2008 Lao Ban Zhang Wild Arbor Pu-erh

[TIM]

http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Lao-Ban-Zhang- ... m153.l1262

Came across this cake from http://community.livejournal.com/puerh_tea/222476.html

For $27 US / 250g. Do you think is worth it, if it's a pure Lao Banzhang puerh?

It seems too good to be true for this price on a 100% wild LBZ.

I am very temped... Anyone want to chip in and divide this up?

[Salsero]

I have one of those cakes, but haven't tasted it yet. I got it because of the discussion in this thread. In that thread, Nada points out that it couldn't be Lao Ban Zhang because the price is too low, and Teakid points out that Scott did not claim it was Lao Ban Zhang material, but rather mao cha from near BanZhang.

The small blue mini-bricks get good reviews from Dizzwave and from Teakid.

[TIM]

I have one of those cakes, but haven't tasted it yet. I got it because of the discussion in this thread. In that thread, Nada points out that it couldn't be Lao Ban Zhang because the price is too low, and Teakid points out that Scott did not claim it was Lao Ban Zhang material, but rather mao cha from near BanZhang.

The small blue mini-bricks get good reviews from Dizzwave and from Teakid.

Thanks Sal. That's what I'd expected, how could this cake cost less then wholesale price... As MarshalN also mentioned on "Price report" Thursday, October 23, 2008.

Let us know how it taste, when you do have a moment for the tea and me : )

Thanks Always. Toki

[Salsero]

Let us know how it taste, when you do have a moment for the tea and me : )

I will try it out this weekend and report back. I put a little piece in the mail to you. If you get time to taste it, let us know your thoughts.

I looked at Scott's description again. While it is true that he says the leaves are from an area "near Banzhang mountain" in the first paragraph, at the end he also says, "This cake is 100% Ban Zhang Wild Ancient Arbor material!" He seems to be stretching the definition. Of course, in the end, the only thing that matters is what it tastes like.

[Salsero]

I brewed it 5.00 g in 120 ml pot , off boil: no rinse, infusions: 20 s, 20 s, 20 s, 30 s, 30 s, 1 m, 90 s, 2 m, 2 m, 2 m, + 3 long, untimed infusions.

In the past I have thought the ratio "1 gr leaf to 30 ml water" was the gold standard, so 5 grams seemed quite generous, but for some reason I have been finding 5 gr too weak for a number of recent sessions, and this is one of those sessions. I would up the leaf to at least 6 grams in a subsequent trial.

Although this entire session seemed very light flavored, it started out sweet with some nice weight (mouthfeel), tasty, slightly oily on the lips (something I like), a bit sweet and not very astringent. The later infusions were still quite light in flavor, and dominated by a crème brulée sweetness.

I would be hesitant to pass judgment on this tea without giving it at least one more try with more leaf. I suspect more leaf will make it shine. Otherwise, based just on this session, I find it a bit too light in flavor.

I am curious now to open my 2006 and 2007 Mengku Lao Ban Zhang Pu-erh Tea mini Bricks that Dizzwave likes so much.

[TIM]

I brewed it 5.00 g in 120 ml pot , off boil: no rinse, infusions: 20 s, 20 s, 20 s, 30 s, 30 s, 1 m, 90 s, 2 m, 2 m, 2 m, + 3 long, untimed infusions.

In the past I have thought the ratio "1 gr leaf to 30 ml water" was the gold standard, so 5 grams seemed quite generous, but for some reason I have been finding 5 gr too weak for a number of recent sessions, and this is one of those sessions. I would up the leaf to at least 6 grams in a subsequent trial.

Although this entire session seemed very light flavored, it started out sweet with some nice weight (mouthfeel), tasty, slightly oily on the lips (something I like), a bit sweet and not very astringent. The later infusions were still quite light in flavor, and dominated by a crème brulée sweetness.

I would be hesitant to pass judgment on this tea without giving it at least one more try with more leaf. I suspect more leaf will make it shine. Otherwise, based just on this session, I find it a bit too light in flavor.

I am curious now to open my 2006 and 2007 Mengku Lao Ban Zhang Pu-erh Tea mini Bricks that Dizzwave likes so much.

Thanks again Sal! Interesting to get milder/weak from a LBZ. Is the lighter flavor up front and develop to a good HG (mouthfeel) later? or just mild.

Anyone have the same effects from it?

Please be patient with me. Frankly, I am not trying to promo YLS. If I do decide to purchase this.... Will be my First Internet Pu purchase for me. A bit worry.... FIP

[Salsero]

Is the lighter flavor up front and develop to a good HG (mouthfeel) later? or just mild.... Will be my First Internet Pu purchase for me. A bit worry.... FIP

Just mild.

For a first internet purchase, I would pass on this one.

[TIM]

Is the lighter flavor up front and develop to a good HG (mouthfeel) later? or just mild.... Will be my First Internet Pu purchase for me. A bit worry.... FIP

Just mild.

For a first internet purchase, I would pass on this one.

[hop_goblin]

Not LBZ.

[TIM]

Not LBZ.

Not LBZ for the first run.....

http://community.livejournal.com/puerh_tea/222476.html