Its old-tree (gu shu) leaf was grown in Lin Cang, a region associated with a thick, sweet and full character, with a bold body and strong energy. Old-tree (gu shu) leaf is what sets the "Dong Guo" apart: it typically brews thicker and lasts longer than plantation leaf. Still young, Lin Cang sheng like this usually shows its character plainly. Xiaguan's 2020 "Dong Guo - Lao Shu Yuan Cha" (Dongguo - Old Tree Round Cake) comes as a 357g cake of sheng (raw) puerh.
Tea Profile
At a glance: 2020 · Sheng (raw) puerh · 357g cake · XiaGuan Tea Factory
- Compression & dry leaf: The tea comes as a 357g cake. The dry leaf shows well-formed threads and visible buds.
- Liquor: The liquor is golden, clear and bright.
- Taste: The first steeps are mellow, with a strong bitterness. Once the leaf opens up, expect notes of sugarcane in a sweet and rich cup. Its layers unfold gradually over the session.
- Mouthfeel & body: On the palate it is thick and mellow.
- Aftertaste: Swallow and you notice a quick, clear hui gan and a long finish.
- Best for: improving your tea experience. Take your time with it — a good choice once you are no longer a drinker new to puerh.
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.
- 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.
