Old Tree Green Shows an Amazing Puer Structure

My Overall Impression (Score of 86.5 %)

I’m now finally exploring the world of Puer and loving what I’m finding.  Its just such an interesting flavor profile with its depth of flavors and multiple steeps that get better and better.  I was turned on to the Ancient Tea tree area a year ago and fell in love with it.  You can experience the aromas and flavors of how Puer is formed from this area.

I received a sample packet from ITeaWorld and Old Tree is a part of the package.  Instantly, I knew I had to experience this and compare it to other items.   There was only one issue.  I failed to store the samples in an airtight container.  Please note that this is not the fault of the company.  They package their tea in lined paper pouches that are great for temporary storage (I suggest 3 months).  This went a bit longer so when I did my first analysis, there was not much on the aroma scale.

For the first time reviewing, I actually toasted this tea.  I have one S.S. sauté pan that is only ever been used for this.  I placed it on gentle heat and started to warm it.  Now here is the issue…how do you know when the pan is warm enough to toast but not burn?  I added one drop of water to the pan before adding anything in.  Once this evaporated, I added my dry leaves, let them sit on the low burner for 10 seconds and then shut the burner off.  I was constantly moving the leaves around until they became fragrant (no popping noise).  These were instantly removed to a temporary bowl to cool slightly.

I then reviewed the tea again for aroma.  WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!!  Much more fragrant and inviting.  The resulting brew was amazing, full of vigor and life and showed amazing. 

Moral of the story?  Purchase this tea as its amazing.  Store it better than I did but know you have the option of toasting if needed.  This is a wonderful blend and an amazing experience (both from the tea and learning how to toast).

What do I think this Tea’s Personality is?

• “Wildly entertaining, this brew offers a great experience just from the exploration of its depth and structure.”

The Price

The price on 1/14/26 is $16.99 for 100 grams.

Broken down:

• 100 gm / 3 gm for steeping = 33 brews
• 33 brews from package = app. 51.5 cents per cup
• If brewed twice the cost is 26 cents/cup

Once you understand that you are drinking a part of history for this low a price, this is very much worth the pricing.

Aromas

• Opening the package, the notes were very faint of seaweed, parsley and oregano.
• After toasting, it bloomed with notes of sage, fennel, alfalfa and fermented notes.
• Once brewed, it was incredible with the aromas of seaweed, fermented sauce (like soy), sage and finished with a corn syrup sweetness note.
• There was also a faint note of honeyed pear flesh which became stronger with longer steeps.

Flavors

• This brew shows delicate flavor notes of pears/apples that are wrapped in Nori sheets and served with light bean sprouts.
• It also showed notes of Italian parsley and floral tones.
• Exceptionally clean structure over the entire profile.
• It shows the Puer mouthfeel that is mildly chalky.
• On longer steeps, it shows deeper tannins tied with the Puer notes in flavor and depth.

Scores

• Aromas (4.25/5)
• Flavors (8.8/10)
• Overall impression (4.25/5)
  • Total score = 86.5 percent (17.3/20)

Foods to Pair and Why

• I have to admit that I’m a bit of a snob when it comes to great teas (well any beverage) with history. That means I’m a purist.  If someone worked hard to make a beverage option for me, I want to enjoy that fully without distractions.  You can totally pair foods with these but sometimes sitting down sipping something quietly reflecting is joyful.
• However, the chef in me wants to always create something to enjoy and elevate the food and beverage. I’m enjoying more and more bean cookery so a 4-5 bean cassoulet would pair exceptionally.  Earthy rich notes from the beans would complement this brew.
• I have made Baklava once and realized I do not have the patience for making this. However, this is one time I think I would produce one with walnuts (yes not traditional but it’s mine) and a dessert pairing instead of heavy cakes.
• Earthy notes make me think and crave mushrooms. So why not an Egg Drop Soup but filled with good amounts of richly sauteed mushrooms and a deep roasted vegetable stock.
• Along those lines, I do love a good mushroom tart for an appetizer option. To place a twist on this, small diced apples sauteed should be included.
• I was talking with my mom recently and she claimed that she was craving pasta salad for her dinner. Well, a lovely twist on this would be some smoked chicken that was Asian marinated along with pear and apple strips would be a delicious option.