Old Liu Bao is worth buying when you specifically value its mature flavor, proven storage history, and immediate drinkability; for most beginners and value-conscious drinkers, however, a well-made young or moderately aged Liu Bao can offer better value and a lower-risk way to explore the category.
You cannot reliably prove the age of Liu Bao from leaf color or taste alone; the most trustworthy assessment combines packaging, production information, provenance, storage history, physical condition, sensory characteristics, and seller transparency.
