Sourcing tongs (and other large quantities)

[PolyhymnianMuse]

Where are some reliable sources for tongs? Looking to start building up some stock of raw puerh.

[bellmont]

What raw puerh characteristics appeal the most to you?

Western facing vendor or non-western facing vendor (e.g. taobao)?

[PolyhymnianMuse]

I'll also specify a bit more, I'm like looking for better know cakes that will almost def age well, but I'll welcome suggestions on anything

[PolyhymnianMuse]

I prefer the sweet, dried fruit flavors raw stuff with age on it can sometimes have.

[shah82]

what's you price range/3kilo?

[PolyhymnianMuse]

Well I'm looking to buy younger stuff to age myself so nothing super expensive. It would be nice if I can get it down to no more than $25-$35 a cake

[Puerlife]

I pulled out my Xiaguan FT tuo (with the yellow ribbon, in the round, yellow box) and tried it and it was very good! I bought it two years ago from Yunnan Sourcing. I don't know what a 20-year-old one tastes like but they do appreciate in value even though they are everywhere (because people drink them). I suspect that the box it came in is perfect for longterm storage (I'm sure the high compression helps, too. While some of my no brand tea fluctuates wildly depending on the season, this little tuo has a very strong, fresh aroma. So, anyway, just mentioning it because it's nice to have something in the collection that you don't have to worry about much.
My main concern/problem is storage. I have months of plus 80% RH and months of sub 50% RH and with a no name cake it's hard to know what to expect, but with companies like Xiaguan and Dayi, they have a track record of aging that people trust, so I think you are on the right track, choosing some well-known cakes/tongs.
I have an '09 7542 that is OK. A friend of mine has an '05 7542. His is obviously cut from the same cloth but tastes more aged. It'll take a lot longer for even his to have the flavors you want but if you've got the time, it's a good one to have. Just be careful--Dayi is now making some 'drink now" versions of their cakes, which might not age as well, but I know almost nothing about that. Hope this rambling helps somehow.

[theredbaron]

I'll also specify a bit more, I'm like looking for better know cakes that will almost def age well, but I'll welcome suggestions on anything

It's trial and error. It really depends on many factors. What is the climate you are living in? Personal taste, etc.
I would suggest a mix of teas. Some blends of known factories, some more expensive Gushu, some white label teas that may or may not turn out fantastic. Also some already semi-aged teas would be advisable.

Aging Pu Erh is at least a ten year investment. I live in one of the most favorable climates for aging Pu Erh, and would start drinking after about 8 years, but my regular Pu's are 10 to 15 years old, with a few rare treats that are a bit older than that.

[PolyhymnianMuse]

What I mean is I'm looking to purchase more tried and true recipes from producers known for decent quality. This is all good information but doesn't answer my actual question of where to find it to buy

[Puerlife]

Kuala Lumpur

[theredbaron]

https://yunnansourcing.com/ has a huge selection.

[Cwyn]

2015 DXS Yongde 100g cakes, $3 each, 10 cakes in a tong= $30
http://www.chawangshop.com/index.php/20 ... -100g.html

Generally buying tongs is not a great way to start out. It takes time to figure how how to store your tea in the long term and also to figure out what you really like. Keep "tuition tea" small. These cakes above are an inexpensive way to experiment. With 10 cakes in a tong, drink one every year! Each year will be different and you will have a decade-long journey with this small purchase. Along the way buy single cakes of other teas to try.

[rickardg]

2015 DXS Yongde 100g cakes, $3 each, 10 cakes in a tong= $30
http://www.chawangshop.com/index.php/20 ... -100g.html

Generally buying tongs is not a great way to start out. It takes time to figure how how to store your tea in the long term and also to figure out what you really like. Keep "tuition tea" small. These cakes above are an inexpensive way to experiment. With 10 cakes in a tong, drink one every year! Each year will be different and you will have a decade-long journey with this small purchase. Along the way buy single cakes of other teas to try.

That would be a very interesting experiment, I'm sorely tempted to get a tong or two.

But the main question is: is the tea itself good enough to merit the trouble?

[toby]

Go to a authorised dealer of Xiaguan in Southern China.

[PolyhymnianMuse]

An authorized dealer for factory cakes would be great. Is anyone aware of any that are westerner-friendly?