Sheng puer "Bulan eco-brick" 2018 (布朗生态茶砖): the strength and endurance of the Bulan Mountains
This sheng pu'er (生普洱, Shēng pǔ'ěr), pressed in 2018 into a 250-gram Zhuan Cha (砖茶, Zhuānchá ) brick, is called Bulan Shengtai Cha Zhuan (布朗生态茶砖, Bùlǎng shēngtài cházhuān), which translates as "Bulang Mountain Ecological Tea Brick". It comes from one of the most famous and powerful terroirs for pu'er - the Bulang Mountains (布朗, Bùlǎng) in Yunnan Province. The age of the tea (about 6.5-7 years as of April 2025) already shows the beginning of a transformation and softening of the strength characteristic of Bulang.
Origin: Power of the Bulan Mountains (布朗山, Bùlǎng)
The Bulang Mountains in Menghai County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, is a legendary place for producing sheng pu'er. Historically associated with the Bulang people, the region is known for its ancient tea gardens and the production of teas with very distinct characters:
- Strength and Cha Qi: Bulan Shengs are renowned for their strength, intensity of flavour and strong "Tea Qi" (energy effect).
- Bitterness and sweetness: Young teas from Bulang have a noticeable, sometimes dominant bitterness (苦, kǔ), which, if the raw material is of high quality, quickly and intensely gives way to a sweet aftertaste (回甘, huigan).
- Aging Potential: Due to its strength and rich composition, Bulan shengs are considered among the best for long aging, during which bitterness is transformed into deep sweetness and complexity.
The concept of ecological tea (生态茶, Shēngtài chá )
The term shentai (生态, Shēngtài), meaning "ecology" or "ecological", in the name of the tea indicates that the raw material was grown in conditions close to natural ones. This means a rich composition:
- Tea from old trees growing in a mixed forest (agroecosystem).
- Tea from plantations that use organic or minimally invasive farming methods (no pesticides or chemical fertilizers).
- The emphasis on the purity of raw materials and the environment implies the presence of an official organic certificate, "Shentai Cha" is positioned as a more natural and pure product.
Vintage 2018: The Beginning of Maturity
The age of 6-7 years for Sheng Puer, especially from such a powerful region as Bulan, is an important milestone. By this time:
- The initial harshness, bitterness and astringency of young tea begin to soften significantly and integrate into the taste.
- Secondary aromas and flavors characteristic of aged sheng develop: notes of dried fruit, camphor, old wood, honey.
- The tea becomes smoother, denser and more drinkable, entering the optimal drinking window, but still retaining enormous potential for further aging.
Brick format (Zhuan Cha) 250g
Zhuan Cha is a traditional form of pressing puer, along with cakes (Bing Cha) and nests (Tuo Cha). A 250-gram brick is a standard size. You will need a puer knife or awl for brewing.
Taste and aroma
- Aroma: Complex, with aged notes. There are shades of dried fruits (prunes, dried apricots), camphor, old wood, a light honey sweetness and a hint of smokiness.
- Taste: Powerful, but already much more balanced than in its youth. The characteristic Bulan bitterness is integrated, appearing rather as a taste structure, and quickly turns into a pronounced sweet aftertaste (huigan). The main notes are dark fruits, wood, camphor, mineral and tobacco nuances.
- Infusion: Dense, rich, golden-orange color.
- Cha Qi: Has a strong, warming and concentrating effect.
Brewing recommendations
- Preparation: Break off 5-7 grams of tea from the brick. Pressing it tightly may require some effort.
- Washing: Be sure to rinse the tea 1-2 times with boiling water (95-100°C) to wash away dust and awaken the leaf.
- Brewing: Use boiling water. Start with short infusions (10-15 seconds), gradually increasing the steeping time. The tea should be able to withstand repeated steeping. A gaiwan or Yixing clay teapot is best.
Storage potential
Even though the tea has already entered the stage of maturity, its potential for further storage remains very high. Proper storage (in a dry, ventilated place, without foreign odors) will allow it to develop further, becoming even smoother, sweeter and more complex.
Sheng puer "Bulan eco-brick" 2018 is a solid, aged representative of the powerful Bulan terroir. Age of about seven years allowed it to soften its youthful harshness, revealing the complexity of aroma and taste with a characteristic play of bitterness and sweetness. The ecological aspect of the raw material adds value. This tea is suitable for experienced lovers of sheng puer, who appreciate the strength, energy and aging potential of teas from the Bulan mountains, and who want to try them at an interesting stage of maturation.
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Name in Chinese
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布朗生态茶砖 |
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Pinyin
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Bùlǎng shēngtài cházhuān |
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Country
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China |
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Provinces
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Yunnan (云南) |
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Habitat
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Булан (布朗, Bùlǎng) |
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Year of pressing
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2018 |
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Pressing form
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Zhuan Cha (Brick Tea) |
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