
FETAL CHRYSANTHEMUM TEA
August 22, 2025
DUZHONG TEA
August 22, 2025LAOBANZHANG TEA
$229.50 Original price was: $229.50.$218.90Current price is: $218.90.
Laobanzhang Tea: The Majestic King of Yunnan Pu’er
Deep in the mist-shrouded mountains of Xishuangbanna, Yunnan—where ancient tea trees stand tall, some over 100 years old—grows Laobanzhang, a Pu’er tea revered as the “King” for its unparalleled strength and depth. Harvested exclusively from wild, old-growth bushes in the remote Laobanzhang Village, each leaf carries the weight of the region’s rich soil and high-altitude climate: intense sunlight, cool nights, and mineral-rich rainwater converge to create a tea of extraordinary concentration and character. Only the most robust, mature leaves and buds are handpicked—their dark green, leathery texture a sign of the tea’s raw, unyielding vitality.
Bold Flavor & Aroma: A Symphony of Strength
Laobanzhang commands attention from the first whiff: dry leaves release a powerful aroma of dark chocolate, smoked pine, and ripe forest fruits, with a subtle undercurrent of wet earth (a hallmark of its wild mountain origins). When steeped, the liquor pours a deep, ruby-amber hue—thick and velvety in the cup. The first sip hits with a bold, invigorating “huigan” (returning sweetness): initial notes of bitter cacao give way to a rush of honeyed warmth, followed by a lingering, mineral-rich finish that coats the palate. Unlike milder teas, Laobanzhang unfolds with unapologetic intensity—layered, complex, and impossible to forget. It’s a tea for those who crave depth, not delicacy.
Time-Honored Craftsmanship: Respect for Tradition
Laobanzhang’s greatness lies in its adherence to age-old Pu’er traditions. After hand-harvesting (a labor-intensive process that requires navigating steep, untamed terrain), the leaves undergo “sun-withering”—laid out on bamboo mats to dry slowly under the Yunnan sun, preserving their natural enzymes. They’re then gently rolled by hand to release their oils, before being fermented (for raw Pu’er) or aged (for ripe Pu’er) in controlled, well-ventilated spaces. No artificial accelerants, flavors, or additives are used—this is tea made as it has been for centuries, letting the mountain’s character shine through. Each batch tells a story of patience: raw Laobanzhang evolves over years, softening its boldness while deepening its complexity.
How to Savor the “King”
Laobanzhang is not a tea for rushed sips—it’s meant to be celebrated, whether in quiet contemplation or with fellow tea connoisseurs. For raw Laobanzhang (sheng pu’er), use filtered water heated to 95-100°C (203-212°F) to unlock its full potential. Use a ratio of 5g tea per 150ml water; steep for 15-20 seconds initially, then extend by 10 seconds per brew. It rewards persistence: it can be re-steeped 8-10 times, with later brews revealing softer notes of dried fruit and floral sweetness, balancing its early boldness. For ripe Laobanzhang (shu pu’er), steep slightly longer (25-30 seconds first) to draw out its rich, earthy warmth. Pair it with dark chocolate, salted nuts, or aged cheeses—flavors that stand up to its strength without overshadowing it.
Packaged in traditional cotton bags or sleek, dark tins (to protect its aging potential), Laobanzhang is more than a beverage—it’s a piece of Yunnan’s heritage, a testament to the power of old-growth tea trees. Whether you’re a seasoned Pu’er collector or exploring bold teas for the first time, Laobanzhang offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of China’s most revered tea country.
Category: PU'ER TEA
Weight | 0.1 kg |
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