This is a small tea factory production but bearing the “nei fei” of the ubiquitous CNNP (China National Native Products Import and Export Company). It’s very common for such un-official productions to take place in the first half of the 2000’s. This brick was pressed from Menghai area ripe pu-erh tea leaves. The wet piling (fermentation) level is medium, and the leaf grade is somewhat coarse with leaves ranging from grade 7 to Zao Xiang. “Zao Xiang” is a coarse large leaf pick that has been wet piled to soften it. With age these teas take on a Jujube aroma (Zao Xiang 枣香 means Jujube Aroma).
The brewed tea is sweet, a bit creamy, with a little bit just like a dried Jujube. Very smooth tea and difficult to over-brew. Not as dense or complex as some of the tippier ripes, but a good choice for late night tea or tea to drink medicinally (easy on the stomach).
250 grams per brick
2006 Production