Description:
- Tea Type: Sheng Cha (Raw Puerh)
- Weight: 357g per cake
- Appearance: The tea threads are tightly packed, showcasing a neat and tidy appearance.
- Liquor: The tea liquor is clear and bright, indicating its quality and freshness.
- Flavor: It offers a delicate balance of flavors, with a slight smoky undertone complementing the original fragrance of the tea leaves.
- Sweetness: The tea boasts a natural sweetness, which harmonizes with its medium level of bitterness and astringency.
- Mouthfeel: With a refreshing and robust flavor profile, the tea delivers a satisfyingly thick mouthfeel with a mellowness that lingers on the palate.
- Aging Potential: The T version of this tea, characterized by its hard cake, ages slowly while preserving the unique fragrance of new tea. This suggests excellent aging potential for those looking to cellar the tea for future enjoyment.
- Variations: The 8653 series has several variations, including general, T, FT, and FTT, catering to different preferences and tastes.
Storage:
- Location: Guangzhou
- Storage Method: Natural storage
- Benefits: The tea has been stored naturally in Guangzhou, providing optimal conditions for gradual fermentation and maturation. This storage method enhances the tea's flavor complexity and smooth texture over time.
Background:
- Origins: The 8653 series was initially produced in 1985 as per an order from a buyer in Japan. Despite the cancellation of the order, the tea was sold domestically by CNNP. It was officially named 8653 in 1988, with Xia Guan Tea Factory being the third production factory in the CNNP group.
- Variations: The series includes variations such as general 8653, T 8653 (iron cake), FT 8653 (specially ordered for Taiwan), and FTT 8653 (ordered by FT tea company).
Recommendation:
- For Tea Enthusiasts: The 2015 XiaGuan "T8653" Iron Cake is recommended for tea enthusiasts looking to explore the nuances of raw Puerh tea. Its balanced flavor profile, aging potential, and various variations make it an excellent choice for both immediate enjoyment and long-term aging.