This tea uses old-tree (gu shu) leaf from Ban Zhang in the Bu Lang range. The area has a reputation for bold body and deep energy, with bitterness that turns fast into sweetness. The "Ban Zhang" uses old-tree (gu shu) leaf, which usually gives more body and a longer finish than plantation leaf. After years of natural storage in Guangzhou, sheng like this may show a deeper, more mellow side, though results depend on how it was kept. From LiMing — a 2004 sheng (raw) puerh cake in the Ban Zhang - Gu Qiao Mu line.
Tea Profile
At a glance: 2004 · Sheng (raw) puerh · 357g cake · LiMing Tea Factory
- Compression & dry leaf: This is a 357g cake with a firm, tight compression. The dry leaf shows neat, tight threads and visible buds.
- Liquor: Expect a golden to deep-amber cup.
- Taste: From the first steep the taste is mellow. The middle infusions are sweet and balanced. Each round shows a slightly different side of it.
- Mouthfeel & body: The body comes across as thick and mellow. It also has cha qi, the body sensation many drinkers look for.
- Aftertaste: Look for a strong hui gan and easy salivation after each cup.
- Best for: improving your tea experience. Take your time with it — a good choice once you are no longer a first-time puerh drinker.
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.
