The Xia Guan Tea Factory is the second most famous puerh tea producer in China. Founded in 1941, Xia Guan (XG) is most renowned for its bowl shaped “toucha”. The traditional XG toucha has a long history and a proven track record for ageing exceptionally well under long term storage. Different vintages that stretch back multiple decades have become highly sought after collectables that have greatly escalated in value. However with the passage of time change is inevitable and the new trend for young drinkable puerh tea means that the modern style* of XG toucha was born.
The Educational Series is a genuine opportunity I am offering to my readers to learn about the different aspects of age tea. You have read the descriptions. Now you can share in the experience!
Huang Pian (aka The Humble Leaf) belongs to a modest category of puerh tea. Comprised of older and less aesthetically pleasing tea leaves, the tea offers a pleasantly simple and mild brew. Huang pian makes for an affordable daily drinker and throughout history the consumption of the humble leaf has quenched the thirst of multitudes of tea drinkers. For those who enjoy drinking puerh tea, this sample set offers an opportunity to experience huang pian like never before. The 3 tea samples take you on an amazing journey that spans 70 years. Experience Huang Pian as a 1) YOUNG puerh tea, gain 2) SEMI-AGE nuances after 20 years of natural ageing and then finally reaching its 3) MATURITY after over half a century of ageing. Each stage provides a uniquely different experience and yet despite the gap and changes that have come with time the thread that connects them all is undeniable. Let us celebrate the simple beauty of the humble leaf - Huang Pian
VIDEO: Capturing the splendor of age puerh tea nurtured under HK traditional (wet) storage
Hong Kong traditional (wet) storage is an often misunderstood category of tea. A lot can go wrong during the process and different batches vary greatly in quality. Finding traditional stored puerh tea done well offers a beautiful soft and mellow brew that is rich and deep in taste whilst retaining a level of complexity. The 1990s Menghai Orange Label (HK Private Commission) ranks amongst the best traditionally stored puerh tea that I have had the pleasure to drink. Placed under wet storage conditions for several years, the development of the teacake was not rushed ensuring that an even transformation occurred throughout the teacake. Awakening the leaves with boiling hot water releases fragrant aromas of talcum powder, age florals and wood accompanied by a heavier concentration of dark and age expression. The brew is rich and opulent, offering a thick mouthfeel with a pleasant sweetness and layers of age nuances. As the tea opens up, dark TCM emerges, dates, red wood, resins, vanillin, minerals within an array of dark organic herbs and root. The tea is warm and comforting, and as I focus on the full cup in front of me I am very content.
A special treat for the holidays. My best wishes to all for the New Year in 2020.
I have been thinking about offering something special in commemoration of my 20th Anniversary as well as for the end of year holidays. As I selected one old tea after another, this became the ultimate deep dive into the world of age tea. The Zen Collection is a truly unique opportunity to explore the category of age tea like never before. I have included historic teas from each decade starting from the 1950s to 2000s with tea samples representing a wide range of categories.
The rise of Chairman Mao Zedong and the early rule of the Communist Party in China is a monumental part of Chinese history. The 1970s forms part of a chaotic and transitional period in China that has always moved me. For me the rough and broken leaves aptly represent the hardship and struggles of the people facing poverty, famine, violence and internal strife within a changing society. The fact that these humble tea leaves have evolved and elevated their status and quality is a message of perseverance and hope. These old leaves impart a feeling of serenity, the beauty of the tea shines brightly through.
