Mid-2000s Puerh Tea (Standing and Dark Association)

 

This is a follow-up to the previous post - The Year that Changed Puerh Tea (2005) to address the question, “What happened to these teas and how are they viewed?”

The Rawness of Puerh Tea

Traditional processing of puerh stood out as being different from green tea and oolong production by preserving the rawness of the tea.

 

1990s Guang Yun Gong

Done! Glad to see the end of this 1990s Guang Yun Gong teacake

The Glory of the Leaf

Tuition Tea

Tuition tea

 

Age White Puerh Tea

 Sunshine in the cup

 

1990s Private Production

 

Old style heavy kneaded tea leaves and stone compression

2000 Xia Guan Toucha

An old classic Xia Guan toucha

Antique Puerh (Loose Leaf)

Old petrified tea leaves

Photo Set – 2003 Yiwu (Special Grade)

  

A composition of buds and tender top leaves

2001 Millennial Old Tree Teacake (Jingmai)

 

SPECIAL RELEASE: Exploring the early beginnings of gushu production.

Tea Session - 1997 Loose Leaf (Dry Storage)

Close up of a heavily kneaded tea leaf showing traces of dried sappy residue and micro-activity.

A Comparative Pictorial of Menghai Tea Factory (2003, 2011) – Part 2

 L: 2003 Purple Dayi Menghai Tea Factory R: 2011 Menghai Tea Factory 7542

A Comparative Pictorial of Menghai Tea Factory (2003, 2011) – Part 1

 L: 2003 Purple Dayi Menghai Tea Factory R: 2011 Menghai Tea Factory 7542

 

Tea Session - 1980s 1990s OLDIE Collection

 

 

Happy Holidays and my best wishes to all for the upcoming New Year 2021. I could not think of a better way to close out the year than with a tea session and on this fine occasion I am delving into the 1980s-1990s OLDIE Collection. 

Photo Set - 2001 Simplified Character Cloud (Menghai Tea Factory)

 

The 2001 Simplified Character Cloud represents one of the last great productions under Menghai Tea Factory from the old era. This special batch is well known amongst experience drinkers and much sought after by puerh enthusiasts who value the proven lineage of older Menghai productions. The traditional style of processing does not try to beautify the characteristics of tea in the way of the modern production and this can be clearly seen in the retention of the raw and elemental nature. The 2001 Simplified Cloud was not made for easy access. It is a hardy tea with strength and an uncompromising ruggedness that lends itself favorably towards long term ageing. At this stage the tea presents a rich malty profile accented by musky and savory notes. It is a boldly engaging experience that exhibits a dark elemental appeal.

 

Related Links

2001 Simplified Character Cloud (Menghai Tea Factory)

 

TOP TIPS: Starting a Puerh Tea Collection

 
A collection of old teas

A Comparative Pictorial of Xia Guan Toucha (2000, 2005) - Part 2

L: 2000 Xia Guan Toucha, R: 2005 Xia Guan Toucha

Over the past few decades the puerh tea industry has sky rocketed in growth. Much of that recent growth has been fueled by the new controversial trend surrounding “modern style puerh tea” alongside the popularity for “dry/natural storage”. Both have added excitement and a new layer of intrigue to the world of puerh tea. In this regard the comparative tasting of the traditional and modern style of puerh tea under natural storage becomes all the more compelling. This is especially so with the selection of these semi-age teas and the insight that can be gained from assessing the age development from both styles of puerh tea.

A Comparative Pictorial of Xia Guan Toucha (2000, 2005) - Part 1

Pack of 5 x 100g, L: 2000 XG Pack R: 2005 XG Pack

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.

20th Anniversary Celebration & Giveaways

 

Full teacakes and bricks giveaway with your purchases.

20 years is a long time but looking back time really does fly when you are doing something you love. In 2000 I became immersed in the world of puerh and age tea. It became a single-minded pursuit that opened up a new world, taking me on the path of a deeply fulfilling journey that created amazing memories, opportunities and experiences. As I approach my 20th year as an avid tea collector and trader I am celebrating this landmark by making further additions to the FREE TEA SAMPLES CATALOG.  To mark this momentous occasion I am giving away full teacakes and bricks from famous brands and regions such as Menghai Tea Factory, Douji, Wisteria Tea House, Essence of Tea, Yiwu, Gua Feng Zhai, and (+-) 20yo age teas. Each item can be identified and assessed by their respective photos. For those with a sharp eye for age and quality, this is a great opportunity to seek out your tea treasures.

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