Lan Xiang Ancient Tree Cake | 2019 Sheng Puerh

TASTING NOTES: rock sugar, orchid, stone fruits

Complex and wonderful sheng puerh cake from Dr. Pu'er brand. The leaves for this sheng (or raw) puerh are harvested from wild arbor trees in Jingmai Mountain. Stone fruits and orchid aromas collide magically with the flavor, which has the slight hints of smoke. 

packaging:
€10.00
Tax included.

Tea Region

Tea tree

Cultivar

Harvest

Picking & processing

Jingmai Dazhai, Yunnan, China

Camellia sinensis var. assamica 

Da Ye Zhong / 大叶种

Spring, 2019

One bud and up to three leaves

From the heart of Jingmai Mountain, where ancient trees tower over misty groves, comes the Lan Xiang Ancient Tree Sheng Puerh that captures the essence of this fabled region. Crafted by the renowned Dr. Pu'er brand, this tea is a testament to the centuries-old traditions of wild arbor harvesting. The leaves, plucked from venerable trees that have stood through the passage of time, carry with them the depth and character of their storied origins.

As you prepare the tea, the dry leaves offer a subtle hint of what’s to come, releasing an inviting aroma reminiscent of ripe stone fruits. When infused, the leaves unfold their full potential, filling the air with a medley of woody notes, gentle spices, and a faint trace of smoke. Each pour reveals a golden liquor that speaks of refinement and complexity.

The first sip introduces you to a world of layered flavors—exotic woods and the rich texture of aged leather are met with delicate, fruit-forward undertones. There’s a whisper of spice that lingers, balanced by the sweetness of rock sugar, creating a harmonious blend that evolves with every infusion. As you continue to steep, new dimensions emerge—floral hints, perhaps an orchid’s bloom, adding a soft, fragrant finish to the experience.

This sheng puerh is a tea for those who appreciate the art of patience and discovery. It’s a tea that tells the tale of its origins with every cup, inviting you to explore the depths of its flavors as it matures and reveals its hidden complexities.

Spiced pear tart
The warm spices and caramelized sweetness of a pear tart resonate with the tea’s rock sugar and spice notes, offering a dessert that both complements and contrasts the tea’s profile.

Duck confit with cherry sauce
The rich, savory duck, paired with the tart sweetness of cherry sauce, enhances the tea’s fruit-forward nuances and balances its robust, earthy character.

Cranberry-walnut bread
The tartness of cranberries and the nuttiness of walnuts in this rustic bread highlight the tea’s floral and fruity layers, providing a simple yet satisfying pairing.

Tea character

Leaf
orchid, nectar, dry birch log

Cup
orchid, stone fruits

Flavor
orchid, stone fruits, rock sugar

How to brew

Temperature

Tea weight

Water amount

Steeping time

95 °C

5 gram

100ml

25 sec (add 5 sec per steep for at least 12 steeps)

Temperature

Tea weight

Water amount

Steeping time

95 °C

4 gram

500ml

2 min (you can resteep 3-5 times)

What teaware to use