The old-tree (gu shu) leaf comes from Lao Ban Zhang in the Bu Lang range, which is known for a powerful, bitter-forward character that resolves fast into deep, long-lasting sweetness. Old-tree (gu shu) leaf is what sets the "Qing Quan Yi Pian" apart: it typically brews thicker and lasts longer than plantation leaf. A few years of natural storage in Guangzhou may have taken off some of its early sharpness. From XiaGuan — a 2017 sheng (raw) puerh cake in the Qing Quan Yi Pian - Ban Zhang Gu Shu line.
Tea Profile
At a glance: 2017 · Sheng (raw) puerh · 357g cake · XiaGuan Tea Factory
- Compression & dry leaf: It is pressed into a 357g cake. The leaf itself shows well-formed threads.
- Liquor: The liquor is typically golden to amber at this stage.
- Taste: From the first steep the taste is mellow and fresh. The middle infusions are sweet.
- Mouthfeel & body: Expect a thick and mellow mouthfeel.
- Aftertaste: Look for a strong hui gan and salivation (sheng jin) after each cup.
- Best for: improving your tea experience — worth reaching for once you have moved past being a beginner.
Brewing Guide
Water: rolling boil, 100°C (212°F).
- Rinse teaware with hot water; use roughly 5g of tea for each 100ml of vessel.
- Give the leaves one quick rinse, then cover and rest about 10 minutes to wake them up.
- Begin with 10–15 second steeps, lengthening each by about 5 seconds.
- Decant fully into a sharing pitcher each time.
- Enjoy — good sheng keeps giving for many infusions.
Use this as a starting point, not a fixed formula. Play with pour height and speed, and notice how the tea answers in different weather and seasons. Learning to brew one tea well anywhere, anytime is the real craft.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place with gentle airflow, out of direct light and away from strong smells such as cooking spices or smoke. If you plan to age it for years, breathable paper or clay storage suits puerh better than airtight plastic.
A Note on Appearance
Not every cake shows these, but they can occur, especially in teas with more years of storage.
- Small dark specks: tiny dark specks may appear on the wrapper or tea edges of naturally stored puerh. They are harmless and can be brushed off before brewing.
- Tea oil spots: yellowish spots may appear and can come from natural tea oils. They are not a flaw.
- Torn wrapper: small tears or holes in the cotton paper may happen during storage and handling. The tea inside is unaffected.
