Zhongcha Water Blue Mark Raw Pu-erh Cake 2016 - 357g Classic Recipe 8-Year Aged

Premium 2016 Zhongcha "Water Blue Mark" Raw Pu-erh Cake - 357g Classic Recipe Revival, 8-Year Aged

Experience a faithful recreation of the legendary 1997 Water Blue Mark recipe with this 2016 edition that continues the legacy of one of Zhongcha's most celebrated productions. Sourced from the prime tea-growing region of Menghai in Xishuangbanna, this 357g cake represents the perfect balance of traditional craftsmanship and accessible aging. After 8 years, the tea is already developing beautiful complexity while offering excellent potential for further aging.

Zhongcha - China Tea Company Heritage

Zhongcha (中茶 - China Tea Company) is one of the most prestigious and historic pu-erh producers, established in 1949. The company is renowned for creating many legendary pu-erh recipes and maintaining consistent quality across decades. The iconic "Zhong" character logo is a symbol of quality and authenticity in the pu-erh world.

Water Blue Mark - Legendary 1997 Recipe Revival

The "Water Blue Mark" (水蓝印) refers to one of Zhongcha's most celebrated and sought-after productions from 1997. The name comes from the blue "Zhong" character printed on the wrapper. The original 1997 Water Blue Mark became legendary for its exceptional quality and aging characteristics. This 2016 edition is a faithful recreation that follows the authentic 1997 flavor profile and processing methods, making this classic recipe accessible to modern tea lovers.

Menghai Origin - Prime Tea Region

This tea is sourced from selected arbor (old tree) tea leaves from the Menghai region in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province. Menghai is one of the most famous pu-erh producing areas, known for creating tea with robust character, excellent aging potential, and distinctive flavor. The region's unique terroir creates premium quality pu-erh.

Traditional Stone Pressing

This cake is stone-pressed following time-honored traditional methods. Stone pressing creates a firmer, more compact cake compared to machine pressing, which is better for long-term aging and helps develop the tea's character over time.

2016 Vintage - 8 Years of Aging

Pressed in 2016, this tea has undergone 8 years of aging, already developing beautiful complexity. The tea is at an excellent stage - young enough to retain vitality and brightness, yet mature enough to show developing aged character. The tea offers excellent potential for further aging.

Distinctive Flavor Profile

The aroma is fragrant and persistent with lasting cup scent that lingers beautifully. The liquor is golden yellow and bright, showing excellent clarity and color. The taste is pure and robust with quick sweetness returning (hui gan), characteristic of quality Menghai tea. The leaves are thick, substantial, and complete after brewing, indicating premium material and proper processing.

Excellent Aging Potential

This tea represents the perfect balance of accessible aging (already 8 years old with developing complexity) and excellent potential for further transformation. The classic recipe, premium Menghai material, and traditional stone pressing ensure this tea will continue to improve for decades.

Health Benefits

Raw pu-erh tea offers comprehensive wellness support. The tea aids digestion and metabolism, provides powerful antioxidant protection, supports weight management, helps reduce cholesterol levels, promotes mental clarity and alertness, and offers detoxifying properties. Raw pu-erh is particularly valued for its energizing and cleansing effects.

Key Features:

• Tea Type: Raw Pu-erh (Sheng Pu-erh 生普洱) - Pressed Cake
• Producer: Zhongcha (中茶 - China Tea Company)
• Recipe: Water Blue Mark (水蓝印) - Revival of legendary 1997 recipe
• Vintage: 2016 (8 years aged)
• Weight: 357 grams (standard cake)
• Material: Selected arbor tea leaves from Menghai region
• Processing: Traditional stone-pressed following time-honored methods
• Aroma: Fragrant, persistent, lasting cup scent
• Liquor: Golden yellow and bright
• Flavor Profile: Pure, robust, quick hui gan
• Leaves: Thick, substantial, complete
• Aging: Already developing complexity; excellent potential
• Value: Accessible classic recipe revival

Brewing Guide:

• Preparation: Break off 5-7 grams from the cake using a pu-erh knife or pick
• Tea Amount: 5-7 grams per 150ml (adjust to taste)
• Water Temperature: 95-100°C (203-212°F) - boiling water recommended
• Rinse: Quick 5-second rinse to awaken the leaves, discard this infusion
• First Infusion: 10-20 seconds
• Subsequent Infusions: Can be re-steeped 8-12 times, increasing time by 5-10 seconds each
• Teaware: Yixing clay teapot or gaiwan recommended for gongfu brewing
• Alternative: Can be brewed Western-style in a teapot for 3-5 minutes

Pro Tip: This 2016 Zhongcha Water Blue Mark is a faithful recreation of the legendary 1997 recipe, making one of the most celebrated pu-erh productions accessible to modern collectors. The original 1997 Water Blue Mark is highly sought-after and expensive; this 2016 revival offers the authentic flavor profile and traditional processing at an accessible price. After 8 years of aging, the tea is already showing beautiful complexity with fragrant persistent aroma, golden bright liquor, and pure robust taste with quick hui gan. The premium Menghai arbor material and traditional stone pressing ensure excellent aging potential. Store in a cool, dry place with good air circulation to continue aging.

Perfect for pu-erh enthusiasts and collectors, those interested in classic Zhongcha recipes, anyone seeking legendary tea at accessible prices, and tea lovers who appreciate robust character with excellent aging potential. This 2016 Zhongcha Water Blue Mark showcases the fragrant persistent aroma, golden yellow bright liquor, pure robust taste, quick hui gan, thick substantial leaves, 8 years of developing complexity, legendary 1997 recipe revival, and traditional craftsmanship that makes this both a faithful recreation and accessible classic.