Characteristics:
- Type: Sheng Puerh (Raw Puerh)
- Manufacturer: XiaGuan Tea Factory
- Name: T8613 (Iron Cake 8613)
- Form: Iron Cake
- Weight: 357 grams
Flavor Profile:
- Appearance: High ratio of young buds and tiny leaves, giving it a refreshing and rich tea flavor.
- Tea Liquor: Clear with brightness.
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Taste:
- Smoothness: Smooth and thick taste.
- Balance: Sweet and well-balanced with minor levels of bitterness and astringency.
- Mouthfeel: Round and lingering, providing a satisfying experience.
Experience:
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Unique Qualities:
- The hard pressing of the Iron Cake version slows the aging process, preserving the original tea fragrance over a longer period.
- Despite its hardness, the tea retains a refreshing taste and rich flavor profile due to the high-quality materials used.
- Aging: The hard cake ensures slower aging, which is beneficial for long-term storage and flavor development.
Storage:
- Guangzhou Natural Storage: This storage method maintains optimal conditions for aging, ensuring the tea develops its flavors and characteristics well over time.
Variation:
- Series: The "8613" series includes the general version and the T8613 (Iron Cake) version. The general version is less hard than the Iron Cake and has shown a trend towards more looseness in recent years.
Recommendation:
The 2011 XiaGuan "T8613" Iron Cake is ideal for those who appreciate a well-aged, high-quality Sheng Puerh tea. Its unique hard pressing and high ratio of young buds and tiny leaves make it a standout choice for tea connoisseurs looking for a smooth, thick, and well-balanced tea with a lingering mouthfeel. Perfect for long-term aging, this tea is a valuable addition to any Puerh collection.