Description:
- Tea Type: Sheng Cha (Raw Puerh)
- Weight: 357g cake
- Special Feature: Thick Wrapper with printed traditional Chinese Characters, denoting the 1st batch of T8653 in 2005, believed to be the best batch of the year.
- Blend Recipe: Utilizes 5th grade tea materials according to a blend recipe initiated in 1986 by XiaGuan Tea Factory, a member of the CNNP group.
- Variations: Includes "T 8653," pressed into an iron-like hard cake.
Taste Profile:
- Appearance: Tight and neat tea threads with an impressive appearance.
- Tea Liquor: Produces a clear tea liquor with brightness, indicating its quality.
- Aroma: Offers a slight smoky flavor mixed with the original fragrance of the tea.
- Sweetness and Balance: Exhibits sweetness alongside medium levels of bitterness and astringency, ensuring a well-balanced cup.
- Refreshing Flavor: Delivers a refreshing tea flavor with strength, gradually revealing its complexity.
- Texture: Boasts a thick and mellow taste, enhancing the overall drinking experience.
- T Version: The hard cake ages slower but effectively preserves the unique fragrance of the new tea.
- FT Version: Offers a softer flavor compared to the general version, prioritizing smoothness over strength.
Storage:
- Location: Guangzhou
- Storage Method: Natural storage
- Benefits: The Guangzhou natural storage environment facilitates the aging process while maintaining the tea's original fragrance and flavor.
Background:
- Origin of "8653": Originally produced in 1985 for a buyer in Japan, the order was later cancelled, leading to domestic sales. Officially named "8653" in 1988, it became a benchmark sheng puerh in the market.
Recommendation:
- For Learning and Daily Enjoyment: The 2005 XiaGuan "T8653" Thick Wrapper Iron Cake is highly recommended for those looking to explore and learn about Puerh tea. Its well-balanced taste profile and versatile variations make it suitable for daily enjoyment and a valuable addition to any tea collection.