糯香 Nuo Xiang

Nuo Xiang means 'Sticky Rice Fragrance' — a Yunnan classic that blends Menghai shu pu-erh with nuomi xiang leaf (糯米香叶, Semnostachya Menglaensis), a small aromatic herb native to southern Yunnan used in traditional Dai cooking for generations. This cake was pressed in 2018. No actual rice goes into this tea. The fragrance comes entirely from the nuomi xiang herb, which carries a naturally sweet, glutinous rice aroma that blends seamlessly with the earthy warmth of ripe pu-erh. The combination is distinctive — immediately recognisable on the dry cake, in the rinse, and in every steep — and considerably subtler and more pleasant than flavoured teas produced with artificial additions. Nuomi xiang teas have been produced in Yunnan for decades and are particularly popular in Southeast Asia as an introduction to ripe pu-erh: the fragrance makes the earthiness of shu more approachable while the Menghai base provides real body and depth. This 2018 pressing is smooth, mellow and clean. In the cup: the rice fragrance leads, followed by warm earthy shu base, soft sweetness and a lingering floral note on the finish. Brews ten or more times without dropping off. A genuine Yunnan classic and one of the best introductions to shu pu-erh. Worldwide delivery.