2016 Shou Mei Aged White Tea Cake

This is a full-bodied white tea with a smooth, sweet profile featuring honey notes and hints of jujube. Multiple reviewers mention it's not bitter at all, even with higher brewing temperatures. What's interesting is that it tastes more like a mild black tea than a typical floral white tea—some describe earthy notes reminiscent of Chinese medicine, leather, and old books. If you're not a fan of flowery or fruity white teas, this might be right up your alley.

Here's the honest truth: some recent batches appear to be from 2022 rather than 2016, according to reviewers who received newer production dates. That said, it still delivers that aged white tea character with earthy, mellow flavors. Just be aware that if you're specifically seeking a 9-year-aged tea, you might want to check the production date on your cake when it arrives.

Absolutely. This is very forgiving when it comes to brewing temperature—it handles anywhere from 85-95°C without turning bitter. It's also incredibly affordable, making it a low-risk introduction to aged white tea. Reviewers consistently praise the value for money, calling it an excellent daily drinker. You don't need fancy equipment or perfect technique to get a good cup, though it does reward gong fu brewing if you want to explore multiple infusions.

You can easily get 5+ infusions using gong fu brewing technique. The tea holds up well across multiple steeps, which is part of why experienced tea drinkers consider it such good value. The flavor evolves slightly with each infusion, revealing different aspects of that honey sweetness and earthy character.

This isn't top-grade white tea—the leaves are broken and dark brown, and there are quite a few stems mixed in. However, five separate reviewers specifically mention the excellent value for price. The taste quality far exceeds what you'd expect at this price point. Think of it as a solid daily drinker rather than a premium special-occasion tea. The strong, pungent aroma and smooth flavor make it punch above its weight class.

Yes, this type of pressed white tea cake is suitable for further aging if stored properly. Some enthusiasts actually prefer doing this with aged white teas. Just keep it in a cool, dry place away from strong odors, and the complex flavor profile—those Chinese medicine and earthy notes—may continue to develop over time.