Changtai Hao #642 2006

For lovers of balanced aged Shengs.

On the road to a hearty ageing, the bud-heavy leaves of this cake release an orange liquor conveying a warm bath full of earth- and woodiness. Cherry wood, an edge of iron, and a subtle butteriness in the nose adds up to a flavour like nothing so much as almond. A tempered hand while steeping will keep it going for many stimulating infusions, pungent in the nose yet mild on the tongue; more intense steepings bring out the savoury character of aged soy sauce and an almost chewy texture.

The Changtai Tea Group

Founded in 1999, the Changtai Tea Company is a relative newcomer to Pu'er production, but has rapidly grown with the critical success of many of its teas. Known for its flagship Yichang brand, it has since acquired many well-known Pu'er brands and, in 2004, became the first tea company to be elevated to corporate status. Today, it offers a wide range of Sheng and Shu Pu'er, but pressings from its early years continue to be the most sought-after.

Our video review of this vintage Pu'er cake, and how we sourced it.