Reviews
Excellent Shou, But Is It Worth It?
"This is a seriously good shou puer. Thick, clean, smooth, and with an incredibly strong cha qi. The quality of the material is obvious from the first infusion. I also understand why it's expensive. Lao Ban Zhang leaf is expensive to begin with, and making a shou from material like this is rare. You're paying for the rarity of the raw material as much as the tea itself. That said, I still don't think it's the best way to spend this kind of money. If I'm paying premium prices for Lao Ban Zhang, I'd rather experience that leaf as a sheng, where its character can really stand out. With shou, even though the material clearly improves the tea, the fermentation brings everything closer together. My low rating isn't because this is a bad tea. It's actually excellent. My rating is about value, not quality. I'd recommend this tea only if you already know exactly what you're buying—if you're curious about rare shou, collecting unusual teas, or specifically want to experience Lao Ban Zhang in ripe form. If you're simply looking for the best tea your money can buy, I'd pass on this one. I'd rather buy an outstanding Lao Ban Zhang sheng, or several good cheaper shou cakes"
— Daniil (3/5)
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)
