Top 10 Pu erh Brands

Anyone interested in topping the notch to their personal puerh collection is certainly interested in like knowing what the top 10 pu erh brands in China are.  Of course, depending upon where one queries there will be quite a bit of difference in the results.  Below, the findings are discussed.

Here are the Top 10 Pu erh Brands

1. Dayi, Menghai Tea Factory

   —   This one is a bit of a no-brainer.  Dayi has established itself as the standard bearer of pu erh tea.  Within the 20 years of its incorporation, Dayi is the enterprise that has achieved the lion’s share of honors and awards.  Among its offerings, 7572 has set the benchmark for ripe pu erh.  She same can be said for 7542 as far as raw pu erh is concerned.

2. Ba Jiao Ting, Liming Tea Factory

   —  Ba Jiao Ting pu erh tea is the only Yunnan state tea enterprise.  Liming Tea Factory produces teas of several different standards, types, and shapes, but the Ba Jiao Ting brand is considered a top brand, consistently among the top 10 of pu erh tea brands.

3. Zhongcha, Kunming Tea Factory

   —  A brand that entered the market in 1951 as part of a state-enterprise, Zhongcha is one of the most recognized brands globally.

4. Xiaguan Tuocha

   — Established in 1941 and headquartered in one of Yunnan’s largest pu erh processing centers, Dali.

5. Lancang Gucha

   —  Most recognized in the market is its Jingmai, though the winner of several awards and receiving special state recognition for its overall quality.  This one is not well known in the English-speaking world.

6. Longsheng Pu erh Tea

   —  Engaged in the cultivation, processing and production of its tea.  It’s

7. Fucun Meiji

   — One of the newer brands that markets exclusively on-line, perceived to possess great potential.

8. Longyuan Hao

   —  Organic maker, their commemorative teas have been well-received.

9. Langhe

   — This maker opened its doors in 1995 and has tirelessly employed the know-how of experts to craft teas that combine traditional methods with the latest technology.  Products consistently sold at a fair value.

10. Lao Tongzhi, Haiwan Tea Enterprises

    —  Most famed for its ripe productions, Lao Tongzhi is one of the most famous pu erh brands.  The name “Lao Tongzhi”, which translates into Old Comrade, is a carryover from the state-enterprise days.  It is the winner of several gold, silver, and “cha-wang” distinctions.

There are many top pu erh tea brands out there, but these are the ones that consistent made the cut.  You might be surprised to not see one of your favourites on the list.  At the same time, you’re probably not to surprised to see Da Yi, Xiaguan and Lao Tongzhi.  Keep an eye out for the internet sensation Fucun Meiji and Longsheng Pu erh, which given their relative popularity are still quite reasonably priced.  Lancang Gucha is the only ultra-premium brand that made the list, a distinction that may have has much with the brand than actual tea quality.

Enjoy.