大益 Dayi 8562

Dayi 8562 is a classic ripe pu-erh recipe from Menghai Tea Factory in continuous production since 1985 — one of the longest-standing shu formulas in China. This is Batch 1701 (pressed 2017), dry-stored in Kunming since production. The recipe blends grade 6 Menghai leaves with a portion of lightly aged material worked in to moderate the fresh fermentation notes that younger shu can show. Menghai Tea Factory — trading as TAETEA — is the factory that defined modern ripe pu-erh: they built their reputation on consistency, and the 8562 is the clearest example of that. Every batch since 1985 follows the same blend ratio and pressing weight, which makes it useful as a reference point for understanding what well-made factory shu should taste like. Batch 1701 has had several years of dry storage in Kunming's dry highland climate, which gives the tea a clean, open character. In the cup: roasted grain, dried dates, a smooth cocoa finish and no off-fermentation note. The liquor is amber-chestnut and clear. A reliable, well-priced shu from a benchmark producer. Worldwide delivery.