I first met up with this tea as a gift from my daughter, while shopping at a fine tea shop she was asked,"What does he like in a tea?" She replied,"He likes the drugs." The Imperial Pu-erh was recommended and I've been a huge fan since then. The liquor can be as black as any coffee with a deep earthy flavor and a long and complex finish. The aging process mellows the tannins the way it does a fine red wine so that the tea can be brewed strong enough to make espresso coffee turn green with envy and yet have no hint of harsh or bitter flavor. A wondrous cup of tea well worth it for its aroma and flavor. but it will yank you by the collar to get things going in the morning quite well too.