{"product_id":"2019-lao-ban-zhang-ripe-pu-erh-tea-cake-sample-golden-tips","title":"2019 Lao Ban Zhang Golden Tips Ripe Pu-erh Tea Cake Sample","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThis 25g sample of the 2019 Lao Ban Zhang Golden Tips Ripe Pu-erh Tea Cake (Shou) allows you to enjoy the unique depth and character of this classic tea without committing to a full cake. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eApproximately 50% of the leaves are sourced from the renowned Lao Ban Zhang Village, blended with neighboring Ban Pen ancient-tree material in a 1:1 ratio for a balanced and approachable profile.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eDry Leaf \u0026amp; Appearance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eGolden Buds and Naturally Aged Leaves\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe dry leaves showcase abundant golden tips and a natural sheen from several years of aging. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe sample cake is clean, free from dust, mold, or crumbling, reflecting careful storage. A subtle, sweet aroma and mellow notes can already be appreciated before brewing.\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 and Aroma\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eLiquor Color: Deep reddish-brown, clear and bright, with noticeable viscosity. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eHot Aroma: Clean aged fragrance with delicate floral and ripe-fruit notes. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWarm Aroma: Sweet and mellow from Ban Pen material, harmonized with Lao Ban Zhang’s depth; hints of aged wood and dried jujube. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eEmpty Cup Aroma: Gentle honey-like sweetness, soft and comforting. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\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);\"\u003eSmooth, Thick, and Balanced\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eFirst Sip: Rich, silky, and thick on the palate. Lao Ban Zhang’s characteristic bold bitterness has mellowed after years of natural aging, leaving only a light, fleeting bitterness. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSweetness: Gradually develops mid-session from the Ban Pen material and golden tips. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSmoothness: Glides across the tongue, leaving a warm, comfortable sensation in the throat. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eReturning Sweetness: Salivation develops gradually with a clean, refreshing finish and a hint of sugarcane-like sweetness. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eEndurance: Suitable for multiple infusions; the sweetness becomes more pronounced after the sixth brew. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eLeaf Base \u0026amp; Quality\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAncient-Tree Tea Leaves\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe infused leaves are evenly processed, displaying reddish-brown hues with natural sheen. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eTender, resilient buds remain clearly visible, free from carbonized leaves or hard stems. The blend is harmonious, with no sense of separation between Lao Ban Zhang and Ban Pen leaves.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWhy Try This Sample?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003ePerfect for newcomers wanting to experience Lao Ban Zhang without buying a full cake. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eIdeal for seasoned Pu-erh enthusiasts who want to compare vintages or brewing styles. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eEnjoy the classic depth and sweetness of a premium sample, ready for immediate tasting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 22px; font-weight: bold; color: #333; margin: 20px 0 6px 0; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eGongfu Tea Brewing Guide\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 15px; font-weight: 500; color: #555; margin: 0 0 16px 0; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e(Traditional Method)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; color: #444; margin: 6px 0 14px 0; text-align: center; max-width: 600px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003eAlways rinse tea before the first infusion. For compressed teas, adjust the rinsing time according to the compression level, allowing the leaves to gently loosen before the first infusion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; max-width: 600px; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 0 auto; font-size: 16px; color: #333;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600; width: 45%;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e100°C (212°F)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eTea-to-Water Ratio\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e9g tea per 160ml water\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"2\" style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600; text-align: center; background: #f9f9f9;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSteeping Time\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBrews 1–5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSteep for 4–9 sec\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBrews 6–10\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSteep for 10–20 sec\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBrews 11–15\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSteep for 21–35 sec\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBrews 16+\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSteep for 35+ sec\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; color: #555; margin: 8px 0 40px 0;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTips:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tea masters recommend steeping times based on each tea's unique flavor, starting the timer after pouring the water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 22px; font-weight: bold; color: #333; margin: 20px 0 6px 0; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eCommon Brewing Guide\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 15px; font-weight: 500; color: #555; margin: 0 0 16px 0; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e(Easy Everyday Preparation)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; max-width: 600px; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 0 auto; font-size: 16px; color: #333;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600; width: 45%;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e100°C (212°F)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eLeaf-to-Water Ratio\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e2g per 100ml\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSteeping Time\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAbout 1–2 minutes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px; font-weight: 600;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSubsequent Infusions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px 16px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eIncrease by 30 seconds each time\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; color: #555; margin: 8px 0 24px 0;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTips:\u003c\/strong\u003e You can adjust the steeping time or leaf-to-water ratio to suit your taste—shorten the infusion for a lighter brew or extend it for a stronger one.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chinese Tea Group","offers":[{"title":"25 g","offer_id":51147950817513,"sku":"010161-25g-2606","price":35.0,"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-sample.jpg?v=1785634911","url":"https:\/\/www.chineseteagroup.com\/products\/2019-lao-ban-zhang-ripe-pu-erh-tea-cake-sample-golden-tips","provider":"Chinese Tea Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}