Four Gold Coins - Mid 2000s Liu Bao

Liu Bao as it is experienced in modern times, came to prominence largely thanks to the tin miners who came to Malaysia from Guangdong Province in the early 20th Century.  It was there in Malaysia where the purported health benefits of this tea were put to the test in keeping these miners alive.  With the tea's ability to help cool the body and relax the lungs, it quickly became the tea of choice for all Chinese miners in Malaysia, regardless of the Province they immigrated from.  As the demand for this tea increased, a merchant class in Guangdong and Hong Kong rose to meet it, creating Liu Bao processing and export companies, some of which continue to this day.

Four Gold Coins is one such company.  Based in Hong Kong, this Liu Bao brand with a cult following has been in operation since the late Qing Dynasty.  Easily identified by the   bag it is sold in, each vintage is a proprietary blend of material sourced from Guangxi and Vietnam which tastes different from other Liu Baos on the market. 

Notes of squid ink, dark rye and burlap punctuate this comforting hei cha.  A grounding quality to this tea is immediately apparent making it a great tea for group meditation, or a moment on the cushion all by yourself.  

For any Hei Cha lover, it doesn't take many cups to see the true value of this tea.  Although those Guangdong miners from a century past came to seek their fortunes in the tin mines of Malaysia, it was the tea they brought with them that was the true treasure.  All of us who drink Liu Bao today have those brave souls to thank.