Menghai 7542 collection | 2001 to 2005 as a start?

[auhckw]

I am very new in tea / Pu-erh. I like the idea of having Pu-erh tea that will change in taste and price value increase over time... Now the question is how do I start a collection?

I just came back from a tea shop. They have many different kinds of pu-erh. According to them, Menghai 7542 is common / well known and if I start with it, I shouldn't go wrong.

So I asked whether they have any new Menghai 7542 as in recent years. They said they don't have it yet cause newer batch is from the company after it turned privately owned. He said good Menghai pu-erh are back when it is before 2005 when it is still owned by state.

He then said when the company turned private, many old staffs were terminated and therefor the making process / quality has been altered in a way. So best to go for it before the company turned private.

I asked them, what year of 7542 do they have? They have from year 88, 96, 97, 99, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05.

Price estimation:-
88 - RM 4k+ / USD 1,261+
01 - RM 400+ / USD 126+
05 - RM 150+ / USD 47+

I am thinking to buy in this manner 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 - 2 pieces each. 1 for drinking slowly over time, and 1 for keeping. Will then slowly buy back dated Menghai 7542. Is this a good start for beginner?

Beside the above, I was also told that Lao BanZhang has the best tea leaves in pu-erh and it is usually limited and priced higher. I am also considering whether should I not go with the 7542 collection above and concentrate on Lao BanZhang collection?

Any comments?

[debunix]

I think the question as written suggests that you're not ready to start a collection yet. Menghai 7542 is a ripe or shu puerh recipe developed to make consistent product from year to year from large-scale tea production; Lao Ban Zhang is a tea producing area that seems to be primarily small-scale producers growing leaf that is used for sheng puerh.

I'd recommend you educate your palate first, trying a wide variety of puerhs, shengs and shus, some younger, some older, some cheaper, some expensive, ideally mostly small samples (especially for the really pricey versions), and compare them to each other, until you can better define what *you* really prefer.

I'd use TeaChat as a resource to help identify sources and specific puerhs to sample, and after a year or two, you'll have a lot better idea of what you want to actually buy, keep, and drink for the long term.

[nickE]

Menghai 7542 is a ripe or shu puerh recipe developed to make consistent product from year to year from large-scale tea production;

Hmm, I think you are thinking of 7452 which is in fact a shu/ripe.

7542 is indeed raw. Pretty much the classic Menghai recipe.

As for starting your collection this way, it is likely that the cakes from pre-2006 will be better than they are in current years for reasons you mentioned. I have heard that Menghai was privatized way before that, though.

As the tea factory industry in China privatized in the late 1980s through the 1990s, Menghai Tea Factory adopted its "Dayi" (大益) logo and went fully private in 1996.

The price you will pay for those cakes is quite high (I'm sure you noticed).

There are plenty of top quality cakes available from very recent years that you could buy to start your collection.

[nickE]

Is this a good start for beginner?

Ah, I didn't realize that you were a complete Puerh-newbie.

In that case, Debunix' advice is best.

I'd recommend you educate your palate first, trying a wide variety of puerhs, shengs and shus, some younger, some older, some cheaper, some expensive, ideally mostly small samples (especially for the really pricey versions), and compare them to each other, until you can better define what *you* really prefer.

[auhckw]

Lucky I made this post to get opinions. I think after reading the comments, the wiser move is I choose a specific recipe that I can afford and like, try and if like buy extras to keep. Then move on to next recipe. Like this I will get wider range of pu-erh. Rather than only 1 recipe (which may be quite similar in taste, since gap of years is not big).

[auhckw]

Is this a good start for beginner?

Ah, I didn't realize that you were a complete Puerh-newbie.

Not only newbie to Pu-erh but other teas also. A lot to ask / read / try / tuition fees to pay...

[shogun89]

Okay, so firstly I also think like mentioned above that you need to learn what to look for and branch out a little bit before diving into these expensive semi-aged cakes. Those Dayi are yummy and a good buy, however you need to be very very careful with fakes when it comes to Dayi of that age. Second, LBZ is a bit overrated, everyone freaks out about it simply because it is more rare. dont waste your money on the hype.

[hop_goblin]

The next step in puerh appreciation is to learn the different effects of region on the human body in regards to the sensations and chaqi. Most people who seek specific growths primarly do so as a result of the aforementioned. Lao Banzang is considered great tea, but for those who are yet not indoctrinated, or who have yet grasp the fundementals of these concepts, purchasing coveted vintages or growths would be frankly a waste of money. That said, I would dabble in samples first and then purchase later.

[Dass]

Hi,
You can actually collect other Dayi teas other than 7542.
There are others that has good taste and will turn out fine.
Dayi
Example: 2006 High Mountain,2006 7742,2004 color dayi(8852 500g).Even Dayi tuo is worth keeping.

[auhckw]

Hi,
You can actually collect other Dayi teas other than 7542.
There are others that has good taste and will turn out fine.
Dayi
Example: 2006 High Mountain,2006 7742,2004 color dayi(8852 500g).Even Dayi tuo is worth keeping.

Yes, after I read the previous post above, I have decided to diversify. Wider range of taste.I plan start off with few of Dayi's recipe first as they are more common, then move into other factory, etc

[Dass]

Hi,
You can actually collect other Dayi teas other than 7542.
There are others that has good taste and will turn out fine.
Dayi
Example: 2006 High Mountain,2006 7742,2004 color dayi(8852 500g).Even Dayi tuo is worth keeping.

Yes, after I read the previous post above, I have decided to diversify. Wider range of taste.I plan start off with few of Dayi's recipe first as they are more common, then move into other factory, etc

Are you from KL.If yes we can meet up and I can take you to a few tea shops.I myself have collected alot of tea the past 10years.Best to stick with Dayi of you want to invest and other brands if you like the taste and want to keep a few.

[auhckw]

Hi,
You can actually collect other Dayi teas other than 7542.
There are others that has good taste and will turn out fine.
Dayi
Example: 2006 High Mountain,2006 7742,2004 color dayi(8852 500g).Even Dayi tuo is worth keeping.

Yes, after I read the previous post above, I have decided to diversify. Wider range of taste.I plan start off with few of Dayi's recipe first as they are more common, then move into other factory, etc

Are you from KL.If yes we can meet up and I can take you to a few tea shops.I myself have collected alot of tea the past 10years.Best to stick with Dayi of you want to invest and other brands if you like the taste and want to keep a few.

Yes, I am in KL. Will be great to know such an experience guy like you. Lets discuss this in PM for when to meet up.

[kotapura]

If you in KL on weekend, I can recommend that you visit KL Tea Art Society. You can meet many tea enthusiastic and share plenty of information on tea, teapot and also drink plenty of tea. The place is located in Selangor Complex at Sultan Street on level 2. Activities starts at 2.30pm onwards.

[auhckw]

If you in KL on weekend, I can recommend that you visit KL Tea Art Society. You can meet many tea enthusiastic and share plenty of information on tea, teapot and also drink plenty of tea. The place is located in Selangor Complex at Sultan Street on level 2. Activities starts at 2.30pm onwards.

Ah, thanks. This is good info. Unfortunately this weekend I've got visitor.

Is this gathering every weekend? On Sat or Sun? Do I need to pay / join as member or just walk in for free?