Xiaguan 2011 "Bulang Old Tree" (BanPen Lao Zhai) Tuo Raw Puerh

Our stock is from clean Kunming storage, which we prefer greatly to Guangzhou-stored versions, especially for this material which doesn't need forced aging.

This is an insider pick from Xiaguan which we prefer over the majority of their standard tuochas (Jia Ji, Te Ji etc.). It is purported to use material from older trees in Ban Pen Old Village, which is prized as a more affordable/approachable alternative to Lao Banzhang.

High recommendation if you are looking for a classic factory tuo experience without the usual struggle with quality.

TASTE PROFILE

As can be expected for a XG tuo, this comes on powerful and intense. Steep it carefully (do not overleaf) and you will find surprising depth and richness. A bundle of dried root herbs and deep rounded hoppy bitterness at the start which has blended together nicely with age, smoothing out into a richer suede leather with a touch of herbaceous leafy edge remaining.

It may not be gushu, but the higher quality of material is evident; you will not find the harsh astringency, heavy smoke or uneven flavor profiles of the regular XG tuos. The highlight for us is the cha qi, which we find to be gripping and mind-warping under certain circumstances.