The "Shen Shan Lao Shu" uses old-tree (gu shu) leaf, which usually gives more body and a longer finish than plantation leaf. As a young sheng, it is likely to drink lively and direct for now. This 500g cake is LaoTongZhi's "Shen Shan Lao Shu" (High Mountain Old Tree), a sheng (raw) puerh from 2021.
Tea Profile
At a glance: 2021 · Sheng (raw) puerh · 500g cake · LaoTongZhi Tea Factory
- Compression & dry leaf: The leaf is compressed into a 500g cake. The leaf itself shows well-formed threads and visible buds.
- Liquor: In the cup it is golden yellow, as is usual for young sheng.
- Taste: It opens fresh from the first steep. Once the leaf opens up, expect notes of plum in a sweet cup.
- Mouthfeel & body: On the palate it is smooth.
- Aftertaste: Look for a strong hui gan after each cup.
- Best for: everyday drinking, and easy for beginners to brew.
Brewing Guide
Water: 100°C (212°F), fully boiling.
- Preheat the vessel; add around 5g per 100ml.
- One rinse to open the leaves, then a covered rest of about 10 minutes.
- Steep 10–15 seconds at first, adding ~5 seconds per round.
- Always pour out completely into a fairness cup before drinking.
- Keep steeping — sheng rewards patience with many rounds.
These are guidelines to start from, not rules to obey. Experiment with your pour, your pace, and the season; the same leaf tastes different on a rainy day. The goal is the skill to brew it well whenever, wherever.
Storage
Give it air, coolness and dryness; keep it out of the sun and clear of potent odors (spices, smoke). For multi-year aging, paper or unglazed clay lets the tea breathe in a way sealed plastic never will.
A Note on Appearance
Not every cake shows these, but they can occur, especially in teas with more years of storage.
- Bamboo powder (zhu fen): a natural sign of traditional bamboo-husk packing. In Guangdong's warm, humid climate, tiny bamboo insects can make their home in the husk, nibbling the husk and cotton paper wrapper while leaving the tea itself untouched. What they leave behind is a fine powder, seen only on certain teas and more often on aged ones. It is harmless to hygiene; a few strokes with a clean toothbrush or soft brush before brewing is all it takes.
- Tea oil spots: yellowish spots may appear and can come from natural tea oils. They are not a flaw.
- Torn wrapper: small tears or holes in the cotton paper may happen during storage and handling. The tea inside is unaffected.
