Introduction: The "Lao Ban Zhang" series by ChenShengHao (CSH) has been a consistent offering since its inception in 2008, showcasing variations in cake style, brick, and weight over the years. Renowned for its exceptional quality and unique flavor profile, Lao Ban Zhang tea is highly sought after by tea enthusiasts worldwide.
Main Characteristics:
- Type: Puerh Raw Tea (Sheng Cha)
- Weight: 357g
Production and Materials:
- Tea Leaves: Selected high-quality tea leaves are sourced from big trees growing in the Lao Ban Zhang village. CSH ensures quality by directly purchasing fresh tea leaves from farmers and processing them in their own factory.
- Appearance: The cake is round and thick, boasting a pleasing color and neat appearance.
- Tea Threads: Despite relative looseness, the tea threads are strong, tight, and adorned with multi-tea hairs.
Flavor and Aroma:
- Aroma: Freshly brewed Lao Ban Zhang tea emits a delightful floral and fruity aroma, enticing the senses.
- Taste: The tea offers a refreshing taste with a natural flavor profile and a medium to low level of bitterness and astringency, contrary to common misconceptions.
- Texture: Thick and oilish tea water contributes to a smooth mouthfeel, enhancing the overall drinking experience.
- Aftertaste: The tea leaves a fast-coming returning sweetness and induces abundant saliva production, accompanied by a lingering mouthfeel.
- Cha Qi: Good Cha Qi further enriches the drinking experience, adding depth and complexity to the tea's character.
Storage:
- Natural Storage: The tea is stored naturally in Guangzhou, allowing it to undergo proper aging and flavor enhancement.
Historical Context:
- In 2008, following the "Puerh Tea Market Bubble Burst" of 2007, CSH, as a newly established brand, secured a 30-year contract with Lao Ban Zhang village for the purchase of fresh tea leaves annually. This collaborative effort involved CSH, the decided tea plantation, and local farmers.
- Despite the initial price of the Lao Ban Zhang sheng cake being approximately 200 Yuan (CNY), the value of Lao Ban Zhang Puerh tea has soared over the years due to its limited availability and high demand.
- CSH emphasizes the use of tea leaves from big trees aged between 100 to 300 years in their Lao Ban Zhang cakes, ensuring a distinct flavor profile and quality standard.
Conclusion: The 2017 ChenShengHao "Lao Ban Zhang" Cake embodies the essence of this esteemed series, offering tea enthusiasts a memorable and authentic Puerh tea experience. With its exceptional flavor, aroma, and texture, Lao Ban Zhang tea continues to captivate tea connoisseurs worldwide, cementing its status as a pinnacle of Puerh tea craftsmanship.