Skip to content
2017 Hai Lang Hao "Lao Ban Zhang" Ripe Pu-erh Tea Brick | Yunnan Sourcing Tea Shop

2017 Hai Lang Hao "Lao Ban Zhang" Ripe Pu-erh Tea Brick

by Hai Lang Hao
$30.25 - $1,270.50
$30.25
$30.25 - $1,270.50
$30.25

In 2016 Hai Lang started a kind of crazy undertaking.  Collecting 200 kilograms of spring 2016 harvested mao cha from Lao Ban Zhang village and having it painstakingly small-batch wet piled to perfection.  After 43 days of wet piling this light fermentation ripe pu-erh tea was stored for many months before being pressed (in 2017) into 500 gram bricks.

I have seen many productions of ripe Lao Ban Zhang teas over the last decade, but this is the first one that is really worthy of being called "Lao Ban Zhang Ripe".  Hai Lang is a pu-erh dealer and producer who has been around for 20 years.  He's unapologetically direct and cares more about quality and one upmanship than he does about anything else.  This is a good quality in a pu-erh producer, and it's that very quality that allowed him to undertake the expense and the risk to wet pile such a tea as Lao Ban Zhang.  For him, this tea represents authentic "Lao Ban Zhang Ripe", often sold, and rarely, if ever (until now) actually produced.

There is also a 2019 pressing available here!

Overall rating: 5.0 / 5 from 8 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

Summary topics

Review topics: ["smell","texture","tea","experience","cha"].

Review highlights

Reviews

Masterpiece,

"Lao Ban Zhang is among the most expensive Pu-erh teas on the market. The reasons for this are well known to tea connoisseurs. Most of the best Lao Ban Zhang Pu-erh teas are Sheng Pu-erh, and Shou Pu-erh like this one are extremely rare. Firstly, very little tea can be harvested, and secondly, the tea producer, as in this case, takes an enormous risk in finding a market for Lao Ban Zhang Shou Pu-erh and perfectly fermenting such rare leaves. This tea is a sensation. Less bitter than usual for Lao Ban Zhang, but with the legendary aroma of this variety. Incredible!"

— Rolando S. (5/5)

This is freaking amazing, TOP3

"This is freaking amazing, TOP3 shou I've had in my entire life. Absolute must try for any serious collector. Worth trying and having in one's collection at ANY price. Smell: both dry and wet smell are very complex, with floral notes of spices. Tasting notes: thick oily texture, lots of complex fermented flavors, palate is stimulated for multiple minutes after each cup. A lot of amazing long lasting bitterness."

— Nikolay F. (5/5)

Such a warming and relaxing tea

"Rich and full tea that warms and relaxes the whole body. It has a wonderful aroma that compliments the taste. Very mild tannin's as it cools but does not leave any fuzz on tongue.......Makes the mouth water rather than dry. Is well balanced and an all round pleasant tasting tea to drink. One thing about Hai Lang Hao teas is just how far they stretch.....I am on my 7th cup and it is getting stronger not weaker so still has many more cups left. That is with only 3 grams in a small pot. If you factor that into the price then it actually is not as high price as it seems."

— lucinda (5/5)

Amazing!!

"I didn’t know what to expect, but I gotta say it was absolutely wonderful experience! Such thick, strong, full bodied creaminess with balanced cha qi! So worth the money."

— AB (5/5)

Ripe Royalty

"If price is a factor, this is right up there with high end neighbors. Tasty, viscous and smooth with a nice cha qi. I have enjoyed each and every Hai Lang Hao I have sampled (only 7 so far). Each seem to have that Hai Lang Hao flavor profile, yet each is slightly different as well. This one is right up there as to what I like. Not my favorite of the lot, but solid none the same. If you are a ripe fan, I would highly suggest getting a sample and find out for yourself what this Hai Lang Hao praise is all about. Tea on"

— Gary T. (5/5)

Great experience

"Very great tea and a privilege to taste. Even at $800/500g the cost for a couple per tea session is about the same as the couple ordering lattes at the local coffee shop."

— Carl (5/5)

Worth it for the experience

"Worth trying a sample of for the experience even if you can't afford a whole brick."

— Tuukka J. (5/5)

IMO it's the real deal!

"Tea is strong and complex and can be infused 15 times. What non Gu-Shu ripe can do that. Creamy and full-bodied. I wish I had the money to buy a few for aging as this is exactly what I am looking for in a ripe tea. Treat yourself to a sample at the very least."

— Jessie D. (5/5)

Q&A

Hi has this 2017 Hai Lang Hai “Lao Ban Zamboanga” ripe puer tea been tasted for chemicals? Thank you in advance. Lulit
No it has not been tested. It's old growth tea from the most famous Yunnan village, it's definitely not sprayed.
Free Gifts

and BOGO Offers!

Brewing Guide

Helpful Suggestions!

Terms

Shipping, Refunds and More.

EU MRL

Yunnan Sourcing Brand Pu-erh