The Top 12 Most Expensive Teas in The World
Tea, the magical elixir that has the power to comfort, energize, and delight all at once. Whether you prefer a steaming cup of classic black tea, a fragrant herbal infusion, or a delicate green tea, there’s something about this beloved beverage that warms the heart and soothes the soul.
And throughout our friendship spanning more than two millennia, tea has always been a trusted companion. It calms our ailments and brings us together. In fact, it’s a beloved tradition for many cultures around the world to share a freshly brewed cup.
There are now so many variations of tea that you could spend the rest of your life drinking something different and still not go through all of them. Some do stand out, either because of the quality of the tea leaves, the processing method used, or just rarity or exclusivity. And they come with a premium.
So, grab your favorite mug, settle in, and let’s explore together the most expensive teas in the world.
1. 1973 “Little Yellow Mark” CNNP 7542 Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake
Cost: $15,735/pound
East Asia is where tea began its journey, and there is no producer more well respected than The Menghai Tea Factory. Since 1940, they have been the leading authority in high quality Pu-erh tea. They make these products using traditional methods and carefully select tea leaves from the best tea-growing regions in the area.
Pu-erh tea is a type of fermented tea produced in China’s Yunnan province. Known for its bold, earthy flavor, this style of tea is appreciated by enthusiasts for its health benefits and unique aging process.
Among their illustrious collection, the 7542 series of Chi Tse Beeng Cha is their crowning achievement. It’s harvested from the esteemed tea-producing regions and plantations of Nanxun, Bada, and Bulang in Menghai province. Little Yellow Mark holds a place of honor among tea connoisseurs and has garnered high praise from renowned tea critics.
Brewed, it has a clear, bright orange-red hue and a delightful aroma that evokes aged plums and fruits. With each infusion, you’ll experience a smooth, rich, and brisk blend of woodiness, sweetness, and herbal undertones.
The tea offers a lingering aftertaste that enhances the early infusions and unfolds into notes of plum, fruits, dates, and a refreshing mouthfeel that satisfies the palate with its thirst-quenching qualities.
This legendary tea invites you on a sensory exploration that unveils its true character sip by sip.
2. Imperial Gyokuro
Cost: $11,515/pound
TWG Tea is a company from Singapore, founded in 2008, that quickly became a leading purveyor of luxury teas worldwide. They are famed for exceptional collections and artisanal blends sourced from the finest tea gardens across the globe.
One of their top selections is Gyokuro, which includes a diverse range of options, each with its own distinct qualities. Farmers carefully develop these shrubs for intense flavor, then handpick and grow them under shade before plucking.
The Imperial Gyokuro is an incredibly rare and exquisite tea that is considered one of the best teas in the world. Cultivated by a renowned tea planter in Yame, Japan, this tea undergoes an extraordinary and meticulous cultivation process.
The leaves are carefully nurtured under handmade rice straw mats for an impressive duration of 21 days. This allows them to absorb precious minerals from rain showers and dewy mornings.
Gentle breezes and the play of sunlight filtering through intricately braided straw mats influence the growth of this tea. Moreover, these unique conditions give the leaves a glossy jade hue and imbue them with a profound sweetness that is unparalleled.
For a true experience of Imperial Gyokuro, heat water to 55°C (130 F) and gently pour over 10g (0.35 oz) of tea leaves. Allow to infuse for precisely two and a half minutes. Remove the leaves to preserve purity, and enjoy one of the most amazing beverages in the world.
3. Gold Yin Zhen
Cost: $9,794/pound
The remarkable Yin Zhen white tea leaves, cherished for their lengthy, silvery tips, are adorned with a coat of pure 24-karat gold. Known as Silver Needles, these precious leaves become ambrosial jewels, mesmerizing both the eye and the palate.
Crafted by the skilled hands of TWG Tea, this molten blend is a magic potion that conjures a swirling and sparkling infusion with enchanting honeyed overtones. Hailing from China, this extraordinary creation is a white tea of the finest caliber.
Precision is essential when preparing this drink. Begin by pouring 70°C (158°F) water delicately over 2.5g (0.09 oz) of these precious tea leaves per cup. Allow the infusion to steep for a blissful duration of 15 minutes, during which time the tea will release its ethereal essence. Discard the leaves and savor!
4. 1980’s CNNP 8582 Raw Pu-erh Tea
Cost: $7,865/pound
Experience a stunning 8582 Raw Pu-erh tea cake crafted by the Menghai Tea Factory. This iconic product has been celebrated for over 30 years for its exceptional quality, branding, and taste.
After brewing, the tea has a clear chestnut brown hue that looks and tastes great. The early infusions are smooth and rich with a gentle wood aroma, hints of camphor wood, citrus peel, and a delightful fruity taste. As the tea steeps, it develops milder wood and herbal notes that add depth to the flavor profile.
The infused tea leaves are dark brown and have distinctive branches, a sign of the tea’s age and craftsmanship. This tea is a unique and indulgent experience that any tea enthusiast should try.
5. Gyokuro Hisui
Cost: $7,060/pound
With more than 60 years experience, the Master of Gyokuro is sole responsible for this amazing blend. His work translates into one of Japan’s most desirable teas.
Working tirelessly in solitude, he meticulously shields the tea from sunlight for an astounding 25 days, utilizing hand-braided rice mats called Komo. This Hon-Gyokuro undergoes a once-a-year hand harvest, resulting in magnificent sea-green leaves imbued with an extraordinary concentration of chlorophyll.
With its remarkable richness and enveloping character, the tea reveals profound notes known as ooi-ka, revealing its exceptional quality. In 2019, TWG Tea exclusively secured his entire harvest. It was a mere 4.5 kg (just shy of 10 pounds).
For an unparalleled tea experience, pour water heated to 55 °C over 10g (0.35 oz) of these precious tea leaves per cup. Allow the infusion to steep for precisely two and a half minutes, ensuring the optimal release of its flavors and aromas. Once the infusion is complete, carefully remove the leaves, taking care to preserve the integrity of the liquid.
6. Gyokuro Minami
Cost: $6,685/pound
Gyokuro Minami, a remarkable tea cultivated in Hoshino village, Japan, follows closely guarded traditional methods passed down through generations. The thorough process involves sheltering the needle-like leaves for 20 days, resulting in a superb grassy bouquet.
These luminescent, emerald green leaves release a captivating aroma and infuse into a rich, biscuity flavor that gradually transforms into a gentle sweetness. To enjoy its full splendor, delicately pour 55°C water over 10g (0.35 oz) of tea leaves per cup. Allow them to steep for precisely two and a half minutes. Once done, remove the leaves and indulge in the enchanting flavors that Gyokuro Minami has to offer.
7. Yellow Gold Tea Buds
Cost: $5,535/pound
Once the cherished tea of Chinese emperors, this exceptional tea has become an elusive treasure. Producers coat each delicate tea bud with a lavish layer of 24-karat gold, which results in a brew that reveals a subtly metallic yet delightfully floral aftertaste. It makes for a truly unforgettable experience.
To partake in this exquisite indulgence, 75°C (167 F) water should be poured over 2.5g (0.09 oz) of tea leaves per cup. Allowing them to soak for three to four minutes. After infusion, you should delicately remove the leaves to stop the process.
To fully appreciate the complexity and depth of flavors in this exceptional tea, take small sips and allow the aroma to fill your senses
8. 1979 “Yee On” Ripe Jinggu Tea Brick
Cost: $4,725/pound
Due to widespread popularity, the 1979 Yee On Ripe Jinggu Pu-erh Tea Brick has become one of the flagship offerings of the esteemed Yee On Tea Company. Tea enthusiasts cherish this tea brick for its unparalleled depth of flavor and the distinct ginseng notes, which are the result of its remarkable four-decade post-fermentation period.
The taste of this Pu-erh tea brick is truly exceptional. It truly embodies the quintessential essence of high-quality, old-style traditional ripe Pu-erh tea. The packaging consists of semi-gloss rice-colored wrapping paper adorned with a green band near the bottom, serving as a testament to its authenticity. However, its immense popularity has also made it a target for imitation, with numerous counterfeits circulating online.
The deep chestnut brown hue leaves become almost black after infusing, revealing their hardness and featuring delicate fine branches. The scent exudes a comforting fragrance that is characteristic of ripe Pu-erh tea. As for the taste, a well-known customer review aptly captures its essence: “After 40 years of post-fermentation, the taste evolves indefinitely, revealing distinct layers of flavor and an indulgent ginseng sensation.”
9. Kilauea Mountain Oolong
Cost: $4,565/pound
Oolong tea represents a unique category of its own, distinct from both black and green teas. Its features vary depending on the tea master’s processing methods.
Studies have revealed that oolong tea has the potential to enhance fat burning and increase calorie expenditure by up to 3.4%. Additionally, oolong tea is rich in L-theanine, an amino acid known for its cognitive benefits such as improved brain function, better sleep, and reduced stress and anxiety.
Kilauea Mountain Oolong tea is an exceptionally rare and valuable variety, grown in a cool, misty climate at an altitude of 1,100 meters (ca. 3,609 ft) among the world’s most fertile volcanic soil. This hand-rolled tea undergoes minimal oxidation, resulting in a pale yellow-green infusion with gentle tropical notes of green papaya, complemented by a delightful blend of ginger, honey, and pine in its lingering aftertaste.
For best results, steep 2.5g (0.09 oz) of tea leaves per cup in 95°C (203 F) water for three minutes before removing the leaves and serving.
10. Da Hong Pao Prestige
Cost: $3,695/pound
Renowned as one of China’s most prized teas, this exquisite oolong is harvested using ancestral practices from the rugged cliffs of the legendary Wu Yi Mountain. It has a select flavor profile with rare, woody notes of chestnuts and hazelnuts.
It has a select flavor profile with rare, woody notes of chestnuts and hazelnuts.
The tightly rolled leaves gradually unfurl during steeping, releasing a robust and deeply satisfying taste that lingers on the palate. This exceptional oolong from China embodies the essence of craftsmanship and tradition.
To unlock the tea’s full splendor, enthusiasts are advised to pour 95°C (203 F) water over 2.5g (0.09 oz) of tea leaves per cup. Then, allow to steep for a generous five to seven minutes. After infusion, carefully remove the leaves to appreciate the tea’s captivating essence.
11. 1983 “Square 2” 7581 Ripe Pu-erh Tea Brick
Cost: $3,530/pound
In the mid-1970s, a significant breakthrough occurred in the world of Pu-erh Tea with the invention of the Wo Dui process. This innovative technique allowed post-fermenting Pu-erh Tea to accelerate the aging process. As a result, the tea became mellower and more accessible for consumption. This was a crucial milestone in the ripening of the raw material.
This Pu-erh tea brick has a smooth and rich-bodied profile, accompanied by distinct ginseng and herbal medicine flavors that are characteristic of well-aged Pu-erh tea. It has a deep, dark color and a complex aroma that is both earthy and sweet.
The 1983 “Square 2” 7581 Ripe Pu-erh Tea Brick is considered a rare and valuable tea, and is highly sought after by tea enthusiasts. Its limited availability and unique flavor profile make it a prized addition to any collection of Pu-erh tea.
12. Yellow Tea Buds
Cost: $2,430/pound
Yellow tea gets its name from the liquor-like hue it exhibits. It has a delightful combination of sweetness, citrusy, and nuttiness, giving a soft fruity and floral aroma. It’s considered the rarest category of tea worldwide, and often regarded as a mellower and smoother version of green tea.
The production process includes a micro-fermentation stage, where tea producers partially ferment the tea before drying it and halting the enzymes. This method yields a special kind of tea similar to green, though more subdued in flavor.
Among the top-tier yellow teas, the Yellow Tea Buds are particularly scarce. Reserved only for Chinese emperors, these precious golden tea buds produce a translucent infusion that emanates a delicate sweet aroma. The infused leaves can also be consumed, leaving a pleasant floral aftertaste.
For maximum enjoyment, steep 2.5g (0.09 oz) of tea leaves per cup in 75°C water for three to four minutes. When done, remove the leaves, and savor the experience.
Some closing thoughts
The world’s most expensive teas are highly coveted due to their limited supply and exceptional quality. They offer intricate flavors, remarkable health benefits, and hold a certain cultural significance. Each sip provides an unparalleled sensory experience, transporting tea enthusiasts to a realm of indulgence and refinement.
These teas exemplify the pinnacle of tea excellence and embody the artistry and dedication of tea masters. Enjoyed as a personal luxury or presented as a prestigious gift, they elevate tea-drinking to an extraordinary level of sophistication and elegance.
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