Lao Tong Zhi Sheng Pu-erh (Raw Pu-erh) Tea 2021, 50g | Haiwan

A raw pu-erh from Lao Tong Zhi ("Old Comrade"), the celebrated brand of the Haiwan Tea Factory in Yunnan, founded by the legendary master Zou Bingliang, offered here as a 50 g portion broken from the brick. This is the 2021 pressing, a sheng now carrying a few years of age.

With around five years behind it, the early sharpness of a fresh sheng has eased, leaving a rounder, more settled cup that is still clearly raw in character. [Confirm tasting notes — a maturing Lao Tong Zhi sheng typically shows florals and honey deepening in sweetness, with a light bitterness turning to a returning sweetness (huigan) and a cooling finish.]

The liquor is bright golden, clear and well structured, smooth on the palate with a cooling sweetness in the throat. Across infusions the astringency eases 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 brand-name sheng without committing to a whole brick. Drinking well now and worth getting to know before you decide to lay down more for ageing.

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.