Shu Puer "Lao Ban Zhang" 2021 from Zhoushi: Legendary Name, Rich Taste
The name Lao Ban Zhang (老班章, Lǎo Bān Zhāng) is synonymous with the highest quality and prestige in the world of pu-erh. This shu pu-erh (熟普洱, Shú pǔ'ěr), produced in 2021 by the Zhoushi (周氏, Zhōu shì) factory in Menghai County, features raw materials from this legendary terroir. Presented in the standard 357-gram Bìn Chá (饼茶, Bǐng chá) cake form, the tea offers a rich, full-bodied, and energetic experience worthy of its name at an attractive price.
The maker of Zhoushi (周氏, Zhōu shì ) and the legend of Lao Ban Zhang
The Yunnan Menghai County Zhou Shi Tea Industry Co., Ltd. factory is located in Menghai County, the heart of the Xishuangbanna region and one of the most important centers of pu-erh production. The nearby village of Lao Ban Zhang is famous for its ancient tea trees and produces some of the most sought-after and expensive pu-erhs in the world, distinguished by their power and complexity.
The use of the name "Lao Ban Zhang" for shu puerh means that high-quality raw materials (maocha) collected from this famous region were used for its production. The excellent raw materials of Lao Ban Zhang should give the chu a special depth, density and richness of taste.
Vintage 2021 and appearance
The tea was pressed in 2021, which gives it an age of 4 years today. This is a moderate age for Shu Puer - it is already quite smoothed out, but still fresh and full of energy. Puer has a dense cake pressing, a bright and very rich taste from the first infusion, capable of brewing to the state of oil, which is typical for high-quality shu.
Aroma: from dough and nuts to cognac and bread
The aromatic profile of this tea is complex and develops over the course of tea drinking:
- Dry leaf: Gives the aroma of salt dough or a handful of fresh nuts.
- Heated leaf (in a gaiwan): Reveals the scent of honey and nuts.
- Infusion (first infusion): Notes of cognac, nuts and black bread appear.
Taste: palette from chocolate to honey
The taste of this shu puer is rich and dynamic:
- Development: The flavour palette expands from nutty-chocolate to creamy-honey as you steep.
- Aftertaste: Has a pleasant bready aftertaste.
- Overall impression: Fresh, tasty, decent tea. It is important to rinse the tea well, as it opens up over time.
Energy and effect
This shu puer has a noticeable effect:
- Strength: The effect is felt after the first cup.
- Energy: The blood gets moving, you can instantly feel the heat and surge of strength.
- Purpose: Perfect for starting the day.
Brewing recommendations
Considering the dense pressing and richness of the tea:
- Utensils: Gaiwan is recommended for better control of the brew.
- Quantity: Standard 5-8g per 100-150 ml is quite suitable.
- Washing: It is necessary to wash the tea well (1-2 times).
- Water: Boiling water (95-100°C).
- Brewing: By pouring. Start with short exposures, as the infusion quickly becomes saturated. The time can be gradually increased.
Shu puer "Lao Ban Zhang" 2021 from the Zhoushi factory is an intriguing tea that bears the name of one of the most prestigious puer terroirs. The tea creates a portrait of a dense, rich, tasty shu with a rich, developing profile (nuts, chocolate, cream, honey, cognac, bread) and a strong, invigorating effect. Despite its moderate age, it already gives vivid impressions and is perfect for morning tea. An attractive price makes it an affordable way to touch the magic of the name "Lao Ban Zhang" in the format of shu puer.
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Name in Chinese
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老班章 |
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Pinyin
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lǎobānzhāng |
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Country
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China |
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District
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Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture |
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Provinces
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Yunnan (云南) |
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Manufacturer
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Чжоуши (周氏) |
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Year of pressing
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2021 |
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Pressing form
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Bing Cha (Cake Tea) |
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Declared weight, g
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357 |
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