The 2014 ChenShengHao "Yin Ban Zhang" (Silver Banzhang) Cake 357g Puerh Raw Tea Sheng Cha is a distinguished product crafted from high-quality tea leaves sourced from the Pan Ban Zhang tea region. This region encompasses the Lao Ban Zhang village and four nearby villages: Xin Ban Zhang, Lao Man Er, Ban Pen, and Ba Ka Nan, with occasional inclusions from other nearby areas. Here are the notable features and details of this tea:

Key Features:

1. Source and Quality:

   • The tea uses selected high-quality materials from big trees in the Pan Ban Zhang region.
   • The leaves are carefully chosen and processed to ensure premium quality.

2. Blend Recipe:

   • The "Silver Ban Zhang" series follows a refined blend recipe that combines tea from the Pan Ban Zhang region with tea from Lao Ban Zhang.
   • This blending technique ensures a tea with characteristics similar to the Lao Ban Zhang series.

3. Taste Profile:

   • Bitterness and Astringency: The tea exhibits light bitterness and astringency, making it a smooth and pleasant drink.
   • Complexity and Richness: It offers a complex flavor profile with a rich taste.
   • Aroma: The tea has a honey-like floral fragrance that is well-integrated into the tea liquor.
   • Huigan and Saliva Production: Good huigan (returning sweetness) and saliva production enhance the overall drinking experience.
   • Aftertaste: The lingering aftertaste brings enjoyment and a soothing tea flavor.

4. Appearance and Liquor:

   • The tea threads are tight, neat, and visually appealing with multiple tea hairs.
   • The tea liquor is clear and bright, indicative of high-quality processing.

5. Storage:

   • The tea is stored naturally in Guangzhou, which supports its aging process and maintains its quality.

Additional Information on Lao Ban Zhang Series:

• History and Quality Control:

  • The "Lao Ban Zhang" series started in 2008 and has been produced annually with variations in cake, brick, and weight.
  • CSH ensures quality by purchasing fresh tea leaves directly from farmers and processing them in their own factory.
  • The cakes are characterized by their round and thick appearance, with strong and tight tea threads and multiple tea hairs.

• Taste and Aroma:

  • Fresh tea has a floral and fruity aroma.
  • The liquor color is clear and bright, and the tea water is thick and oily.
  • The natural tea flavor is refreshing with medium to low levels of bitterness and astringency.
  • Real Lao Ban Zhang tea from big or old trees tends to be sweeter, similar to sugar cane mixed with honey, rather than bitter and astringent.

• Market and Pricing:

  • CSH signed a 30-year contract with Lao Ban Zhang village in 2008 to secure fresh tea leaves each year, with price adjustments every five years.
  • The first "Lao Ban Zhang" sheng cake was sold at around 200 Yuan (CNY) in 2008, and prices have risen significantly since then.

• Cha Qi:

  • High-quality Lao Ban Zhang tea is known for its strong Cha Qi (inner body feeling), which can be intense and rewarding.

Conclusion:

The 2014 ChenShengHao "Yin Ban Zhang" Cake is an excellent choice for those seeking a premium Puerh tea with a balanced and complex flavor profile. Its quality, aroma, and potential for aging make it a valuable addition to any tea collection, offering a refined drinking experience with every brew.