Video: Unwrapping and Breaking Down
"0432" is a finely crafted tea that embodies the rich traditions and innovative spirit of tea blending. Initiated in 2004, this tea is based on an updated blend recipe of the 7540 series, positioning it alongside esteemed counterparts like the 7542 from Dayi (Meng Hai Tea Factory) and the 8653 from Xiaguan.
This blend uses select tea materials sourced from the Meng Hai tea region, an area renowned for producing teas of exceptional quality. The leaves are pressed using a stone mill, a traditional method that gently shapes the tea without compromising the integrity of the leaves. This process contributes to the tea's tight and clear threads, a hallmark of careful craftsmanship.
In terms of body, the tea is rich and thick, indicative of the high-quality leaves used in its production.
Tea Profile
At a glance: 2004 · Sheng (raw) puerh · 357g cake · LiMing Tea Factory · 1st batch
Upon brewing, the tea reveals a smoky flavor intertwined with mellowness. This combination adds depth and complexity to the tea, making each sip a nuanced experience. The smoky notes do not overpower but rather complement the tea's natural softness, creating a balanced and engaging flavor profile.
The taste of the tea is characterized by its softness and smoothness, qualities that make it a pleasure to drink. The smooth texture is accompanied by a refreshing sweetness, adding a light, uplifting quality to the overall experience.
The varied tastes it offers unfold gradually, revealing different facets with each brewing and making every cup a new discovery.
One of the most remarkable features of this tea is its pronounced hui gan, or returning sweetness. This pleasant aftertaste lingers long after the tea has been consumed, accompanied by a notable production of saliva, enhancing the tasting experience and leaving a lingering, pleasant sensation in the mouth.
The natural storage conditions have facilitated a harmonious development of flavors and aromas, enhancing the tea's inherent qualities and making it a true embodiment of the art of tea aging.
In summary, the 2004 LiMing "0432" 1st Batch Cake is a testament to the art of tea blending, offering a rich and varied taste experience that is both complex and deeply satisfying. Its smoky flavor, soft and smooth taste, refreshing sweetness, and significant hui gan make it an ideal choice for those looking to elevate their tea experience and explore the rich tapestry of flavors offered by the Meng Hai region.
Best for: improving your tea experience. Brew it attentively and follow how it changes; a natural step up for a first-time puerh drinker who wants to go further.
Brewing Guide
Water: 100°C (212°F), fully boiling.
- Preheat the vessel; add around 5g per 100ml.
- One rinse to open the leaves, then a covered rest of about 10 minutes.
- Steep 10–15 seconds at first, adding ~5 seconds per round.
- Always pour out completely into a fairness cup before drinking.
- Keep steeping — sheng rewards patience with many rounds.
These are guidelines to start from, not rules to obey. Experiment with your pour, your pace, and the season; the same leaf tastes different on a rainy day. The goal is the skill to brew it well whenever, wherever.
Storage
Give it air, coolness and dryness; keep it out of the sun and clear of potent odors (spices, smoke). For multi-year aging, paper or unglazed clay lets the tea breathe in a way sealed plastic never will.
Aged under the natural storage conditions of Guangzhou, this tea has matured beautifully, developing a rich tapestry of flavors that are sure to enchant both seasoned tea aficionados and newcomers alike.
A Note on Appearance
Not every cake shows these, but they can occur, especially in teas with more years of storage.
- Bamboo powder (zhu fen): a natural sign of traditional bamboo-husk packing. In Guangdong's warm, humid climate, tiny bamboo insects can make their home in the husk, nibbling the husk and cotton paper wrapper while leaving the tea itself untouched. What they leave behind is a fine powder, seen only on certain teas and more often on aged ones. It is harmless to hygiene; a few strokes with a clean toothbrush or soft brush before brewing is all it takes.
- 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.
