{"product_id":"2019-lao-ban-zhang-ripe-pu-erh-tea-cake-golden-tips","title":"2019 Lao Ban Zhang Golden Tips Ripe Pu-erh Tea Cake","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThis 2019 Lao Ban Zhang Golden Tips Ripe Pu-erh Tea Cake (Shou) was pressed in 2019 using material in which approximately 50% of the fresh leaves originated from the renowned Lao Ban Zhang Village, one of the most celebrated origins in the world of Yunnan Pu-erh tea.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eIt shares the same leaf grade as our now sold-out 2008 Golden Tips Ripe Pu-erh Tea Cake and is similarly rich in golden buds. The difference lies in the origin of the raw material:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e2008 Edition: Made entirely from tea leaves sourced from Lao Ban Zhang Village. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e2019 Edition: By the time this tea was produced, the price of Lao Ban Zhang raw material had increased by roughly thirty times. As a result, this tea was blended using spring-harvest ancient-tree Maocha from both Lao Ban Zhang Village and neighboring Ban Pen Village, with trees ranging from approximately 100 to 300 years of age, in a 1:1 ratio. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWe believe in providing complete transparency regarding the composition of our teas. The packaging and naming of this product are closely connected to its origin. For those interested in learning more about the price differences among teas from the same region, we have discussed this topic in detail on our \u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\"\u003e\u003ca style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\" href=\"https:\/\/www.chineseteagroup.com\/products\/2023-single-tree-lao-ban-zhang-raw-pu-erh-tea-cake\"\u003e2023 Single Tree Lao Ban Zhang Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e product page.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eDry Leaf Evaluation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe unretouched photographs taken in our tea house clearly show the abundance of golden buds throughout the tea cake. After several years of natural aging, the surface has developed a natural sheen. The cake is free from mold, excessive loosening, or dust, reflecting careful storage and maturation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe dry leaves offer a clean aged aroma accompanied by subtle sweet and mellow notes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBrewing Notes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eLiquor Color\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWhen infused with boiling water, the tea produces a rich and brilliant reddish-brown liquor. The color resembles deep burgundy wine, with excellent clarity and noticeable viscosity visible on the cup walls.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAroma\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eHot Aroma\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe dominant aroma is a clean aged fragrance, accompanied by delicate floral notes and gentle ripe-fruit sweetness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWarm Aroma\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe sweet and mellow character contributed by Ban Pen material integrates beautifully with the depth associated with Lao Ban Zhang. The aroma remains deep and steady, revealing hints of aged wood and dried jujube.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eEmpty Cup Aroma\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe empty cup retains a clean honey-like sweetness with a soft, comforting sweetness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eTaste Profile\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eCore Characteristics: Thick Texture, Smooth Mouthfeel, and Balanced Bitterness and Sweetness\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eFirst Impression\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe tea liquor immediately feels rich, thick, and silky on the palate, with a substantial texture reminiscent of a well-structured red wine. After several years of natural aging, Lao Ban Zhang’s characteristic bold bitterness has softened considerably. It now appears only as a light bitterness that fades quickly on the palate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSweetness\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe natural sweetness of Ban Pen material gradually emerges through the middle of the session. Combined with the sweetness associated with the abundant buds, it creates a pleasing balance between sweetness and bitterness without becoming overly rich or cloying.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSmoothness\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe tea glides smoothly across the tongue without any harshness, leaving a warm and comfortable sensation in the throat. After drinking, the throat feels open, relaxed, and refreshed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eReturning Sweetness and Salivation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAfter swallowing, salivation gradually develops beneath the tongue and along the cheeks. The returning sweetness is clean and refreshing, carrying a subtle cooling sensation reminiscent of sugarcane.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eEndurance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThis tea can comfortably withstand more than twelve infusions. After the sixth infusion, the sweetness becomes increasingly pronounced, while the later steeps reveal a distinct rock-sugar character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eLeaf Base\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe infused leaves are evenly processed, displaying an attractive reddish-brown color with a natural sheen. Tender, resilient buds remain clearly visible among the leaves. There are no carbonized leaves or hard black stems. The blend appears harmonious throughout, with no sense of separation between the different source materials.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWhat Are Golden Tips?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eGolden tips are the fine hairs naturally found on young tea buds and the underside of tender leaves. Leaves picked to higher-grade standards — such as single buds, one bud with one leaf, or one bud with two leaves — typically contain a greater concentration of these fine hairs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWhy Are They Golden?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eRaw Pu-erh Tea\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eIn young raw Pu-erh tea, these fine hairs usually appear silver-white or light gray. As the tea ages, they gradually develop a yellowish hue.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eRipe Pu-erh Tea\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eDuring the wet-piling fermentation process used to produce ripe Pu-erh tea, compounds within the fine hairs interact with microbial activity, causing them to turn golden or reddish-gold in color.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eFor this reason, the golden appearance of the buds on ripe Pu-erh tea is generally considered a natural result of proper fermentation and preservation of leaf vitality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eTraditional Blending and Regional Character\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eOver the past two decades, the Pu-erh market has increasingly focused on single-village and micro-origin teas. While these teas showcase the unique characteristics of specific ecosystems and microclimates, thoughtful blending remains one of the foundations of traditional Pu-erh production.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe 2019 Lao Ban Zhang Golden Tips \u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.chineseteagroup.com\/collections\/ripe-pu-erh-tea\" style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\"\u003eRipe Pu-erh Tea\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Cake (Shou) is a carefully crafted blend of ancient-tree material from Lao Ban Zhang and neighboring Ban Pen Village. The combination brings together Lao Ban Zhang’s depth and structure with Ban Pen’s sweetness and approachability.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAfter several years of natural aging, the tea is already very enjoyable to drink today while still offering potential for further development under proper storage conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eNot sure if this tea suits your taste? Try a sample and follow our brewing guide.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.chineseteagroup.com\/products\/2019-lao-ban-zhang-ripe-pu-erh-tea-cake-sample-golden-tips\" style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\"\u003eTry Sample \u0026amp; View Guide\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chinese Tea Group","offers":[{"title":"Whole Cake (357 g)","offer_id":51147949834473,"sku":"010161-357g-2606","price":380.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0734\/7549\/0025\/files\/2019-lao-ban-zhang-golden-tips-ripe-pu-erh-tea-cake-main-display.jpg?v=1785634911","url":"https:\/\/www.chineseteagroup.com\/products\/2019-lao-ban-zhang-ripe-pu-erh-tea-cake-golden-tips","provider":"Chinese Tea Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}