The 2015 ChenShengHao "Lao Ban Zhang" Cake is a 357g Puerh Raw Tea (Sheng Cha) sourced from selected high-quality tea leaves from big trees growing in the Lao Ban Zhang village. Here are the key features of this tea:
Series Background:
- "Lao Ban Zhang" Series: Established in 2008, this series has been consistently published annually, showcasing variations in style, cake, brick, and weight.
Tea Quality:
- Selected High-Quality Leaves: The tea is made from carefully selected high-quality tea leaves sourced from big trees in Lao Ban Zhang village, ensuring premium quality.
- Processing: ChenShengHao purchases fresh tea leaves from local farmers and processes them in their own factory to maintain quality control.
Appearance and Aroma:
- Round and Thick Cake: The whole cake is round and thick, exhibiting excellent color and neatness.
- Tea Threads: The tea threads are strong, tight, and neatly arranged with multi-tea hairs, indicating high-quality leaves.
- Aroma: Fresh new tea presents a floral and fruity aroma, enhancing the overall drinking experience.
Flavor Profile:
- Clear Tea Liquor: The tea liquor has a clear color with brightness, reflecting its freshness.
- Thick and Oilish: It offers a thick and oilish tea water with smoothness, providing a satisfying mouthfeel.
- Natural Flavor: The tea has a refreshing taste with strength, showcasing its natural flavor.
- Bitterness and Astringency: These elements are present at a medium to low level, allowing other flavors to shine.
Aftertaste and Mouthfeel:
- Returning Sweetness: Fast returning sweetness and a great amount of saliva production are experienced from the aftertaste.
- Cha Qi: Good Cha Qi and lingering mouth feeling contribute to the overall enjoyment of the tea.
Storage and Background:
- Guangzhou Natural Storage: The tea has been stored naturally in Guangzhou, allowing it to mature and develop its flavors over time.
- Long-Term Contract: ChenShengHao signed a 30-year contract with Lao Ban Zhang village, ensuring a stable supply of fresh tea leaves each year.
Pricing and Authenticity:
- Price History: Initially sold at a relatively low price, the price of Lao Ban Zhang Puerh tea has since skyrocketed due to its high demand and limited tea region.
- Authenticity: ChenShengHao insists on using tea leaves from big trees aged from around 100 years to 300 years, ensuring authenticity and quality.
The 2015 ChenShengHao "Lao Ban Zhang" Cake offers a premium Puerh tea experience with its high-quality leaves, complex flavor profile, and rich history. Its medium to low level of bitterness and astringency allows other flavors to shine, while its returning sweetness and Cha Qi contribute to a satisfying tea-drinking experience.