In 2004, XiaGuan Tea Factory produced a batch of unique tea cakes post-restructuring. These tea cakes are notable for several reasons:
• Trademark: For the first time, the company’s own Pine and Crane trademark was used.
• Packaging: The packaging features traditional Chinese characters and does not include the usual batch number, though it is generally believed to be the 8653 recipe.
• Compression: Despite being a typical cake, it is pressed very tightly.
Tasting Notes:
• Initial Infusions:
• Aroma and Flavor: The initial infusions reveal a plum-like aroma with fruitiness. The tea liquor is thick, with prominent bitterness that quickly dissolves, leaving a slight astringency. It has a good salivating effect and returning sweetness, accompanied by a deep throat sensation and a slight acidity.
• Texture and Sensation: The tea is full-bodied with a smooth mouthfeel, and the overall sweetness in the mouth is excellent.
• Middle Infusions:
• Aroma and Flavor: The bitterness remains but dissolves quickly, with a slight astringency. The aroma integrates smoothly into the water with a very light acidity. The flavor deepens, providing a rich, lingering taste.
• Texture and Sensation: The tea continues to be full-bodied with a sweet aftertaste. The throat feel is long-lasting, with persistent salivation.
• Final Infusions:
• Aroma and Flavor: The tea becomes sweeter with reduced bitterness. The sweetness is long-lasting, with a smooth and enduring throat sensation.
• Texture and Sensation: The liquor remains full-bodied and smooth, with a clearer sweetness, reminiscent of both sugary and honeyed notes. Even after multiple infusions, the tea retains its depth and flavor, indicating its high durability.
Liquor Color:
• The tea liquor transitions from a clear orange-yellow with a hint of red to a bright golden-yellow, showcasing its clarity and brightness.
Leaf Quality:
• The blend consists of medium and small leaves, predominantly small leaves, with lively stems indicating good potential for aging. The leaves are tightly pressed but open up gradually, revealing their quality and resilience through multiple infusions.
Overall Impression:
• The most notable characteristic of this tea is its deep and lasting throat sensation, with a consistent fruity aroma and a subtle acidity throughout the session. This tea promises a rich and enduring experience, making it a delightful choice for seasoned tea enthusiasts.