Wood Spirit Ripe Puer: A Warm Comfort In Every Sip

Listen up: This isn’t your average pu-erh. Farmerleaf’s 2023 Wood Spirit Ripe puer unfolds like a slow-burn fire, balancing earthy depth with a sweetness that feels like a hug. Brewed in a titanium gaiwan just off boil, it starts with a whisper of wood and forest floor, then layers into something richer. The first steep delivers sandalwood and cocoa, with a hint of shou-y sweetness that lingers. By the second steep, the tea thickens, its cocoa notes deepening while bitterness stays subdued—a rare harmony of flavors.

What makes this tea stand out isn’t complexity, but consistency. The third steep brings a subtle coating on the tongue, like a warm blanket, while the fourth introduces vanilla and cereal-like notes that feel almost nostalgic. By the fifth steep, it’s chewy yet balanced, with bitterness fading into the background. This is the kind of tea that thrives in a thermos or Western-style brew, its flavors evolving without losing their core charm.

Farmerleaf’s ripes are often overshadowed by their raw counterparts, but this one proves they can hold their own. It’s not about shock value—it’s about comfort. The wood and cocoa notes evoke the kind of warmth you crave in cooler months, while the sweetness feels like a familiar friend. It’s a reminder that some teas don’t need to be intricate to be satisfying.

Key points: This tea thrives in short, deliberate steeps; its cocoa and wood notes are its emotional anchors; and it’s a standout for those who prefer balance over boldness.