Jas-eTea

The Xiaguan Tea Factory is one of the chief pu-erh tea factories in China. The following teas are some of my favorite Xiaguan tea that will provide a nice introduction to the factory for you. All samples are in 25 grams sizes unless otherwise indicated.

2008 Xiaguan FT "Exquisite Elegance" Pu-erh Tea - 25 grams.  This production is an entirely new recipe for 2008 based on the "Holy (Tibetan) Flame" brand of Xiaguan.  The FT releases were originally all sent to Taiwan, but nowadays some Guangzhou tea sellers and collectors are starting to stock these premium teas!  Bao Yan (means Holy Fame) Brand is the brand traditionally used by Tibetan people to make yak butter teas.  The "Exquisite Elegance" (or 独领风骚) Cake is composed of high quality blended material from 2006 and 2007.  There is a balanced flavor present and a full thick textured brew that soothes the mouth and throat.  Notice the special iron pressing impression for this cake.  An extremely limited production.

2008 Xiaguan FT "Instant Sensation" Raw Pu-erh tea - 25 grams.  "Instant Sensation" (一鸣惊人) is a special Nan Zhao Brand FT production cake that uses an iron press with the Nan Zhao (Southern Kingdom) symbol pressed into the middle of the cake.  High quality 2007 and 2008 early spring material was used.  Once again pure Cang Shan mountain spring water was used for the steaming process.  This enhances the natural aromatic quality of the tea.  This cake is stunning to look at with high quality leaves with buds and blended well throughout the cake, not just on the surface.  The tea brews thick and strong with a pleasant and stimulating cha qi.  

2008 Xiaguan FT "Nan Zhao Round Cake" Pu-erh Tea - 25 grams.  This production is new for 2008 based on the "Nan Zhao Round Cake" that was first released as an "FT" (Fei Tai LLC of Taiwan) production in 2003.  The FT releases were originally all sent to Taiwan, but nowadays some Guangzhou tea sellers and collectors are starting to stock these premium teas!  Nan Zhao (means Southern Edict) Brand is the brand most often used to stamp Fei Tai products. 

2008 Xiaguan FT "Yun Mei" Raw Pu-erh tea - 25 grams.  Yun Mei（Cloud Plum) is a special production cake that uses an iron press with five plum blossom indentations.  High quality 2007 and 2008 early spring material was used.  Once again pure Cang Shan mountain spring water was used for the steaming process.  This enhances the natural aromatic quality of the tea.  The tea leaves are mostly uniform in size, some are buds, others are leaves, but a nice balanced flavor will result from this expert blend.