Overview:
- Year: 2003
- Type: Puerh Sheng Cha (Raw Tea)
- Weight: 100g
- Series: Te Ji (Special Grade)
Description: The 2003 XiaGuan "Te Ji" (Special Grade) Tuo is a distinguished series of Puerh Raw Tea. Initiated in 2003, this tea aims to surpass the quality of the JiaJi Tuo Cha. "Te Ji," meaning "Special Grade," utilizes tea materials of a higher grade compared to those in the JiaJi series. Known in the market as "TeTuo," this series was officially renamed in 2016 to “特沱,” an abbreviation of “TeJiTuoCha.”
Packaging and Design:
- Trademark: Features a "Pine tree and Crane" printed on the wrapper, symbolizing quality and heritage.
- Packaging Options: Available in various styles, including simple wrappers and paper boxes, with weights of 100g and 250g.
Taste Profile:
- Aroma: Opens with a fragrant aroma and a rich mouthfeel, particularly noticeable in the first half of the tea session.
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Flavor:
- Astringency: More astringent than JiaJi Tuo Cha due to higher-grade tea materials.
- Bitterness: Pronounced bitterness and a high level of smokiness, characteristic of its bold profile.
- HuiGan (Returning Sweetness): Occurs swiftly after the initial bitterness, enhancing the drinking experience.
- ShengJin (Saliva Production): Happens quickly, contributing to the tea's refreshing nature.
- Evolution: Since 2011, the series has become less smoky and bitter, making it more appealing to a broader range of consumers, including those new to Puerh tea.
Storage:
- Guangzhou Natural Storage: The tea has been naturally stored in Guangzhou, allowing for gradual and favorable development of its complex flavors and aromas over time.
Background: The "Te Ji" series showcases XiaGuan's commitment to quality and innovation, offering a premium tea experience that appeals to both seasoned connoisseurs and newcomers to Puerh tea.
Grade Comparison:
- "Te Tuo" (特沱): Special grade Tuo Cha made from high-quality tea leaves, rich in tiny buds and young leaves.
- "Jia Tuo" (甲沱): First-grade Tuo Cha known for its higher ratio of young and large leaves.
- "Yi Ji Tuo Cha" (乙级沱茶): Second-grade Tuo Cha characterized by a high ratio of large and strong leaves.
- "Bing Ji Tuo Cha" (丙级沱茶): Third-grade Tuo Cha made from a mix of strong leaves and stems.
- "Da Zhong Tuo Cha" (大众沱茶): Fourth-grade Tuo Cha known for its rougher leaves and stems.
Summary
The 2003 XiaGuan "Te Ji" (Special Grade) Tuo is a high-quality Puerh tea, offering a complex and robust flavor profile marked by higher astringency, pronounced bitterness, and smokiness. Its gradual evolution towards a more approachable taste profile since 2011 makes it suitable for a wide range of tea drinkers. This tea exemplifies XiaGuan's dedication to producing exceptional Puerh tea, making it an excellent choice for both experienced tea enthusiasts and those new to the world of Puerh tea.