{"product_id":"2026-yunnan-sourcing-xin-ban-zhang-ripe-pu-erh-tea-cake","title":"2026 Yunnan Sourcing \"Xin Ban Zhang\" Ripe Pu-erh Tea Cake","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"61\" data-end=\"423\"\u003eA bold single-village ripe pu-erh made entirely from Xin Ban Zhang village tea harvested in Spring 2025, wet-piled during 2025, and pressed on February 26th, 2026 into 357 gram cakes. This is a powerful young shou with real Menghai character: thick texture, bittersweet dark chocolate depth, strong cha qi, and a satisfying, lingering finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"425\" data-end=\"948\"\u003eXin Ban Zhang is a village in the greater Menghai tea-growing area whose material is often associated with strength, substance, and a more assertive flavor profile than softer, sweeter everyday ripes. In ripe form, that energy translates beautifully: deep body, a dense tea soup, and a bittersweet profile that feels hearty and focused rather than muddy or dull. Pure single-estate ripe tea from this area is always interesting, because even after fermentation the underlying character of the leaf still comes through.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"10oopf9\" data-start=\"950\" data-end=\"969\"\u003eWhy it’s special\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"970\" data-end=\"1378\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"v393i1\" data-start=\"970\" data-end=\"1031\"\u003eMade entirely from Xin Ban Zhang village plantation tea\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"a5vkpw\" data-start=\"1032\" data-end=\"1104\"\u003eStrong, thick, chocolatey ripe with a potent cha qi and real structure\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1wiksiu\" data-start=\"1105\" data-end=\"1183\"\u003eYoung and satisfying now, but also well suited for further resting and aging\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"m2wxuk\" data-start=\"1380\" data-end=\"1410\"\u003eXin Ban Zhang village\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1411\" data-end=\"1838\"\u003eXin Ban Zhang sits in Menghai County, a region famous for producing some of Yunnan’s most powerful and characterful teas. The village’s tea is known for strength, texture, and a firm bittersweet backbone. While many ripe pu-erhs aim for softness and immediate approachability, ripe tea from a place like Xin Ban Zhang often retains more body and more internal energy, giving the tea a more serious, substantial feel in the cup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1840\" data-end=\"2193\"\u003eThat’s what makes a single-village ripe from Xin Ban Zhang so compelling. Rather than blending many areas together into a generalized ripe flavor, this cake presents a more specific expression of place. The result is thick, dark, and chocolatey, but also lively, with a firmness and cha qi that set it apart from gentler, more anonymous shou blends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"1yuwa5w\" data-start=\"2195\" data-end=\"2211\"\u003eTasting notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2212\" data-end=\"2631\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"118r4zi\" data-start=\"2212\" data-end=\"2281\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2214\" data-end=\"2224\"\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e dark cocoa, warm wood, brown sugar, hints of dried fruit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"yhi5pm\" data-start=\"2282\" data-end=\"2340\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2284\" data-end=\"2295\"\u003eLiquor:\u003c\/strong\u003e deep reddish-brown, dense, glossy, and thick\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1nj9rdc\" data-start=\"2341\" data-end=\"2457\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2343\" data-end=\"2354\"\u003eFlavor:\u003c\/strong\u003e bittersweet dark chocolate, mellow earth, cooked fruit sweetness, and a lingering mineral-cocoa finish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"em0bpu\" data-start=\"2458\" data-end=\"2541\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2460\" data-end=\"2474\"\u003eMouthfeel:\u003c\/strong\u003e full, coating, and substantial with a strong presence in the mouth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1v2x9lh\" data-start=\"2542\" data-end=\"2631\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2544\" data-end=\"2562\"\u003eFinish \u0026amp; feel:\u003c\/strong\u003e lingering sweetness, satisfying kou gan, and a strong warming cha qi\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"uehxuk\" data-start=\"2633\" data-end=\"2655\"\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; processing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2656\" data-end=\"3031\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"6ro8v\" data-start=\"2656\" data-end=\"2720\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2658\" data-end=\"2667\"\u003eArea:\u003c\/strong\u003e Xin Ban Zhang village, Menghai County, Xishuangbanna\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"h564sp\" data-start=\"2721\" data-end=\"2747\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2723\" data-end=\"2735\"\u003eHarvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spring 2025\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"bu2r5f\" data-start=\"2748\" data-end=\"2778\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2750\" data-end=\"2763\"\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e plantation tea\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1hd58de\" data-start=\"2779\" data-end=\"2806\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2781\" data-end=\"2794\"\u003eWet pile:\u003c\/strong\u003e during 2025\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"qdonj3\" data-start=\"2807\" data-end=\"2847\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2809\" data-end=\"2827\"\u003ePressing date:\u003c\/strong\u003e February 26th, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"i1jprn\" data-start=\"2848\" data-end=\"2878\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2850\" data-end=\"2859\"\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ripe Pu-erh (shou)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1o5ef6q\" data-start=\"2879\" data-end=\"2911\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2881\" data-end=\"2892\"\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 357 grams per cake\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"v5fvbd\" data-start=\"2912\" data-end=\"2949\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2914\" data-end=\"2929\"\u003eProduction:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100 kilograms total\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"8dp2rd\" data-start=\"2950\" data-end=\"2987\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2952\" data-end=\"2971\"\u003ePackaging design:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rafał Przybyłok\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"gp7zz1\" data-start=\"3033\" data-end=\"3049\"\u003eBrewing guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3050\" data-end=\"3076\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3050\" data-end=\"3074\"\u003eGongfu (recommended)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3077\" data-end=\"3248\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"114s6mf\" data-start=\"3077\" data-end=\"3101\"\u003e6–7 grams per 100 ml\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1qihpey\" data-start=\"3102\" data-end=\"3112\"\u003e100 °C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"10dx1yc\" data-start=\"3113\" data-end=\"3145\"\u003eTwo quick rinses recommended\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"mzu9gu\" data-start=\"3146\" data-end=\"3207\"\u003eStart with 8–10 second infusions, then increase gradually\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1yo7m58\" data-start=\"3208\" data-end=\"3248\"\u003eExpect 8–12 rich, satisfying infusions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3250\" data-end=\"3263\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3250\" data-end=\"3261\"\u003eWestern\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3264\" data-end=\"3336\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"w5fjut\" data-start=\"3264\" data-end=\"3288\"\u003e4–5 grams per 300 ml\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1tq4lyw\" data-start=\"3289\" data-end=\"3315\"\u003e100 °C for 3–4 minutes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"mydnwx\" data-start=\"3316\" data-end=\"3336\"\u003eRe-steep 2–3 times\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3338\" data-end=\"3357\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3338\" data-end=\"3355\"\u003eThermos style\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3358\" data-end=\"3441\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"wdssgt\" data-start=\"3358\" data-end=\"3384\"\u003e1–1.5 grams per 100 ml\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1ejzqsd\" data-start=\"3385\" data-end=\"3441\"\u003eUse boiling water and steep for 30-60 minutes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"15gctsw\" data-start=\"4002\" data-end=\"4016\"\u003eAging notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4017\" data-end=\"4290\"\u003eAs a young ripe, this tea will already offer strong flavor and body, but it should continue to improve as the fermentation notes settle and the bittersweet chocolate profile deepens and smooths out. Store in 50-65% RH and 70-90F, in an odor-free area, with minimal airflow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"wyz46u\" data-start=\"4292\" data-end=\"4306\"\u003eIn Summary\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"4307\" data-end=\"4653\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1anhtd0\" data-start=\"4307\" data-end=\"4376\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"4309\" data-end=\"4318\"\u003eName:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2026 Yunnan Sourcing “Xin Ban Zhang” Ripe Pu-erh Tea Cake\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1sv9955\" data-start=\"4377\" data-end=\"4428\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"4379\" data-end=\"4390\"\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Xin Ban Zhang village, Menghai County\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"xgahy\" data-start=\"4429\" data-end=\"4460\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"4431\" data-end=\"4448\"\u003eHarvest year:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spring 2025\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"fgwo81\" data-start=\"4461\" data-end=\"4481\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"4463\" data-end=\"4476\"\u003eWet pile:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late 2025\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"qdonj3\" data-start=\"4482\" data-end=\"4522\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"4484\" data-end=\"4502\"\u003ePressing date:\u003c\/strong\u003e February 26th, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"q2tosd\" data-start=\"4523\" data-end=\"4559\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"4525\" data-end=\"4540\"\u003eNet weight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 357 grams per cake\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1jislvt\" data-start=\"4560\" data-end=\"4597\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"4562\" data-end=\"4583\"\u003eTotal production:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100 kilograms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1s57tyj\" data-start=\"4623\" data-end=\"4653\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"4625\" data-end=\"4637\"\u003eWrapper:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rafał Przybyłok\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4655\" data-end=\"4855\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eIn short: this is a thick, potent, chocolate-driven Menghai ripe with real village character and strong cha qi, made for drinkers who want a young shou with backbone, depth, and plenty of personality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis tea has been tested in a certified laboratory for 404 pesticides, and is within the EU MRL limits set for those 404 pesticide residues. For a full list of the 404 pesticides we tested for and more information about MRL testing and the EU Food and Safety commission \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/yunnansourcing.com\/pages\/eu-mrl-compliance-and-yunnan-sourcing-brand-pu-erh-teas\"\u003eclick on this link\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yunnan Sourcing Brand Pu-erh","offers":[{"title":"1 Cake (357 Grams)","offer_id":46377956540615,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"25 Grams Sample","offer_id":46377956573383,"sku":null,"price":9.45,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0586\/9817\/files\/DSC_4330_6bdd5c87-e2a3-4b41-8bc6-bb3b091b6888.jpg?v=1775498502","url":"https:\/\/yunnansourcing.com\/en-sg\/products\/2026-yunnan-sourcing-xin-ban-zhang-ripe-pu-erh-tea-cake","provider":"Yunnan Sourcing Tea Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}