A Journey Through Time in a Teacup: Toronto’s 2025 Aged Tea Tasting Recap

A Journey Through Time in a Teacup: Toronto’s 2025 Aged Tea Tasting Recap 🍂

On May 24th, 2025, a quiet Saturday afternoon in North York transformed into a rich and reflective experience for tea lovers in Toronto. Hosted at the Siru Plum Chinese Cultural Studio, the Aged Tea Special — an advanced-level tasting — invited guests to explore the depth and elegance that only time can bestow upon tea.

This was not your average tea event. Rather than fresh green leaves or floral blends, the spotlight was on aged teas — spanning from 1980 to 2014 — each one a testament to how patience, storage, and craftsmanship can elevate tea into something truly extraordinary.

🍵 What We Tasted
Five aged teas were served, each with its own story, terroir, and character:

• 1980 Fu Brick Hei Cha – A classic aged dark tea from Anhua with a reddish-orange liquor and subtle notes of mushroom and herbal medicine.

• 1995 Phoenix Dancong – Grown in high-altitude Guangdong, this tea balanced honeyed florals with aged woodiness, offering long-lasting sweetness and depth.

• 1995 Shui Xian Oolong – A rock tea from Wuyi, aged for over 30 years. Roasted aromas have mellowed into soft minerality and earthy elegance.

• 2003 Ripe Pu-erh – Smooth, thick, and grounding. Decades of fermentation made this tea the comfort brew of the lineup.

• 2014 Shou Mei White Tea – Bright and golden in the cup, with notes of lotus, hay, and soft aged sweetness that lingers on the tongue.

🫖 More Than a Tasting — A Conversation With Time
The event was led by an experienced tea instructor who guided guests through each tea’s origin, history, and flavor profile. Every cup poured sparked conversations — not just about flavor, but about memory, tradition, and how tea evolves as we do.

📸 A Gathering of Like-Minded Souls
As the session progressed, the room warmed with shared curiosity. Guests swapped thoughts, discussed their favorite brews, and learned how to appreciate aging in tea — not just as a trend, but as an art form. The ambiance, enhanced with Chinese-style decor and soft music, made it feel like a quiet moment out of time.

Final Thoughts
In a world that moves quickly, aged tea reminds us to slow down. To sit, sip, and savor what time has gently changed. We're grateful to everyone who joined us on this journey through decades in a teacup. Until next time — may your tea be deep, your moments quiet, and your appreciation ever growing.