Lao Tong Zhi 9948 Sheng Pu-erh (Raw Pu-erh) Tea 2019, 50g | Haiwan

A raw pu-erh from Lao Tong Zhi ("Old Comrade"), the celebrated brand of the Haiwan Tea Factory in Yunnan, offered here as a 50 g portion broken from the cake. 9948 is a classic recipe number, read the standard way: 99 marks the year the recipe was set (1999), the 4 the leaf grade, and the 8 the factory code for Haiwan. This is the 2019 pressing, released as part of Haiwan's 20th-anniversary series.

Its pedigree is serious: the recipe carries the signature of Zou Bingliang, the legendary master and former head of the Menghai Tea Factory who later founded Haiwan. With several years of age behind it, this 2019 has begun to settle from its lively youth. [Confirm tasting notes — a maturing 9948 typically shows florals and honey easing into deeper sweetness, with a light bitterness turning to a returning sweetness (huigan).]

The liquor is clear golden, bright and well structured, smooth on the palate with a cooling sweetness in the throat. Across infusions the astringency stays gentle and the aromatics deepen, and it steeps generously through many rounds, rewarding a patient session.

A 50 g portion is an easy way to try a serious, well-pedigreed sheng without committing to a whole cake. A recognised recipe from a master's hand, drinking well now and worth getting to know before you commit to ageing a full cake.

Tea profile

📖 Brewing guide: Learn how to brew Chinese tea and prepare gongfu tea for the best flavor and aroma.

🍃 New to pu-erh? Learn the difference between Shu Pu-erh and Sheng Pu-erh and find the pu-erh that suits your taste.