‘Lao Chen De Cha,’ translating to ‘Mr. Chen’s Tea,’ is an esteemed series launched in 2005, embodying the tea-making philosophy of Mr.
Tea Profile
At a glance: 2005 · Sheng (raw) puerh · 250g tuo · ChangTai Tea Factory
Chen Shi-huai, the chairman of the Changtai Group.Sourced from the ancient arbor trees of Bu Lang Mountain in Meng Hai County, this tea showcases the premium quality of its origins.Expertly aged, it is pressed into a compact form, demonstrating both craftsmanship and tradition.The tea liquor is notable for its clarity, radiant brightness, and a hint of redness, reflecting its refined processing.A delicate honey-like fragrance is seamlessly intertwined with a subtle smoky undertone, creating a sophisticated aroma.Upon tasting, it delivers a refreshing and pleasant sensation in the mouth, a testament to its superior quality.The initial bitterness quickly gives way to a delightful hui gan, a characteristic returning sweetness, making each sip a complex experience.Uniquely packaged, the tea comes in stacks wrapped in bamboo leaves, with three ‘tuo’ (nest-shaped tea) per stack, and each individual ‘tuo’ is presented without a wrapper, highlighting its authenticity and natural appeal.
Best for: improving your tea experience. Brew it attentively and follow how it changes; a natural step up for a novice who wants to go further.
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.
Guangzhou Natural Storage.
A Note on Appearance
Not every tuo 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.
