2004 Xinghai Tea Factory Lao Ban Zhang Ecological Tuocha

Xinghai Tea Factory (興海茶廠) was founded in 2002 in Menghai during the wave of private factories that emerged as China’s state-run tea industry underwent restructuring in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Much of the production team originally came from the state-run Menghai Tea Factory, and over time Xinghai became known for producing solid, reliable puer.

This Xinghai tuocha is the kind of tea that really hits the spot when you’re in the mood for something bold and assertive. The storage has been very dry, so even after more than twenty years it still retains some rough edges. At the same time, the aging has brought it to a point where it can be enjoyed now, especially for those who appreciate strong traditional character.

Whether the material contains leaf from LBZ is difficult to say with certainty, but the tea brews with a firm bitterness often associated with material from the Banzhang area. As the session progresses, that bitterness gradually gives way to returning sweetness.

Despite its strength, the tea feels vibrant and clean, and sits comfortably in the body. In the cup, the flavor is smoky with a pleasant plum note. The liquor has good viscosity, with an oily texture that coats the mouth and produces strong salivation. The finish is long, lingering in both the mouth and throat. The tea also carries noticeable energy, with strong chaqi felt clearly throughout the session.

For those who enjoy bold, traditional sheng with depth and presence, this is a particularly satisfying example.