Lao Cha Tou Tea
Old Tea Head · Lao Cha Tou Shu
Lao Cha Tou, or Old Tea Head, refers to the nuggets that form naturally during shu pu-erh pile fermentation, where leaves clump together under heat and moisture.
Flavor Profile
What does Lao Cha Tou taste like?
Lao Cha Tou, or Old Tea Head, refers to the nuggets that form naturally during shu pu-erh pile fermentation, where leaves clump together under heat and moisture. These dense balls brew extra thick and smooth: dark dates, caramel, and forest floor with almost no bitterness and a long, sweet finish. They are very forgiving to steep and slowly unravel over many infusions, often lasting longer than loose ripe leaves.
Bar length reflects the relative prominence of each flavor note (dominant first), not a laboratory measurement.
Origin
Yunnan, China
Lao Cha Tou forms as a by-product of ripe pu-erh fermentation in Yunnan and is sorted from finished piles.
The birthplace of tea, producing every major tea style from green to dark.
Brewing Guide
How to Brew Lao Cha Tou
Brewing parameters are a starting point and can be adjusted to taste.
Caffeine
Caffeine in Lao Cha Tou
Typical brewed serving
Lao Cha Tou is a medium-caffeine pu-erh. A typical brewed serving contains about 30–60 mg of caffeine.
Values can vary depending on quantity, brewing time, serving size, and preparation method.
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Side by Side
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FAQ
Lao Cha Tou Tea FAQ
Quick answers about Lao Cha Tou tea, drawn from its flavor, origin, caffeine, and brewing profile.
What is Lao Cha Tou tea?
Lao Cha Tou, or Old Tea Head, refers to the nuggets that form naturally during shu pu-erh pile fermentation, where leaves clump together under heat and moisture. It is also known as Old Tea Head and Lao Cha Tou Shu.
Does Lao Cha Tou tea have caffeine?
Yes. Lao Cha Tou is a medium-caffeine tea, typically 30–60 mg per brewed serving.
What does Lao Cha Tou tea taste like?
Lao Cha Tou is known for a profile led by Smooth, Earthy, and Sweet, with a strong body.
How do you brew Lao Cha Tou tea?
Use about 5 g of tea per 250 ml of water at 95–100°C, steeping for 0.5–1 minutes. It can be re-steeped 8–12 times.
Is Lao Cha Tou tea bitter?
Bitterness is not a defining note of Lao Cha Tou; its profile centers on Smooth, Earthy, and Sweet.