"431301" (Green Mark) is a distinguished tea that demonstrates the finesse of aging and the quality of its source materials. This tea, aged under Guangzhou's natural storage conditions, has developed a character that is both rich and nuanced.
The cake itself boasts a thick body with a visually appealing appearance and tightness, though the edges exhibit some looseness, a common characteristic in well-aged cakes. This aspect does not detract from the tea's quality but rather indicates its maturity.
One of the standout features of this tea is the high ratio of fat tea buds covered in golden hairs, a sign of high-grade tea material. These buds contribute to the tea's complex flavor profile and are indicative of the careful selection process during harvesting.
While the inner side of the cake reveals some stems and rougher leaves, the overall grade of the tea material is considered to be higher than that of the 7542 series or at least on par with it. This speaks to the tea's premium quality and the meticulousness in its composition.
The tea has been well-aged as a whole cake, acquiring a distinct smell characteristic of teas stored in Guangzhou for many years. However, this aroma has almost no effect on the taste and quality of the tea soup, which remains unaltered and rich.
Upon brewing, the tea produces a clear liquor with a golden hue reminiscent of soup. The tea is full-bodied with a round and thick texture, providing a sticky mouthfeel that is both satisfying and indicative of its aged quality.
One of the most delightful characteristics of this tea is its honey-like fragrance and taste, which quickly envelops the entire mouth and reaches deep into the throat. This sweet, enveloping quality is a testament to the tea's maturity and depth.
Although bitterness is present, it is considerably mild and well-balanced with the tea's other flavors. The astringency is noticeable but recedes gracefully, adding to the tea's complexity without overpowering it.
The tea's ability to produce saliva is remarkable, creating wave-like sensations that further enhance the drinking experience. This characteristic, combined with a slight smoky flavor that is well integrated into the tea soup, makes each sip both rich and refreshing.
In summary, the 2001 LiMing "431301" (Green Mark) Cake is a splendid example of aged Puerh Raw Tea Sheng Cha. Its well-crafted cake body, high-grade tea material, honey-like flavor, mild bitterness, and excellent saliva production, all enhanced by the natural storage conditions of Guangzhou, make it a distinguished choice for tea connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike.