Overview:
- Year: 2003
- Type: Puerh Sheng Cha (Raw Tea)
- Weight: 100g
- Series: Jia Ji Tuo (1st Grade)
Description: The 2003 XiaGuan "Jia Ji" Tuo is an exceptional Puerh Raw Tea that reflects a blend recipe dating back to 1951. This Tuo is crafted from meticulously selected high-grade materials, predominantly tender buds and young leaves, which represent the pinnacle of tea production quality.
Tea Characteristics:
- Appearance: Tightly compressed with high-grade tender buds and young leaves.
- Aroma and Flavor: The tea reveals a distinct smoky character, attributed to traditional processing methods, resulting in a rich and robust flavor profile.
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Taste Profile:
- Thickness and Strength: Immediate and gratifying, commanding the palate from the first sip.
- Fragrance: Aromatically complex, enveloping the senses.
- Huigan: Rapid emergence of returning sweetness, balancing the initial bitterness appreciated for its invigorating properties.
- Minor Pungency: Slight, asserting presence without overpowering, promoting a harmonious flow of saliva—a sign of quality and craftsmanship.
Storage:
- Guangzhou Natural Storage: The tea has been naturally stored in Guangzhou, allowing its flavors and aromas to mature and develop over time.
Packaging:
- The XiaGuan "Jia Ji" Tuo is available either in a paper tong package containing five individual 100g tuos or as a single 100g tuo in its own paper box.
Background and Series Context:
- "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 a 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 rougher leaves and stems.
Conclusion: The 2003 XiaGuan "Jia Ji" Tuo is a profound exploration of traditional Puerh tea, offering an authentic and time-honored experience. Its distinct smoky character, robust flavor profile, and rapid Huigan make it a cherished choice for both seasoned tea drinkers and those new to Sheng Cha. This tea not only provides a beverage but invites you to delve into the rich complexities and nuances of a historically significant Puerh tea, cherished by generations.