2024 vintage - spring harvest
Type: Raw Pu-erh (unfermented)
Grade: Premium
Production area: LaoBanzhang, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province
Taste characteristics:
Pu-erh tea from LaoBanzhang has long earned the reputation of “The King of Pu-erh.” The tea from this region is very assertive. As soon as the tea enters the mouth, the bitterness that one feels almost immediately transforms into a subtle sweet sensation. It arouses our taste buds and awakens our senses, reasons why pu-erh enthusiasts are so enamored with tea from this region. LaoBanzhang has become one of the most renowned pu-erh-producing regions in Yunnan in recent decades, attracting many pu-erh enthusiasts to make a pilgrimage to this area. Its increased value prompted counterfeit LaoBanzhang pu-erh to flood the market. Accordingly, pu-erh enthusiasts often express cynicism about the amount of genuine LaoBanzhang leaves that are actually in a LaoBanzhang labeled cake.
In January 2020, renowned tea master Vesper Chan collaborated with Ge’er, the leading tea farmer in LaoBanzhang, to fulfill Master Chan’s dream of creating a cake made entirely from genuine LaoBanzhang leaves from old trees. He named this cake The King’s Seal, symbolizing the esteemed status of LaoBanzhang. The project aims to produce one cake each year for five years, and the 2024 edition marks the final installment in the collection.
The King’s Seal is worthy of its name in every aspect, from the profound aroma of the dry leaves to the scent left in an emptied cup that is reminiscent of cotton candy. From the first sip, this pu-erh stimulates the saliva glands and moistens the whole mouth. A minty sensation (called gan) follows that permeates the mouth and prompts a feeling of calm and a slowing of time so that one can savor the joy this tea offers.
***The King's Seal cake (680g + 50g sample cake) is available by special order only.
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