Old-tree (gu shu) leaf is what sets the "Lao Shu Sheng Tai" apart: it typically brews thicker and lasts longer than plantation leaf. At this age, sheng is often starting to soften, though storage plays a part. XiaGuan's 2011 "Lao Shu Sheng Tai" (Old Tree Organic Tuo) comes as a 100g tuo of sheng (raw) puerh.
Tea Profile
At a glance: 2011 · Sheng (raw) puerh · 100g tuo · XiaGuan Tea Factory
- Compression & dry leaf: The tea comes as a 100g tuo, tightly pressed. The dry leaf shows neat, tight threads.
- Liquor: In the cup it is clear and bright, typically golden to amber at this stage.
- Taste: It opens fresh, with only a light bitterness and slight astringency. As it opens up, the taste turns rich and balanced.
- Mouthfeel & body: In the mouth it is light-footed and clean rather than heavy.
- Aftertaste: The aftertaste brings a returning sweetness (hui gan), plenty of salivation and a long finish.
- Best for: everyday drinking in relaxed daily sessions, and a good pick for first-time puerh drinkers.
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 tuo shows these, but they can occur, especially in teas with more years of storage.
- Small dark specks: tiny dark specks may appear on the wrapper or tea edges of naturally stored puerh. They are harmless and can be brushed off before brewing.
- 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.
