"Lao Banzhang," meaning "old Banzhang," refers to tea grown in the area around Banzhang Village, perhaps the most highly prized puer-growing site in the world. There is a saying:
"Tea from Banzhang never leaves Banzhang."
While this is a slight exaggeration, the saying illustrates just how highly prized this tea is, as it is famous for its superior quality. "Ancient Tree," or "Gushu," in Mandarin, means that the leaves that were pressed to make this cake were harvested from trees that were at least one hundred years in age.
This beautifully ripened cake yields a vibrant mahogany brew with a sweet, earthy flavor, with notes of dirt, cherry wood, iron, and oak, along with slight hints of canteloupe, cucumber, and pear. It has a smooth, silky texture, with a medium body and a slightly dry finish. Its aftertaste carries slight notes of cherries and camphor.
Its qi is relatively neutral in temperature and slightly dry. It helps to open the airways, and is moderately stimulating.
Lasts about 10-12 brews.
Each cake consists of 357 grams.