The 2014 ChenShengHao "Yin Ban Zhang" (Silver Banzhang) Cake 357g Puerh Raw Tea Sheng Cha is a distinguished product crafted from high-quality tea leaves sourced from the Pan Ban Zhang tea region. This region encompasses the Lao Ban Zhang village and four nearby villages: Xin Ban Zhang, Lao Man Er, Ban Pen, and Ba Ka Nan, with occasional inclusions from other nearby areas. Here are the notable features and details of this tea:
Key Features:
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Source and Quality:
- The tea uses selected high-quality materials from big trees in the Pan Ban Zhang region.
- The leaves are carefully chosen and processed to ensure premium quality.
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Blend Recipe:
- The "Silver Ban Zhang" series follows a refined blend recipe that combines tea from the Pan Ban Zhang region with tea from Lao Ban Zhang.
- This blending technique ensures a tea with characteristics similar to the Lao Ban Zhang series.
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Taste Profile:
- Bitterness and Astringency: The tea exhibits light bitterness and astringency, making it a smooth and pleasant drink.
- Complexity and Richness: It offers a complex flavor profile with a rich taste.
- Aroma: The tea has a honey-like floral fragrance that is well-integrated into the tea liquor.
- Huigan and Saliva Production: Good huigan (returning sweetness) and saliva production enhance the overall drinking experience.
- Aftertaste: The lingering aftertaste brings enjoyment and a soothing tea flavor.
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Appearance and Liquor:
- The tea threads are tight, neat, and visually appealing with multiple tea hairs.
- The tea liquor is clear and bright, indicative of high-quality processing.
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Storage:
- The tea is stored naturally in Guangzhou, which supports its aging process and maintains its quality.
Additional Information on Lao Ban Zhang Series:
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History and Quality Control:
- The "Lao Ban Zhang" series started in 2008 and has been produced annually with variations in cake, brick, and weight.
- CSH ensures quality by purchasing fresh tea leaves directly from farmers and processing them in their own factory.
- The cakes are characterized by their round and thick appearance, with strong and tight tea threads and multiple tea hairs.
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Taste and Aroma:
- Fresh tea has a floral and fruity aroma.
- The liquor color is clear and bright, and the tea water is thick and oily.
- The natural tea flavor is refreshing with medium to low levels of bitterness and astringency.
- Real Lao Ban Zhang tea from big or old trees tends to be sweeter, similar to sugar cane mixed with honey, rather than bitter and astringent.
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Market and Pricing:
- CSH signed a 30-year contract with Lao Ban Zhang village in 2008 to secure fresh tea leaves each year, with price adjustments every five years.
- The first "Lao Ban Zhang" sheng cake was sold at around 200 Yuan (CNY) in 2008, and prices have risen significantly since then.
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Cha Qi:
- High-quality Lao Ban Zhang tea is known for its strong Cha Qi (inner body feeling), which can be intense and rewarding.
Conclusion:
The 2014 ChenShengHao "Yin Ban Zhang" Cake is an excellent choice for those seeking a premium Puerh tea with a balanced and complex flavor profile. Its quality, aroma, and potential for aging make it a valuable addition to any tea collection, offering a refined drinking experience with every brew.