Sheng pu-erh 2010 "Lux" brand "Pine and Crane" from the "Xiaguan" plant, nest 100 g

Sheng Pu'er "Lux" (Tieji Tocha) 2010 from Xiaguan "Pine and Crane": the maturity of the classics

This tea is a true gift for connoisseurs of aged sheng pu'er. Xiaguan Tieji Tuocha (下关特级沱茶, Xià guān tèjí tuóchá), or "Lux" (Special Grade) sheng pu'er, harvested in 2010, is produced by the legendary Xiaguan tea factory (云南下关沱茶集团, Yúnnán xià guān tuóchá jítuán) under the Song He (松鹤 - "Pine and Crane") brand. It is a classic tochu (沱茶 - nest) weighing 100 grams.

Tocha, or "nest," is the traditional form of pressing pu'er tea, historically convenient for transport. The 100-gram format is the classic Xiaguan tocha, convenient for storage and use.

Manufacturer and brand: Xiaguan and "Pine and Crane"

The Xiaguan factory, located in the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan Province, is one of the oldest and most respected pu'er producers in China. It is particularly renowned for its pressed teas, particularly tochi. Xiaguan sheng teas are often characterized by a tight press and a slightly smoky aroma. The "Pine and Crane" (Song He) brand is one of the factory's signatures, symbolizing longevity and high quality.

Vintage 2010: Mature Sheng Pu'er

The key feature of this tea is its age. Produced in 2010, it has now been aged for over 14 years. During this time, sheng pu'er undergoes a significant transformation: its youthful harshness fades, the bitterness and astringency soften significantly, the flavor deepens, and the aroma becomes more complex. Now is the perfect time to enjoy it actively.

Aroma: from fruit to smoke and berries

The aroma of this aged sheng unfolds gradually:

• Dry leaf (heated): A subtle fruity aroma with subtle honey notes can be discerned.
• Washed Leaf/Infusion: The aroma becomes warm and berry-like, with light tobacco and candy nuances. The characteristic smoky note of Xiaguan Shengs also emerges.

Taste: soft and complex

Aging has done its job—the flavor of this sheng is very soft, buttery, without excessive astringency or bitterness, surprisingly easy to drink. The taste is intertwined with:

• Fruity and berry tones.
• Notes reminiscent of montpensier lollipops in a tin.
• Pleasant honey-tobacco notes. The tea holds up well throughout the drink, and only towards the end may a pleasant astringency emerge. The aftertaste is long, slightly sweet, with fruity and berry notes.

Effect: energy and balance

Like many Xiaguan sheng teas, this tea has a strong tea-like effect. It warms the body perfectly, literally sending you into a fever from the first few steeps. It relaxes the body, allowing it to rest, while simultaneously sobering the senses and focusing the mind. This makes it a versatile drink, suitable both for starting the day and for ending a hard day at work.

Brewing recommendations

• Utensils: A Yixing clay teapot or porcelain gaiwan is recommended.
• Amount of tea: 6-7 grams per 100 ml of water.
• Water: Boiling water (95-100°C).
• Method: Quick steeps. Start with a short rinse, then steep for short periods (5-15 seconds), gradually increasing the time.

The 2010 "Lux" Sheng Pu'er (Tieji Tocha) from the Xiaguan factory, branded "Pine and Crane," is an excellent example of a classic, well-aged sheng pu'er. Years of storage have transformed it into a soft, buttery, easy-drinking tea with a complex aroma (fruit, honey, berries, light smoke) and a rich flavor (fruit, berries, candy, and tobacco notes). Its powerful yet balanced effect warms, relaxes, and concentrates. This is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality, aged sheng from one of the most reputable producers.