Yunnan Laoshu Shou Mei White Tea, 8g Biscuit

A rich, mellow Shou Mei white tea from Yunnan's old tea trees, pressed into convenient 8g biscuits

Yunnan Laoshu Shou Mei is a distinctive Chinese white tea made from mature leaves harvested from old tea trees in the highlands of Yunnan Province. Pressed into individual 8g biscuits, it produces a rich, smooth infusion with earthy, woody notes, hints of dried plum and a gentle honey sweetness.

Unlike the delicate, bud-focused character of Silver Needle, Shou Mei is made primarily from more mature leaves, giving it a fuller body and a deeper flavour. This Laoshu variety comes from old, semi-wild tea trees and has a rounded, mellow character with subtle notes of camphor and wood smoke.

The leaves are compressed into compact biscuits that are easy to store, carry and brew. Each 8g portion provides enough tea for several infusions, making it particularly convenient for gongfu brewing or preparing a larger teapot at home, in the office or while travelling.

As the compressed leaves gradually open, the tea reveals its natural sweetness alongside deeper woody and fruity notes. Its smooth texture and lingering finish make it an interesting choice for anyone who enjoys fuller-bodied white teas.

Origin: Yunnan Province, China
Tea Type: Shou Mei (Longevity Eyebrow) White Tea
Tea Material: Laoshu (Old Tree), semi-wild tea leaves
Harvest: Late spring
Processing: Traditionally processed white tea, compressed into biscuits
Form: Individual 8g compressed tea biscuits
Ingredients: 100% Shou Mei white tea

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Tasting Notes

• Aroma: Dried plum, gentle camphor and subtle wood smoke
• Flavour: Rich, mellow and earthy, with woody notes and a delicate honey sweetness
• Liquor Colour: Deep golden amber, developing a darker tone with longer infusions
• Mouthfeel: Smooth, rounded and full-bodied, with a soft texture and lingering sweet finish

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Brewing Recommendations

• Tea-to-water ratio: One 8g biscuit per 500ml for standard brewing, or one biscuit per 120–150ml for gongfu brewing
• Water temperature: 90°C for standard brewing; 90–95°C for gongfu brewing
• Steeping time: 3–5 minutes for standard brewing, or 10–20 seconds for the first gongfu infusion
• Further infusions: Approximately 2–3 for standard brewing or 6–8 for gongfu brewing, increasing the steeping time gradually

Brewing Tip: For gongfu brewing, briefly rinse the biscuit with hot water to help loosen the compressed leaves. Begin with short infusions and allow a little more time as the leaves gradually open. For a lighter cup, use more water or reduce the steeping time.

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Key Features

• Traditional Shou Mei white tea from Yunnan Province, China
• Made from mature leaves harvested from old, semi-wild tea trees
• Late-spring harvest with a fuller, more rounded character than bud-focused white teas
• Rich, earthy flavour with notes of dried plum, wood and gentle honey sweetness
• Smooth, full-bodied infusion with a lingering sweet finish
• Convenient 8g compressed biscuits for easy portioning and brewing
• Suitable for conventional teapots and traditional gongfu brewing
• Whole-leaf tea that can be enjoyed over several infusions
• 100% white tea with no added flavourings

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Storage Tips

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, excessive moisture and strong odours. Keep the compressed biscuits in their original packaging or a suitable tea storage container to help preserve their aroma and flavour.

Shou Mei white tea can develop a mellower, more rounded character with careful ageing, although this depends on the quality of the tea and its storage conditions. Avoid storing the biscuits near coffee, spices or other strongly scented products, as tea readily absorbs surrounding odours.

Explore more traditional Chinese varieties in our white tea collection, including Silver Needle, White Peony, Gongmei and aged Shou Mei.