White2tea’s Lich Tears Ripe Puer: A Deep Dive into Bitterness and Balance

Consider this your morning briefing: A single cup of White2tea’s Lich Tears ripe puer is a masterclass in tension—between bitterness and sweetness, between the familiar and the elusive. This isn’t your average shou; it’s a conversation starter, a tea that demands you lean in. The first steep cracks open a world of peppercorns and dried hay, but the real magic happens when you let it breathe.

The early steeps are all about contrast. A flash steep delivers bittersweet immediacy, like a popsicle-stick wood note clashing with forest floor and mushrooms. It’s not aggressive bitterness—it’s firm, lingering, and laced with black pepper spice. The mouthfeel is slick, almost coating, but not yet chocolatey. As the steeps progress, the tea reveals layers: a slow fade of bitterness, a light cooling effect, and a deepening of fruity dark chocolate. By the fourth steep, the bitterness returns, now paired with minty freshness and earthy undertones. The final steep? A revelation. Bitterness holds long, sweetness arrives late, and the finish stretches into eternity, like a weighted blanket of flavor.

This tea thrives on patience. The key is to start with quick steeps to capture the sharp, citrusy notes, then let it steep longer to unlock the raw gushu vibes beneath the ripe shou. It’s a rare blend that manages to feel both young and aged, with a clarity that’s hard to pin down. The sourcing remains a mystery, but that doesn’t matter—this is a premium puer that justifies its price through complexity alone.

Key points: Vary your steep times to balance brightness and depth. This tea bridges the gap between ripe shou and raw gushu, offering a rare harmony. And while the backstory is sparse, the cup speaks volumes.

What’s your go-to steep method for balancing bitterness and sweetness in puer? Share your approach in the comments.

Questions & Answers

Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.