Lao Tong Zhi Sheng Pu-erh (Raw Pu-erh) Tea Brick 2021, 250g | Haiwan

A raw pu-erh brick from Lao Tong Zhi ("Old Comrade"), the celebrated brand of the Haiwan Tea Factory in Yunnan, founded by the legendary master Zou Bingliang. This is the 2021 pressing, a sheng now carrying a few years of age, compressed into a practical 250 g brick.

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 the brick steeps generously through many rounds, rewarding a patient session. A brick is also easy to break and convenient to store.

A well-priced, brand-name sheng that drinks well now and keeps real aging potential. A good choice whether you want to enjoy a gently maturing raw pu-erh today or lay down a brick to follow as it ages over the years.