Introduction: The "Lao Ban Zhang" series from ChenShengHao (CSH) started in 2008 and is renowned for its high-quality tea made from big tree leaves in Lao Ban Zhang village. Each year, the series is released with variations in cake style, brick form, and weight.
Main Characteristics:
- Tea Leaves: Selected high-quality leaves from big trees in Lao Ban Zhang village. CSH ensures quality by purchasing fresh tea leaves from farmers and processing them in their own factory.
- Appearance: The whole cake is round and thick, with a great appearance characterized by its color and neatness. The tea threads are strong, tight, and have multiple tea hairs.
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Aroma and Flavor:
- Floral and Fruity Aroma: Fresh new tea exudes a floral and fruity aroma.
- Tea Liquor: The liquor is clear and bright.
- Texture: The tea water is thick and oily with smoothness.
- Natural Flavor: It offers a natural tea flavor with a refreshing taste and strength.
- Bitterness and Astringency: These are at a medium to low level, contrary to the common misconception that Lao Ban Zhang tea is always strongly bitter and astringent. Authentic Lao Ban Zhang tea from big trees tends to be sweeter, akin to sugar cane mixed with honey.
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Aftertaste and Mouthfeel:
- Returning Sweetness: The Huigan (returning sweetness) comes quickly and is substantial.
- Saliva Production: The tea produces a great amount of saliva from the aftertaste.
- Cha Qi: It has good Cha Qi, providing a lingering mouthfeel.
Storage:
- Guangzhou Natural Storage: The tea is stored in Guangzhou, which helps in the proper aging and maturation of the tea.
Historical Context:
- Contract and Pricing: In 2008, a year after the Puerh Tea Market Bubble Burst, CSH signed a 30-year contract with Lao Ban Zhang village to purchase fresh tea leaves annually. This was under a cooperation model involving CSH, a decided tea plantation, and farmers. Every five years, the price is adjusted (raised). Mr. Chen ShengHe, the creator of CSH, played a key role in this and is known as a Puerh tea master.
- Price Evolution: The initial 400g "Lao Ban Zhang" sheng cake sold for around 200 Yuan (CNY). Today, the price has skyrocketed, and securing genuine Lao Ban Zhang tea has become increasingly challenging due to limited supply.
Conclusion: The 2018 ChenShengHao "Lao Ban Zhang" (7 Star - LaoBanZhang) Cake is a premium Puerh Raw Tea that exemplifies the excellence and dedication of the ChenShengHao brand. With its balanced bitterness and astringency, rich aroma, and substantial Huigan, it is a sought-after choice for Puerh tea enthusiasts looking for authentic and high-quality Lao Ban Zhang tea.