The 2014 ChenShengHao "Jin Ban Zhang" (Golden Banzhang) Brick and the "Lao Ban Zhang" series have distinctive characteristics that contribute to their esteemed reputation within the world of Puerh tea.
2014 ChenShengHao "Jin Ban Zhang" (Golden Banzhang) Brick:
- Tea Material: Selected high-quality tea leaves sourced from big trees in the Pan Ban Zhang tea region, encompassing villages such as Lao Ban Zhang, Xin Ban Zhang, Lao Man Er, Ban Pen, and Ba Ka Nan, among others.
- Blend Recipe: Crafted according to a refined blend recipe that combines tea from the Pan Ban Zhang region with that of Lao Ban Zhang (LBZ), ensuring a unique flavor profile.
- Strength and Flavor: Exhibits a strength similar to the renowned Lao Ban Zhang series, with a balanced combination of light bitterness and astringency, complemented by complexity and richness.
- Aroma and Taste: Delivers a floral and honey-like fragrance that permeates the tea liquor, resulting in a refreshing taste with a sweet undertone.
- Aftertaste and Mouthfeel: Leaves a lingering aftertaste that brings enjoyment and a soothing tea flavor, accompanied by good Huigan (returning sweetness) and saliva production.
- Storage: Naturally stored in Guangzhou, facilitating optimal aging conditions.
"Lao Ban Zhang" Series:
- Tea Material: Selected high-quality tea leaves harvested from big trees in the Lao Ban Zhang village, processed in CSH's own factory to ensure quality.
- Appearance and Texture: The whole cake exhibits relative looseness, with strong and tight tea threads adorned with multi-tea hairs, presenting a visually appealing and neat appearance.
- Aroma and Taste: Boasts a fresh new tea aroma with floral and fruity notes, accompanied by a clear tea liquor color and a thick, oilish texture that imparts smoothness.
- Bitterness and Astringency: Although some might expect Lao Ban Zhang tea to be strong in bitterness and astringency, the actual taste tends to be sweeter, akin to sugar cane mixed with honey, particularly when sourced from old or big tree leaves.
- Aftertaste and Mouthfeel: Offers fast-coming returning sweetness, significant saliva production, and a pleasant Cha Qi (inner body feeling) with a lingering mouthfeel.
- Historical Context: Originating in 2008, the Lao Ban Zhang series has been consistently produced each year, signifying a longstanding commitment to quality and tradition. The initial collaboration between CSH and Lao Ban Zhang village marked the beginning of a 30-year contract, ensuring a steady supply of fresh tea leaves for production.
Both the "Jin Ban Zhang" Brick and the "Lao Ban Zhang" series exemplify ChenShengHao's dedication to sourcing high-quality tea materials and adhering to refined processing techniques, resulting in teas of exceptional quality and flavor that are cherished by tea enthusiasts worldwide.