Oud is a very special shou puerh. It is old-growth puerh that was piled in a very special way. Shou puerh is piled and sprayed with water, then covered with a thermal blanket and fermented. Instead of spraying the piled leaves with water, this tea was sprayed with an infusion of aloeswood and sweet rice leaves. There is therefore no aloeswood or rice leaves in the tea, just an infusion of these herbs used to pile the tea. This lends the tea a very subtle fragrance and sweetness that is exquisite. When we first learned of this tea, we thought that it would be gimmicky or perhaps that the infusion would be strong and the tea would taste too much of those, drowning out the tea. However, we were shocked at how subtle and delicious the added fragrance and sweetness makes this tea. Oud is a creamy, thick shou puerh with just a hint of aloeswood in the fragrance of the cup and a slight sweetness in the liquor, both of which do not overpower the flavors, aromas or energy of the tea. The Qi of this tea is deep and internal. Overall, this is one of the most special and delicious shou puerh teas we have ever tried.
