Ban Pen Ancient Tree Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake 2022 - 357g Menghai

2022 Ban Pen Ancient Tree Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake – Premium Menghai Sheng Cha

Discover the bold character of Ban Pen raw pu-erh, one of Menghai's most prized micro-regions. This 2022 vintage sheng cha is crafted from ancient arbor trees in Ban Pen village, neighboring the legendary Banzhang area. Each 357-gram cake delivers a powerful yet balanced infusion with pronounced bitterness, rich floral aromatics, and a sweet, lingering aftertaste that exemplifies authentic Yunnan pu-erh tea.

Why Choose Ban Pen Pu-erh?

Prestigious Origin: Ban Pen village, Menghai County – renowned for bold, complex raw pu-erh
Ancient Tree Quality: Sourced from centuries-old arbor trees (Gu Shu) for superior depth
Exceptional Cha Qi: Strong energy and body sensation prized by connoisseurs
Aging Potential: 2022 vintage perfect for immediate enjoyment or long-term storage
Banzhang Neighbor: Similar power to Banzhang but more approachable and balanced

Storage & Aging:

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space away from strong odors. Ban Pen raw pu-erh has excellent aging potential – the bitterness will mellow over time while complexity deepens. This 2022 cake is perfect for drinking now or cellaring for 5-20+ years.

Perfect For:

Experienced pu-erh enthusiasts seeking bold, complex flavors
Collectors building an aging tea library
Those who appreciate strong cha qi and powerful teas
Fans of Banzhang-style pu-erh at a more accessible price
Thoughtful gifts for serious tea connoisseurs

About Ban Pen Village:

Ban Pen (班盆) is a small Lahu ethnic village in Menghai County, located adjacent to the famous Banzhang region. The ancient tea trees here produce leaves with similar boldness and strength to Banzhang but with a slightly softer, more floral character. Ban Pen has gained recognition among collectors as an exceptional terroir for premium raw pu-erh with outstanding aging potential.

Experience authentic Menghai pu-erh tea from one of Yunnan's most celebrated micro-regions. Add this 2022 Ban Pen ancient tree cake to your collection today.

Tasting Profile & Characteristics:

Tea Type: Raw Pu-erh / Sheng Cha (生普)
Vintage: Spring 2022 harvest
Weight: 357 grams (standard cake / bing cha)
Tree Type: Ancient arbor trees (Gu Shu 古树)
Appearance: Tightly compressed cake with visible silver buds and dark green leaves
Liquor: Bright golden-yellow, clear and vibrant
Aroma: Fresh floral notes with hints of honey and mountain wildflowers
Taste: Bold entry with strong bitterness (ku 苦), transforming into sweetness (gan 甘)
Mouthfeel: Full-bodied, astringent with excellent throat feel and salivation
Aftertaste: Long-lasting sweetness (hui gan 回甘) that lingers beautifully
Cha Qi: Strong and warming – noticeable body sensation

Brewing Guide:

Tea Amount: 5-7 grams per 100ml (adjust to taste)
Water Temperature: 90-95°C (194-203°F)
Rinse: Quick 5-second rinse to awaken the leaves, discard this infusion
First Infusion: 10-20 seconds
Subsequent Infusions: Increase by 5-10 seconds each time
Steeps: Can be re-steeped 12-16 times or more
Teaware: Gaiwan, Yixing clay pot, or glass teapot recommended