The 2006 ChangTai "Tian Xia Tong An - Jiang Cheng" Puerh Sheng Cha, also known as the Hong Kong Tongan Horse Cake, is a 400g raw tea masterpiece from the esteemed Changtai Tea Factory. This tea is a bespoke creation, commissioned by the renowned Hong Kong TongAn Tea Room, embodying a rare fusion of tradition and exclusivity.
Originating from the lush Jiang Cheng tea region, this tea shares the hallmark characteristics of the famed Yi Wu teas. The leaves, wild and naturally grown, are descendants of Yi Wu's ancient tea trees, bestowing upon this tea a lineage of refined quality.
Having aged gracefully since 2006, this Puerh Sheng Cha has reached an optimal stage for consumption, offering a complexity and depth that only time can bestow.
Introduction of 2006 ChangTai "Tian Xia Tong An - Long - Bu Lang" (HK Tongan - Dragon - Bu Lang Tea Region) 400g Puerh Sheng Cha Raw Tea
As part of an exclusive series, this tea stands alongside four other distinguished varieties: the Dragon (Long), Phoenix (Feng), Kirin (Qi Lin), and Lion (Shi). Each variety in this series is a testament to the artistry and expertise of Changtai Tea Factory, and a detailed introduction to each will be available, underscoring the commitment to providing authentic and comprehensive tea knowledge to enthusiasts.
Tea Profile
At a glance: 2006 · Sheng (raw) puerh · 400g cake · ChangTai Tea Factory
The region's unique terroir imparts a signature softness, a gentle fragrance, and notably low levels of bitterness and astringency, making each sip a harmonious experience.
Upon brewing, this tea reveals a clear and bright liquor, indicative of its purity and quality. The palate is greeted with a soft yet resilient taste, unfolding into a sweet and refreshing flavor profile. Each sip offers a smooth and mellow journey, accompanied by the delightful hui gan - a returning sweetness that lingers and entices the taste buds, while promoting a pleasant salivation. Notably, the tea possesses minimal bitterness and astringency, a testament to its delicate processing and mature age.
Its ability to be steeped multiple times is a tribute to its enduring charm, with each infusion revealing new facets of its complex flavors and aromas.
Best for: In summary, the 2006 ChangTai "Tian Xia Tong An - Jiang Cheng" Puerh Sheng Cha is not just a tea, but a journey through history, culture, and flavor, perfect for the discerning tea connoisseur seeking an extraordinary tea experience.
Brewing Guide
Water: rolling boil, 100°C (212°F).
- Rinse teaware with hot water; use roughly 5g of tea for each 100ml of vessel.
- Give the leaves one quick rinse, then cover and rest about 10 minutes to wake them up.
- Begin with 10–15 second steeps, lengthening each by about 5 seconds.
- Decant fully into a sharing pitcher each time.
- Enjoy — good sheng keeps giving for many infusions.
Use this as a starting point, not a fixed formula. Play with pour height and speed, and notice how the tea answers in different weather and seasons. Learning to brew one tea well anywhere, anytime is the real craft.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place with gentle airflow, out of direct light and away from strong smells such as cooking spices or smoke. If you plan to age it for years, breathable paper or clay storage suits puerh better than airtight plastic.
Stored under Guangzhou's natural conditions, this tea has been carefully preserved, ensuring that its quality and essence are maintained at their peak.
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.
