2022 Xia Guan "Jia Tuo" Ham Sheng Puerh

• Tea Type: Sheng Puerh (Raw Pu-erh / 生普洱)
• Pressing Year: 2022
• Leaf Material Age: Young leaves, 1–3 years old
• Origin Region: Yunnan Province, China
• Producer: Xiaguan Tea Factory (下关茶厂) – Established 1902; one of China's most historic and respected Pu-erh manufacturers
• Shape: Tuo Cha (bowl-shaped compressed tea)
• Net Weight: 100 grams per set
• Packaging: Individually wrapped tuos for optimal freshness preservation
• Current Maturity Stage: Young Sheng – lively, sweet, and approachable; ideal for drinking now or aging
• Aging Potential: Excellent; structured for 10–30+ years of flavor evolution under proper dry storage
• Storage History: Dry warehouse (干仓 / gān cāng) conditions in Kunming, Yunnan and Xi'an, Shaanxi
• Storage Assurance: Clean, pure, and free from any off-flavors, mustiness, or storage-related taints

Dry Leaf Appearance & Aroma

The compressed tuo reveals tightly woven, elongated leaf threads generously studded with silvery-white tips (白毫 / bái háo). Upon breaking the tuo, expect an inviting fragrance of raw honey, fresh hay, and subtle floral undertones—clean and vibrant, signaling well-preserved leaf integrity.

Wet Leaf Appearance & Aroma

After rinsing, the leaves unfurl to display supple, olive-green surfaces with visible buds. The wet aroma intensifies into warm honeycomb, sun-dried apricot, and a whisper of fresh-cut grass—sweet, bright, and alive.

Liquor Color

A luminous, transparent golden-yellow with remarkable clarity—indicative of high-grade leaf material and proper processing. The soup is clean with no sediment or cloudiness.

Taste & Mouthfeel

The first sip reveals a pronounced honey-like sweetness that coats the tongue, followed by soft vegetal notes reminiscent of blanched greens and young bamboo. The texture is notably thick and silky—substantial without any roughness. Mid-palate, a gentle astringency emerges to provide structure, but it quickly dissolves into a wave of returning sweetness (回甘 / huí gān). The overall impression is remarkably smooth, balanced, and inviting—especially impressive for a young Sheng.

Empty Cup Aroma (杯底香 / Bēi Dǐ Xiāng)

Allow the cup to cool after sipping. Lift and inhale: layers of warm honey, toasted grain, and delicate wildflower linger on the porcelain—a testament to the tea's aromatic depth and quality.

Aftertaste & Finish (尾韵 / Wěi Yùn)

The finish is long and rewarding. Sweetness continues to build in the throat for several minutes, accompanied by a cooling, almost mint-like sensation at the back of the palate. Clean and refreshing, with no bitterness or unpleasant residue.

Body Sensation (茶气 / Chá Qì)

This Jia Tuo delivers a gentle yet perceptible tea energy. Expect a mild warming sensation in the chest and upper body, relaxed shoulders, and a subtle clarity of mind. For a young Sheng, the Qi is approachable rather than overwhelming—ideal for daily sessions without overstimulation.

Durability

Highly durable across 10–15 infusions. The flavor profile evolves gracefully: early steeps emphasize sweetness and florals, mid-session brings out thicker body and gentle astringency, and later steeps offer a soft, grain-like sweetness that trails into calm simplicity.

Q1: What flavor profile can I expect from this tea?

This 2022 Jia Tuo opens with a bright, honey-forward sweetness balanced by subtle vegetal notes similar to blanched greens or young bamboo shoots. The mouthfeel is notably silky and full-bodied, creating a luxurious texture that glides across the palate. As you progress through multiple steeps, you will notice soft floral hints, a touch of dried apricot, and a gentle hay-like freshness. The tea finishes remarkably clean with a pronounced returning sweetness (huigan) that lingers in the throat. There is no harshness, no bitterness, and absolutely no off-flavors—just pure, approachable Sheng Puerh character. Think of it as the tea equivalent of raw acacia honey drizzled over freshly cut grass on a spring morning.

Q2: Is this tea suitable for long-term aging, and how will its flavor change over time?

Absolutely—this Jia Tuo was designed with aging in mind. Young Sheng Puerh like this transforms dramatically under proper dry storage. Over the first 5–10 years, the bright honey notes will deepen into dried stone fruit and subtle wood tones. Between 10–20 years, expect emerging complexity: hints of aged leather, sandalwood, and medicinal sweetness. Beyond 20–30 years, well-stored Xiaguan tuos often develop the prized "Chen Xiang" (陈香)—an antique, book-like aroma with profound depth. The current dry-storage history in Kunming and Xi'an provides an excellent foundation. To continue this trajectory, store the tuo in a cool, dry, odor-free environment with stable humidity around 60–70%. Patience will be richly rewarded.

Q3: I'm new to Sheng Puerh. Is this tea beginner-friendly or too intense?

This Jia Tuo is an excellent entry point for newcomers to raw Pu-erh. Unlike some young Sheng teas that can be aggressively bitter or astringent, Xiaguan's careful leaf selection and processing yield a remarkably smooth, sweet, and balanced cup. The astringency is gentle and transforms quickly into pleasant sweetness, making it forgiving for those still refining their brewing technique. It also performs well with slightly cooler water (around 85–90°C), which further softens any edge. At the same time, the tea has enough complexity and Qi presence to satisfy more experienced drinkers. Consider it a bridge tea—welcoming for beginners, yet compelling enough to keep connoisseurs coming back.

Q4: How does the dry-storage history affect this tea's quality and safety?

Dry storage (干仓 / gān cāng) is critical for preserving the purity and aging potential of Sheng Puerh. This Jia Tuo has been stored in warehouses in Kunming and Xi'an—both regions known for their relatively low humidity and stable temperatures. These conditions prevent the growth of mold and undesirable bacteria while allowing the tea to undergo slow, natural fermentation. The result is a clean, bright flavor with no musty, fishy, or "wet pile" off-notes that can plague improperly stored Pu-erh. For health-conscious drinkers, dry storage also means peace of mind: the tea you are brewing is exactly what it should be—pure leaf, clean air, and time. This verified storage history is one of the key reasons this Jia Tuo stands out in the market.

Brewing Guide

Gongfu Style (Recommended)

What You Need:

• Gaiwan (盖碗) or Yixing clay teapot, 100–150ml capacity
• Digital thermometer or temperature-controlled kettle
• Tea scale
• Fair cup (公道杯 / gōng dào bēi) and tasting cups

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Measure Your Leaf:
   Use approximately 5 grams of tea per 100ml of water. For a 150ml gaiwan, weigh out 7–8 grams.
2. Heat Your Water:
   Bring fresh, filtered water to 85–90°C (185–194°F). Slightly cooler water tames any youthful astringency; as the tea ages, you may increase toward boiling.
3. Preheat Your Vessel:
   Pour hot water into your gaiwan and cups, swirl, and discard. This stabilizes brewing temperature.
4. Rinse the Leaves (醒茶 / Xǐng Chá):
   Add tea to the preheated gaiwan. Pour hot water over the leaves just to cover, then immediately discard this first rinse. This awakens the compressed leaves and removes surface dust.
5. First Infusion:
   Pour water gently down the side of the gaiwan. Steep for 15–20 seconds, then decant fully into your fair cup.
6. Subsequent Infusions:
   Gradually increase steep time by 5–10 seconds per round. This tea is highly durable—expect 10–15 flavorful infusions with proper technique.
7. Adjust to Taste:
   Prefer more sweetness? Use cooler water and shorter steeps. Want more body and astringency? Increase temperature and time. Let your palate guide you.

Western Style (Convenient Alternative)

• Ratio: 3–4 grams per 250ml (8 oz) of water
• Temperature: 85–90°C (185–194°F)
• Steep Time: 2–3 minutes for first infusion; add 30–60 seconds for subsequent brews
• Infusions: 3–5 flavorful cups

Note: Gongfu brewing extracts more nuance and allows you to experience the tea's evolution across many steeps. Western style is convenient but sacrifices some complexity.

Grandpa Style (Casual Enjoyment)

• Add 2–3 grams of tea directly to a tall glass or mug
• Pour 85–90°C water and let leaves settle
• Sip as desired; refill with hot water throughout the day
• Perfect for office or travel when full brewing gear isn't available

Storage Recommendations

Proper storage is essential to protect your investment and maximize aging potential. Follow these guidelines:

• Environment: Store in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and temperature fluctuations. Ideal temperature range: 20–26°C (68–79°F).
• Humidity: Maintain relative humidity between 55–70%. Avoid extremes—too dry halts aging; too humid invites mold.
• Odor Isolation: Pu-erh absorbs surrounding aromas easily. Keep away from kitchens, spices, perfumes, cleaning products, and other teas with strong scents. Dedicate a storage space exclusively for Pu-erh.
• Air Circulation: Some minimal airflow benefits aging. Avoid completely airtight containers; a cardboard box, ceramic jar with loose lid, or dedicated Pu-erh storage cabinet works well.
• Original Packaging: The individual wrappers protect each tuo from damage and cross-contamination. Keep them intact until you are ready to brew.
• Long-Term Cellaring: If storing for 10+ years, periodically check for any signs of unwanted mold or off-odors. Well-maintained dry storage will reward you with profound transformation over time.

Summary: Cool, dry, dark, odor-free, and patient. Treat your Jia Tuo with respect, and it will repay you with decades of evolving pleasure.