistent. When purchasing, first assess your budget and generally consider the category you want. Next, find a highly reliable merchant, preferably a dedicated Pu-erh tea shop, as such establishments usually have a complete variety, ample stock, and high credibility. Also, seek advice from experienced Pu-erh tea connoisseurs to increase your knowledge.