Each tea has its own grading standard based on its quality and condition. Pu erh is the same. Due to the quality of raw material (mao cha / 毛茶) and the difference in process, Pu erh is sorted into ten grades. From the highest grade to the lowest, there is Gong Ting Pu erh (宫廷普洱 / the Imperial Grade), the Gift Tea Grade, the Special Grade, 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th grade and 10th Grade.
Generally, the higher grades of Pu erh have more buds, while the lower grades contain larger and less tender leaves. Let’s check out the grading standard:
| Grade | Dry Leaves | Liquor | Taste & Aroma | Brewed Leaves |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Imperial Grade | Tightly rolled, straight, fine golden buds | Red and dense with rich fragrance | Heavy and mellow, 10+ steeps | Thin and tender |
| Gift Tea Grade | Tightly rolled, straight, relatively fine golden buds | Red and dense with rich fragrance | Heavy and mellow, 10+ steeps | Thin and tender |
| Special Grade | Tightly rolled, straight, relatively fine golden buds | Red and dense with rich fragrance | Heavy and mellow, 8+ steeps | Relatively thin and tender |
| 1st Grade | Tightly rolled, tender with some buds | Red and dense with rich fragrance | Mellow, 8+ steeps | Tender |
| 3rd Grade | Tightly rolled, tender with some buds | Red with rich fragrance | Mellow, 6+ steeps | Tender |
| 5th Grade | Tightly rolled, tender with few buds | Red with rich fragrance | Mellow, 6+ steeps | Uneven in size |
| 7th Grade | Tightly rolled with few buds | Dark red with pure fragrance | Mild, <6 steeps | Uneven in size |
| 8th Grade | Loosely rolled with few buds | Dark red with pure fragrance | Mild, <6 steeps | Rough, uneven in size |
| 9th Grade | Loosely rolled with no buds | Dark red | Mild, <6 steeps | Rough, uneven in size |
| 10th Grade | Loosely rolled with no buds | Dark red | Mild, <6 steeps | Thick and rough, uneven in size |
Final Notes
Gu Shu Wild Trees
Please note that the above grading doesn’t apply for wild pu erh teas (gu shu). The leaves of those teas are generally larger and they’re classified based on mountain of origin and the age of the tree.
Grade and Taste
Lower grades of pu erh doesn’t necessarily mean that the tea isn’t good. It’s just that the material used is less fine and more uneven. However, good processing is as important and can still compensate for less quality raw material. Preference for tea is very personal. Regardless of the grading, hope you’ll find your favourite Pu erh!
Do you want to try pu erh yourself? See the curated offerings of pu erh teas by Teasenz.com.
Discover more from Hello Tea Cup
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
4 Comments
Mickey Mouse
September 20, 2021 at 7:30 amHi, does higher grade of raw material also mean better taste?
teasenz
September 20, 2021 at 7:35 amNo. The pu erh grading only tells you the kind of leaves used. Higher grades often have a more complex flavour, while lower grades are often more strongly fermented with sweeter flavours. So what you like, will depend on your personal taste. Sometimes, leaves of different grades are blended by the tea master, to create more balanced flavours.
HenryTeaguy
October 16, 2021 at 7:07 amThanks. I was always so fixated on the leaf grade, but now I know it’s all a matter of taste! Gu shu is new for me, will explore 🙂
teasenz
October 16, 2021 at 7:09 amGu shu is great, but not cheap. Go for smaller cakes first or get a sample would be our advice.