{"product_id":"2024-xiao-hu-sai-raw-pu-erh-tea-cake","title":"2024 Xiao Hu Sai Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThis 2024 Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake comes from Xiao Hu Sai, a remote mountain village in Yunnan Province. In the local language, the name means \"a place hidden from discovery.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eFittingly, the tea produced here is often regarded as one of the few teas among the Mengku Eighteen Villages capable of rivaling the character of \u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.chineseteagroup.com\/products\/2018-bing-dao-ancient-tree-raw-puer-tea-cake\" style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\"\u003eBingdao\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, one of Yunnan's most highly regarded Pu-erh-producing areas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThis secluded village sits halfway up the slopes of Mengku Snow Mountain, with two rivers flowing on either side of the settlement.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe area is rich in ancient tea trees. Unlike many tea regions where prices are determined primarily by tree age, Xiao Hu Sai tea is traditionally valued according to the quality of the soil.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eLocal tea-farming families divide their inherited tea gardens into five different grades based on terroir.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe finest and most expensive teas come from the \"Red Soil\" area, the highest-elevation gardens closest to the mountain. Tea grown there is considered:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003ethe most balanced\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003ethe smoothest\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003ethe sweetest\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThis is one reason it is often compared to Bingdao, as Bingdao tea is also associated with red-soil terroir.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe next tier is known as \"Stone Soil,\" named for its rocky terrain.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eMore than a thousand years ago, the Chinese tea sage Lu Yu wrote in the classic work The Classic of Tea: \"The finest tea grows among weathered rocks.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThis principle has also been demonstrated in the famous tea mountains of Wuyi (the Wuyi \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eMountain region), where the celebrated rock oolongs are cultivated among rocky cliffs and are considered some of the finest oolong teas in China.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe remaining grades are:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBamboo Grove Soil\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eVillage-Edge Ancient Trees (tea gardens located closer to the residential area)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBlack Soil\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eOur 2024 Xiao Hu Sai Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake is made from fresh leaves harvested from the Stone Soil gardens, ranking second among the five recognized terroir grades of this production area.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAroma\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eDry Leaf Aroma\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe leaves are thick, robust, and dark green with an oily sheen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWhen smelled dry, they offer a gentle honey-like sweetness accompanied by a subtle cool mineral character reminiscent of mountain stone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWarmed Cup Aroma\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAfter warming the cup, the fragrance rises with pronounced floral notes reminiscent of wild orchids and mountain blossoms.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBeneath the floral aroma lies a layer of rock sugar sweetness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe profile shares some similarities with Bingdao tea, though it presents itself in a more delicate and refined manner.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eLiquor Aroma\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe floral fragrance is integrated into the tea liquor itself, supported by a clean and lingering rock sugar sweetness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eTaste\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eEarly Infusions (1–3)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eOn the palate, the tea is soft, sweet, and smooth, with virtually no bitterness or astringency.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe liquor feels fine and silky, while sweetness quickly emerges across the tongue and cheeks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eA distinct rock-sugar sweetness is present.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eCompared with Bingdao, the sweetness is slightly less intense, but it is complemented by a clearer mineral character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eMiddle Infusions (4–6)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe body of the liquor becomes thicker and more substantial.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eA slight astringency may appear briefly but dissipates quickly, followed by a lively, lasting mouth-watering sensation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAt this stage, the characteristics of the Stone Soil terroir become more apparent.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eA cooling sensation develops in the throat, followed by a refreshing sweetness that returns like mountain spring water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe tea remains balanced, full-bodied, and expressive without becoming aggressive.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eLater Infusions (7–10+)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBitterness and astringency largely fade away.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe liquor remains sweet and smooth, revealing notes reminiscent of bamboo leaves and gentle woody sweetness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe tea has excellent endurance, maintaining a stable rock-sugar-like sweetness even after ten infusions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eOverall Assessment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThis 2024 Xiao Hu Sai Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake combines the softness and elegance of the liquor with the strength and vitality often associated with mountain-grown \u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.chineseteagroup.com\/collections\/pu-erh-tea\" style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\"\u003ePu-erh\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eIts character leans toward clean sweetness supported by a firm underlying structure.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe aroma is deep and refined rather than overtly intense, while the liquor balances softness with strength.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eParticularly noteworthy are the cooling mineral notes derived from its rocky soil and the exceptionally persistent returning sweetness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThese qualities allow this second-tier terroir grade to deliver remarkable drinking value.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eIt is well suited to tea drinkers who appreciate a tea that is sweet, refined, and nuanced while still retaining a distinctive mountain character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAlthough it has only been aged for two years, it is already highly enjoyable to drink today and also shows excellent potential for long-term aging and transformation.\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\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.chineseteagroup.com\/products\/2024-xiao-hu-sai-raw-pu-erh-tea-cake-sample\" style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTry Sample \u0026amp; View Guide\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chinese Tea Group","offers":[{"title":"Whole Cake (357 g)","offer_id":51608817074409,"sku":"010171-357g-2606","price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0734\/7549\/0025\/files\/2024-xiao-hu-sai-raw-pu-erh-tea-cake-mengku-origin.jpg?v=1785642043","url":"https:\/\/www.chineseteagroup.com\/products\/2024-xiao-hu-sai-raw-pu-erh-tea-cake","provider":"Chinese Tea Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}