The 2018 XiaGuan "Lan Yin" (Blue Mark) is a prestigious raw Puerh tea (Sheng Cha) that pays homage to the famous historical product, "Lan Yin." This tea cake is meticulously crafted from a blend of high-quality gushu (old tree) tea materials sourced from several renowned tea regions.
Key Features:
Origination and Composition:
- Primary Tea Regions: The tea materials are a blend from Bulang, Jing Mai, and Bing Dao, known for their rich and distinct flavors.
- Sub Materials: Additional tea materials from Xigui and Yiwu were stored for 2 years before being used in the 2018 blend.
Appearance:
- Tea Cake Surface: The cake has a dark surface, indicative of the high-quality gushu tea materials used.
- Silver Buds: A high ratio of silver buds is a notable characteristic, adding to the tea's visual appeal and quality.
Aroma and Flavor Profile:
- Aroma: The tea has a minor smoky flavor coupled with a pleasant floral aroma, primarily from the gushu tea leaves. The thick aroma is typical of gushu tea cakes.
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Taste:
- Tea Liquor: The liquid is thick and viscous, providing a rich mouthfeel.
- Bitterness and Sweetness: The bitterness is almost non-existent or dissipates quickly, giving way to a long-lasting sweetness that envelops the entire mouth. This sweetness is a hallmark of the Bingdao tea material.
- Complexity: The tea is very rich, round, and soft, with quick saliva production that lingers, enhancing the overall drinking experience.
- Chaqi: The tea has a strong chaqi (tea energy), contributing to a satisfying and invigorating experience.
- Balance: Bulang and Jingmai tea materials act as the backbone, supporting the roundness and strength of the tea.
Storage:
- Location: Naturally stored in Guangzhou, providing ideal conditions for preserving and enhancing the tea's quality over time.
Summary:
The 2018 XiaGuan "Lan Yin" (Blue Mark) is an exceptional Sheng Cha that combines the best qualities of its diverse tea materials. Its dark surface, high silver bud content, and complex flavor profile make it a standout tea. The blend of Bulang, Jing Mai, and Bing Dao materials ensures a balanced tea with minimal bitterness, a prominent and lasting sweetness, and a strong chaqi. This tea is highly recommended for tea lovers who prefer a rich, smooth, and less astringent Puerh experience.
The "Lan Yin" cake is a testament to XiaGuan's dedication to preserving traditional tea-making methods while creating a product that appeals to modern tea connoisseurs. Its historical significance, coupled with its refined taste, makes it a valuable addition to any tea collection.