The 2012 ChenShengHao "Lao Ban Zhang" Cake is a highly sought-after Puerh tea known for its exceptional quality and unique flavor profile. Here are the key features and background information:
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Series Origin: The "Lao Ban Zhang" series began in 2008 and has been released annually with variations in cake style, brick, and weight.
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Tea Source: Selected high-quality tea leaves are sourced from big trees in the tea plantations of Lao Ban Zhang village. ChenShengHao (CSH) ensures quality by purchasing fresh tea leaves directly from farmers and processing them in their own factory.
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Appearance and Aroma: The whole cake is round and thick, with a visually appealing color and neatness. The tea threads are relatively loose but exhibit strength and tightness, with multiple tea hairs. Fresh tea emanates a delightful floral and fruity aroma.
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Tea Characteristics: The brewed tea liquor is clear and bright, with a thick and oilish texture that contributes to its smoothness. It possesses a natural flavor profile with refreshing taste and a moderate to low level of bitterness and astringency.
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Myth Debunking: There is a common misconception that Lao Ban Zhang tea should be strong in bitterness and astringency. However, the reality is that authentic Lao Ban Zhang tea tends to be sweeter, resembling sugar cane mixed with honey. This sweetness is attributed to the use of big tree or old tree leaves. Additionally, the presence of strong Cha Qi is not necessarily related to bitterness and astringency.
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Taste Experience: Upon consumption, the tea delivers a fast-coming returning sweetness, accompanied by a significant amount of saliva production from the aftertaste. It also offers a good Cha Qi experience and a lingering mouthfeel.
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Storage: The tea undergoes Guangzhou natural storage, ensuring optimal aging conditions.
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Historical Context: In 2008, CSH initiated a 30-year contract with Lao Ban Zhang village, signifying a commitment to sourcing fresh tea leaves annually. This agreement, involving CSH, the decided tea plantation, and local farmers, aimed to maintain quality and stability in tea production. Over time, the price of Lao Ban Zhang Puerh tea has soared due to its limited availability and high demand.
In summary, the 2012 ChenShengHao "Lao Ban Zhang" Cake epitomizes excellence in Puerh tea, characterized by its exceptional taste, quality sourcing, and historical significance in the world of tea.