Lao Cha Tou "Nuo Mi Xiang" Sticky Rice Aroma, 2006

Lao Cha Tou ("tea heads") are naturally compressed tea nuggets that form during the piled fermentation of shu pu-erh. This 2006 batch stands out for its "Nuo Mi Xiang" character — a rich sticky-rice fragrance that gives the brew a recognisable sweetish note.

This is a tea people tend to either love right away or not take to at all — there's rarely a middle ground.

Taste and liquor

The liquor is dark and thick, with a soft taste and no sharp bitterness. The bouquet carries notes of rice flour, caramel, and a light woody undertone.

If a sticky-rice aroma is exactly what you look for in a pu-erh, this tea is a good match.