iTeaworld 2025 New Year Tea Gift Set (Year of the Snake Edition) - The Collection of 10 Aged Teas: Includes 20-Year-Old Ripe Pu-erh, 40-Year-Old Hei Zhuan (Black Brick Tea), 30-Year-Old Oolong, and more

Why this product?
Many people are unclear about what qualifies as aged tea and how to tell the age of tea. iTeaworld has been working with aged tea in the Chinese market for 20 years. We believe that for tea to be considered "aged," it should meet these three criteria: 1. It should have an aged or woody aroma. 2. The tea liquor should be smooth, rich, and sweet. 3. There should be a noticeable warm sensation in the body, especially in the hands and feet, after drinking.

Based on this standard, we’ve selected 10 aged teas, including Oolong, black tea, white tea, dark tea, Pu-erh, and green tea, to help tea lovers understand what aged tea really is.

The product includes:
1995 Shui Xian Oolong Tea: 2 packs of 5g each
1998 Tie Guan Yin Oolong Tea: 2 packs of 5g each
1995 Fenghuang Dancong Oolong Tea: 2 packs of 5g each
1998 Raw Pu-erh Tea : 2 packs of 5g each
2003 Ripe Pu-erh Tea : 2 packs of 5g each
2008 Shuangzheng Liu Bao Dark Tea: 2 packs of 5g each
2014 Shou Mei White Tea: 2 packs of 5g each
2014 Lapsang Souchong  Black Tea: 2 packs of 5g each
1998 Jasmine Green Tea: 2 packs of 5g each
1980s Aged Fu Brick Dark Tea: 2 packs of 5g each

How to brew:

Brewing utensils: White porcelain Gaiwan or Zisha teapot.
Water temperature: 95°C-100°C
Tea-to-water ratio: 1:15-25
Brewing time: 10-20seconds
Number of brews: 5-7 times

Why Aged Tea is Still Drinkable:

The reason aged tea can still be consumed safely lies in the unique chemistry of tea leaves and traditional storage methods. Tea contains powerful antioxidants like catechins and polyphenols, which naturally help slow oxidation, keeping tea consumable for extended periods. Dried tea absorbs only minimal moisture and oxygen, meaning it doesn’t provide the damp environment that bacteria need to grow. As long as tea is stored properly—dry, cool, and sealed against odors—it won’t spoil easily, and you can enjoy it without worries if there’s no mold or strange smells.

How Different Types of Tea Age:

Dark Tea (Hei Cha)
Dark tea, when properly aged, undergoes microbial transformations that mellow its flavor. Over time, compounds like caffeine and polyphenols break down, shifting the taste from bitter to smooth and rich. Dark tea requires specific storage conditions: dry, airy, and cool, to support this mellowing process.

White Tea
In China, there’s a saying about white tea: "One-year tea, three-year medicine, seven-year treasure." Aging for three years or more brings out richer flavors and enhances its perceived medicinal value. As white tea ages, the leaves soften in flavor and aroma, creating a more layered drinking experience.

Black Tea
Black tea generally maintains its natural sweetness and fragrance over time, and since its flavor doesn’t improve with aging, most black teas are best enjoyed fresh. However, certain types of compressed black teas, like Hunan's Fu Brick, can develop deeper flavors with storage due to gradual microbial changes.

Oolong Tea
Roasted Oolong teas like Wuyi Rock Tea (Yan Cha) gain complexity as they age. The roasted notes soften, and the tea develops a distinctive “aged aroma,” adding richness and hints of sweetness. Proper storage is essential to preserve its unique characteristics: keep it dry, away from direct sunlight, and sealed to maintain freshness.

Jasmine Green Tea
Jasmine Green Tea, infused with fresh jasmine flowers, has a unique floral aroma that is best enjoyed within one or two years. Over time, the green tea component oxidizes, leading to a darker color and a softer floral note. To preserve the jasmine aroma and freshness, it’s ideal to store it sealed, in a cool, dry place, or even refrigerate it if possible.