This raw tea cake originates from the "iconic production area" of Pu-erh tea — Lao Ban Zhang Village in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan. It was harvested from a 400+ year-old single tree in the spring of 2023 and then pressed into a cake.

Pu-erh teas named after their villages are regarded as famous teas from renowned mountains, with Lao Ban Zhang (老班章) being considered the king among them. In the village lies an ancient tea garden with a rich history, home to the oldest tea trees, known as the "Tea King Land," a nationally recognized ecological tea garden. The tea tree numbered "111" comes from this land.

This ancient tea tree, over 400 years old, produces approximately 3–3.5 kilograms of dry tea leaves each spring. The harvesting rights are publicly determined through bidding. In 2023, the Chinese Tea Group won the bid and pressed the leaves into 200-gram tea cakes (instead of the conventional 357 grams), totaling just 16 cakes. The tea cakes are packaged with a certified design to ensure product traceability.

A rare origin, centuries-old tea trees, and single-tree raw material have long been regarded as treasures. In 2023, the region experienced drought conditions, which led to slower tea leaf growth due to insufficient rainfall. As a result, the tea has a more concentrated aroma, a richer flavor, and exceptional potential for aging and collection. This year stands out as one of the most distinctive in recent times for tea production.

Our tea experts often receive questions about the price differences among teas from the same region. With over 30 years of experience, we offer insights:

• Different harvest seasons within the same region.
• Varying tea tree varieties and ages within the same region.
• The proximity to the core production area typically influences pricing.
• Selective picking (single-harvest) often results in a higher-quality product compared to mixed picking (using materials from different trees, ages, or seasons).

Most Pu-erh teas are blends, with experienced tea experts combining materials from various regions and seasons to refine the taste. However, for low-yield regions like Lao Ban Zhang, blends will generally lower the price. Our 2023 Lao Ban Zhang raw Pu-erh tea is entirely made from single-tree ancient large-leaf variety trees, harvested in spring, with no blending from other seasons or trees.

This tea offers a bold and intense character upon entry, accompanied by a lasting aroma and a rapid returning sweetness. These unique qualities are characteristic of the Lao Ban Zhang region and contribute to its title as the "King" of teas. Pu-erh tea at the 1-to-3-year range is at its freshest, with the most intense aroma, tea energy, and tea character. Over time, it will evolve, becoming smoother and developing deeper, aged flavors.

In addition to its pure lineage, our Lao Ban Zhang tea provides the unique experience of unblended, high-quality Pu-erh. It is a treasured masterpiece that will only increase in value as it ages, offering an evolving flavor profile that is truly irreplaceable.

Tea Details

• Year: 2023
• Type: Raw (Sheng) Pu-erh Tea
• Shape: Tea Cake
• Weight: 200g
• Origin: Lao Banzhang Village, Bulang Mountain, Menghai County, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan
• Elevation: Around 1,900 meters
• Tree Age: Gu Shu (Ancient Tea Trees, over 400 years old)
• Varietal (Cultivar): Da Ye Zhong (Large-Leaf Variety)

Not sure if this tea suits your taste? Try a sample and follow our brewing guide.

Try Sample & View Guide