Xiaguan Jia Ji Boxed vs. No Box

[Maitre_Tea]

I've been trolling around Tao Bao for some juvenile Xiaguan Jia Ji tuocha from 02-03, and I've found Jia Ji tuocha that are in those ubiquitous green boxes and those that are not. Neither of these are FT productions, by the way. Is there a noticeable quality/taste difference between these two versions, or is it just different ways of selling the same brand of tea? Any information would be greatly helpful

[gingkoseto]

I don't like or drink them (but keeping some to see if I will like them 10 years later ). But I asked this to a few tea dealers and their answer is they are the same. I personally like to keep the no box version since the box is just nothing elegant and occupies more space.

[thanks]

It could be a storage condition issue. Xiaguan is fond of making iron bings of their regular recipes for more traditional storage like in Hong Kong. This could be a similar thing with the boxed versions being more suited to traditional storage.

[Maitre_Tea]

So after trying a few '01/'02 boxed/non-boxed jia jia tuo I'm surprised at the differences between the non-boxed/boxed version. Granted, these differences may reflect storage conditions, which production run, etc., but I'm finding the boxed versions to be more complex, with a menthol/minty sensation in the mouth. They're also surprisingly aged, almost as much as the non-boxed jia ji tuo I've tasted, which makes me wonder if they store them outside of the box but put them back in when they're being sold.

[cha-fu]

.... if they store them outside of the box but put them back in when they're being sold.

I think your speculation is plausible. Some tea vendors/collectors strip Tuo's wrapper and place them in a clay pot or other container to speed up aging process. They do this to their personal collection. Sometime, those personal collection are put back into market after repacked with original wrapper. So, unless there is a seal on the box, it's possible the boxed version was a repack.

[oldmanteapot]

.... if they store them outside of the box but put them back in when they're being sold.

I think your speculation is plausible. Some tea vendors/collectors strip Tuo's wrapper and place them in a clay pot or other container to speed up aging process. They do this to their personal collection. Sometime, those personal collection are put back into market after repacked with original wrapper. So, unless there is a seal on the box, it's possible the boxed version was a repack.

+1

It does happen, but with many fraudulent sellers in the market, buyers are also more aware and careful when buying Pu that are opened and repacked. If the purpose of storing the Tuo is for resale, it's best to keep the wrappers intact. If it's for personal consumption, then you're free to open up the entire wrapper.

Cheers!