Description: The 2015 XiaGuan "8653" Cake is a premium Puerh Sheng Cha (Raw Tea), renowned for its exemplary quality and craftsmanship. This tea features tight and neat tea threads, presenting an excellent appearance.
Tasting Notes:
- Tea Liquor: Clear and bright.
- Aroma: Slight smoky flavor complemented by the tea's original fragrance.
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Flavor Profile:
- Sweetness: Noticeable sweetness balanced with medium bitterness and astringency.
- Strength: The refreshing tea flavor is strong and gradually reveals its full intensity.
- Mouthfeel: Thick and mellow, providing a satisfying taste experience.
Variations:
- T Version: This hard-pressed iron cake ages much slower, preserving the original fragrance of the new tea.
- FT Version: Ordered by the Fei Tai (Fly to Taiwan) tea company, this version uses younger and smaller tea leaves, resulting in a softer flavor profile compared to the general version.
- FTT Version: An iron cake variant ordered by the Fei Tai tea company, maintaining the robust characteristics of the original 8653 blend.
Storage:
- Location: Guangzhou natural storage.
- Effect on Tea: The natural storage conditions in Guangzhou are known to enhance the aging process of Puerh tea, improving its flavor and complexity over time.
Background: The "8653" blend is a benchmark in the Puerh market. It was initially produced in 1985 for a Japanese buyer but was later sold domestically by CNNP's Shenzhen branch after the order was canceled. In 1988, the blend was officially named "8653" to reflect its recipe initiation in 1986, using primarily 5th-grade tea materials. XiaGuan Tea Factory, designated as No. 3 within CNNP at the time, produced this tea.
Recommendation: The 2015 XiaGuan "8653" Cake is highly recommended for those looking to learn about Puerh tea and for daily enjoyment. Its balanced profile and robust flavor make it an excellent choice for both new and seasoned Puerh tea drinkers.