XiaGuan "Jia Tuo" (1st Grade Tuo) 100g Puerh Raw Tea Sheng Cha

• Tea Type: Sheng Cha / Raw Puerh (生普洱)
• Product Form: Tuo Cha (沱茶) – traditional bird's nest compression
• Net Weight: 100g per tuo
• Leaf Grade: 1st Grade (一级料)
• Production Region: Yunnan Province, China
• Producer: Yunnan Xiaguan Tuocha Tea Factory (云南下关沱茶厂)
• Current Age: Approximately 6 years of post-production aging
• Storage History: Kunming, Yunnan and Xi'an dry storage (干仓, gān cāng)
• Storage Verification: Clean dry storage with no off-flavors, musty notes, or humidity damage
• Maturity Stage: Young-aged; entering early maturation phase with significant aging potential remaining
• Recommended Drinking Window: Now through 30+ years with continued proper storage
• Packaging: Traditional paper wrapper with factory labeling

Dry Leaf Appearance & Aroma

The compressed tuo reveals tightly wound leaves in shades of deep forest green and silver-gray, studded with visible downy buds. The dry aroma offers an inviting prelude: sun-dried hay, distant wildflowers, and a subtle honeyed sweetness with faint hints of clean smoke characteristic of Xiaguan's signature processing style.

Wet Leaf Appearance & Aroma

Upon steeping, the leaves unfurl to reveal well-preserved, pliable material with intact serrated edges—a testament to quality leaf selection. The wet leaf aroma transforms dramatically: fresh apricot, sweet grassland herbs, and a compelling mineral undertone reminiscent of wet river stones after summer rain.

Liquor Color

The tea soup presents a luminous pale gold to amber hue, brilliant and transparent with no cloudiness—clear evidence of clean processing and proper dry storage.

Taste & Mouthfeel

• Opening Notes: Bright green vegetal character, sun-dried hay, and wildflower honey
• Mid-Palate: Gentle astringency gives way to stone fruit sweetness (apricot, white peach), light citrus zest, and a distinctive Xiaguan smokiness
• Texture: Medium-bodied with a pleasantly oily, coating mouthfeel
• Overall Character: Clean, vibrant, and refreshing with zero off-notes—no mustiness, no warehouse flavors, no unpleasant bitterness

Empty Cup Aroma (挂杯香, Guà Bēi Xiāng)

The emptied cup releases lingering notes of warm honey, dried apricot, and a whisper of camphor—a hallmark of quality Yunnan material with aging potential.

Finish & Aftertaste (回甘, Huí Gān)

A pronounced returning sweetness blooms across the palate within seconds of swallowing, accompanied by a subtle cooling sensation on the throat (喉韵, hóu yùn). The finish is exceptionally long-lasting, with honey-sweet notes persisting for several minutes.

Body Sensation (茶气, Chá Qì)

This tea delivers a noticeable energetic response: gentle warmth radiating from the chest, light perspiration across the back and forehead, and a calm yet alert mental state. The chaqi is present but accessible—stimulating without being overwhelming, making this an excellent introduction to the body sensations that define premium sheng puerh.

Brewing Endurance

Exceptional longevity in the pot. Expect 12-15 quality infusions using gongfu method, with the flavor profile evolving beautifully from bright and vegetal to sweet, smooth, and mineral-rich in later steeps.

Q: What flavor profile can I expect from this tea?

A: This Xiaguan Jia Tuo offers a flavor journey that Western palates will find approachable yet intriguing. Initial steeps present bright, hay-like freshness similar to a quality green tea, with wildflower honey sweetness and hints of stone fruit—think dried apricot or white peach. The distinctive Xiaguan smokiness adds complexity, reminiscent of a very subtle lapsang souchong but far gentler. As you progress through multiple infusions, the tea softens into sweet, mineral-rich territory with notes of wet slate and lingering honey. There is pleasant astringency that stimulates the palate without harsh bitterness, and a remarkable "returning sweetness" that blooms after each sip. Clean, vibrant, and refreshing throughout—absolutely no musty or off-putting flavors thanks to its impeccable dry storage conditions.

Q: How will this tea change with additional aging, and is it worth storing long-term?

A: This is precisely the type of tea that rewards patience. Currently at six years of age, it sits at the threshold between "young sheng" vibrancy and early maturation. Over the next 5-10 years with proper dry storage, expect the brightness to mellow while deeper notes emerge—dried fruit complexity, hints of aged wood, and developing honey-camphor aromatics. At 15-20 years, the tea will enter its prime drinking window with significantly reduced astringency, increased viscosity, and flavors approaching dried longan, aged citrus peel, and subtle herbal medicine notes. Beyond 20 years, exceptional examples develop the prized "aged sheng" character: smooth, complex, and profoundly satisfying. The 1st grade leaf material and Xiaguan's proven track record make this an excellent candidate for long-term cellaring.

Q: Why does storage matter so much for puerh, and how do I know this tea was properly stored?

A: Storage is arguably the most critical factor determining a puerh's quality after production. Sheng puerh undergoes slow microbial fermentation over time, and the environment directly influences which microorganisms thrive. "Wet storage" or humid conditions can accelerate aging but often introduce musty, basement-like flavors and potentially harmful mold. "Dry storage" (干仓, gān cāng) like the Kunming and Xi'an conditions this tea has enjoyed preserves the tea's original character while allowing graceful, clean transformation. You can verify proper storage through sensory evaluation: the dry leaves should smell fresh and clean without any ammonia or musty notes; the liquor should be clear and bright rather than murky; and most importantly, the taste should be clean with no unpleasant flavors. This Jia Tuo passes all these tests with distinction.

Q: Is this tea suitable for beginners to raw puerh?

A: Absolutely—this is an ideal gateway tea for several reasons. The 100g tuo format represents a reasonable investment to explore the category. Six years of aging has softened the aggressive astringency that can challenge newcomers to young sheng. The Xiaguan house style, while distinctive, is balanced and approachable rather than extreme. And the factory's reputation provides quality assurance that you are tasting representative, well-made sheng puerh rather than a substandard example. Start with shorter steeping times and gradually extend them as you learn how the tea responds. This forgiving tea will teach you the rhythms of gongfu brewing while delivering genuinely satisfying results from your first session.

Gongfu Brewing Method (Recommended)

Equipment:

• Gaiwan or Yixing clay teapot: 100-150ml capacity
• Fair cup (公道杯, gōng dào bēi) for decanting
• Tasting cups
• Tea pick or puerh knife for breaking the tuo

Preparation:

• Leaf Amount: 6-8 grams per 100ml water
• Water Quality: Filtered or spring water; avoid distilled or heavily chlorinated tap water
• Water Temperature: 95-100C (203-212F)—freshly boiled water works well for aged sheng

Breaking the Tuo:
Using a tea pick or puerh knife, gently pry leaves from the edge of the tuo, working inward. Aim to separate leaves rather than break them. Avoid crushing the material into small fragments, which can cause over-extraction.

Rinse (洗茶, Xǐ Chá):
Perform one quick rinse: pour hot water over the leaves, immediately discard this first infusion. This awakens the compressed leaves and removes any surface dust from storage.

Steeping Sequence:

• Steeps 1-3: 10-15 seconds. Expect bright, vegetal, slightly smoky character.
• Steeps 4-7: 15-25 seconds. The tea opens fully with peak complexity and sweetness.
• Steeps 8-12: 30-60 seconds. Mellower, sweeter, increasingly mineral.
• Steeps 13+: 1-3 minutes. Extended steeps yield gentle, sweet broth.

Adjust timing based on personal preference—shorter steeps for lighter, more delicate cups; longer steeps for bolder, more concentrated flavor.

Western-Style Brewing (Alternative)

• Leaf Amount: 3-4 grams per 350ml
• Water Temperature: 95C (203F)
• Steep Time: 3-4 minutes for first infusion; add 1 minute for subsequent steeps
• Yield: 2-3 quality infusions

Note: Western brewing produces a different experience—more consistent but less dynamic than gongfu method. We recommend trying gongfu style to fully appreciate this tea's complexity and evolution across multiple infusions.

Grandpa Style (Casual Method)

For informal daily drinking, place 2-3 grams of leaf directly in a tall glass or mug. Add hot water and sip as you work, topping up with fresh water as needed. The leaves remain in the vessel throughout. This method is forgiving and produces a lighter, constantly evolving cup.

Storage Recommendations

Optimal Conditions:

• Environment: Clean, dry, odor-free space away from kitchens, bathrooms, and strong-smelling items
• Humidity: 50-70% relative humidity is ideal; below 50% slows aging, above 75% risks mold
• Temperature: Stable room temperature (15-28C / 59-82F); avoid extreme fluctuations
• Light: Store away from direct sunlight; darkness is preferred
• Air: Some air circulation is beneficial; completely airtight containers may halt fermentation

Practical Storage Options:

• Original paper wrapper inside a cardboard box or ceramic jar with loose-fitting lid
• Dedicated tea cabinet or bookshelf in a climate-controlled room
• For humid climates: consider a pumidor (humidity-controlled cabinet) or adding moisture-absorbing packets

Important Considerations:

• Store puerh away from other teas, especially strongly scented varieties like jasmine
• Keep sheng and shou (ripe) puerh separate to prevent flavor cross-contamination
• Periodically check stored tea for any unusual odors or visual mold growth
• Allow newly arrived tea to rest for 2-4 weeks before brewing to recover from shipping stress

Long-Term Aging:
This Jia Tuo is an excellent candidate for extended aging. With proper storage, expect continued positive development over 20-30+ years. Consider purchasing multiple tuos: one for current enjoyment and others for your aging collection to compare development over time.