Xi Gui Hao
2015 Yunnan Menghai Lao Banzhang Old Tree Ripe Pu-erh Cake 357g | Xi Gui Hao
2015 Yunnan Menghai Lao Banzhang Old Tree Ripe Pu-erh Cake 357g | Xi Gui Hao
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The King of Pu-erh — Aged Lao Banzhang Old Tree Ripe Pu-erh
Crafted in 2015 from ~300-year-old tea trees in Lao Banzhang, the most celebrated village in the Bulang Mountain range of Menghai, Yunnan, this aged ripe pu-erh cake represents the pinnacle of shou pu-erh craftsmanship. Nearly a decade of natural aging has softened its edges and deepened its character, transforming bold mountain material into a tea of extraordinary smoothness, sweetness, and depth.
Lao Banzhang (老班章) is not merely a place — it is a legend in the world of pu-erh. Nestled at approximately 1,500 meters in the heart of Menghai, Xishuangbanna, this village produces tea that commands the highest respect among connoisseurs worldwide. The combination of ancient tree material, high-altitude terroir, and traditional wet-pile fermentation yields a ripe pu-erh of rare distinction: thick and lubricating on the palate, deeply sweet with no harshness, and remarkably stable across countless infusions. This is a tea that rewards patience — the longer you sit with it, the more it reveals.
Flavor Profile & Tasting Notes
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Dry Leaf | Plump, well-formed cake with abundant golden buds (金芽) visible throughout — a hallmark of premium-grade material. The surface is dark brown with a subtle sheen, indicating careful fermentation and proper aging. |
| Liquor | Deep reddish-brown, crystal clear with a warm amber glow. The color deepens with each steep, revealing the tea's rich extractive power. |
| Aroma | Rich, warm, and layered — aged wood, dried jujube, and a subtle earthy sweetness rise from the cup. The fermentation aroma (堆味) has fully dissipated, leaving behind a clean, inviting fragrance that speaks of careful storage and time. |
| Taste | Exceptionally smooth and mellow from the first sip. The entry is thick and lubricating, coating the tongue with a gentle sweetness that builds rather than fades. There is no harshness, no dryness — only a deep, satisfying warmth that spreads through the body. The sweetness is clean and persistent, growing sweeter with each infusion in a way that seasoned drinkers recognize as the signature of truly well-aged shou pu-erh. |
| Mouthfeel | Velvety and substantial, with a fine, silky texture that glides across the palate. The liquor has real body and weight — thick and nourishing, like a warm broth. The throat feels lubricated and comfortable long after swallowing. |
| Finish | Long, warm, and deeply comforting. A gentle sweetness lingers at the back of the throat, accompanied by a subtle warming sensation that spreads through the chest. The finish is clean — no sourness, no astringency, only a pleasant, enduring calm. |
| Aging Potential | Already beautifully aged at nearly 10 years, this tea has entered its prime drinking window. While it will continue to evolve and soften over the coming decades, it offers exceptional drinking pleasure right now. For those who enjoy aged pu-erh, this is a tea to savor today — and to keep a few cakes tucked away for the future. |
Product Details at a Glance
| Brand | Xi Gui Hao (昔归号) |
| Tea Type | Ripe Pu-erh Tea (Shou Puerh) |
| Vintage | 2015 |
| Origin | Lao Banzhang, Bulang Mountain, Menghai, Yunnan, China |
| Tree Age | ~300 Years Old |
| Altitude | ~1,500m |
| Net Weight | 357g (cake) |
| Format | Compressed round cake (bing cha) |
How to Brew
Gongfu Style (Recommended)
- Ratio: 7–8g to 150ml gaiwan or clay teapot
- Temperature: 95°C – 100°C
- Rinse: 1 quick rinse, 5 seconds, discard (awakens the aged leaves)
- Steeping: 10–15 seconds for the first 3 infusions, increase by 5–10 seconds each round. 15+ infusions achievable — this tea has remarkable staying power.
Western / Mug Style
Break off a small piece (3–5g) and add to your mug with 95°C water. Steep 2–3 minutes for a rich, full-bodied cup. The smooth, sweet character of this aged shou pu-erh comes through beautifully even with simple brewing — no bitterness to worry about, just warm, mellow comfort in every sip. Re-steep 3–4 times.
How to Store
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight and strong odors. Keep the cake in its original wrapping or transfer to a breathable kraft paper bag, unglazed clay jar, or traditional bamboo tong. As a well-aged ripe pu-erh, this tea has already undergone significant transformation — proper storage will preserve its current excellence while allowing gentle, slow evolution to continue. Avoid plastic containers and refrigerators, which trap moisture and odors.
Natural & Handcrafted: This product is made from 100% natural tea leaves, hand-picked and traditionally processed in Yunnan, China. It contains no artificial additives, flavorings, or preservatives. Like all real teas, Pu-erh contains natural caffeine. This product is a traditional tea beverage and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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