Experience the legendary power of Ban Zhang in its most accessible form. Our Dragon Pearls combine the revered raw material from Old Ban Zhang with the ultimate convenience of single-serving pearls, offering a premium daily tea experience that is both an initiation for newcomers and a delight for connoisseurs.
Sourced from the golden terroir of the five famed villages in Ban Zhang, Bulang Mountain, Menghai, Xishuangbanna. Our tea trees thrive at an altitude of 1,700 meters, near the Nada Meng Reservoir. The humid climate and dramatic diurnal temperature swings create a unique environment, resulting in leaves rich in complex compounds and layered flavors. Meticulously hand-rolled into 8-gram pearls from the first spring harvest, ensuring the highest quality and freshness.
$50 | 144g (8g x 18 pearls) | 1 Box
——Tasting Profile：
Dry Leaf: Tightly compressed, spherical pearls revealing robust, whole leaves. Dark green in color, abundantly covered in silvery pekoe, signaling tender spring material.
Aroma: Dry leaf offers a refreshing scent with the characteristic Ban Zhang honeyed floral notes. When warmed in a preheated vessel, it releases a richer, sweeter honey aroma. The brewed tea carries a high, penetrating fragrance that persists, with a lasting, elegant honey sweetness left in the cooled cup—a hallmark of premium Ban Zhang tea.
Liquor: Vibrant, golden-yellow, and crystal-clear in its youth, evolving to orange-yellow and amber with age.
——Taste & Sensation:
Body Sensation (Cha Qi): The core characteristic. Feel a warming sensation spreading through your body—back, palms—after just a few cups, a sign of its profound energy.
Bitter-Sweet Transformation: A distinct, upfront bitterness quickly dissolves and transforms into a surging, sweet aftertaste, stimulating a copious flow of saliva. This dramatic contrast is the signature pleasure of Ban Zhang.
Full-Bodied & Complex: The liquor is intensely rich andfull, with a thick, substantial mouthfeel.
Ban Zhang Yun: A deep, lingering throat sensation and sweet, refreshing finish that remains long after drinking.
——Wet Leaf: After infusion, the leaves are thick, pliable, resilient, and uniformly yellow-green, showcasing the integrity of the buds and leaves and the superior quality of the raw material.
——Brewing Guide：
Rinsing is Crucial: Due to tight compression, rinse 1-2 times to "wake" the leaves. Use 95-100°C water, cover quickly, and pour off immediately. Let it sit for 10-20 seconds after the first rinse for better absorption before the second quick rinse.
——Steeping Times:
Infusions 1-3: Extend slightly to 5-10 seconds as the pearl unfurls.
Infusions 4-8: The pearl is mostly open. Brew briefly ("in and out") to enjoy the evolving aroma and flavor layers.
Beyond Infusion 8: Gradually increase steeping time. High-quality Ban Zhang pearls are remarkably resilient, yielding 15+ flavorful infusions.
——Recommended Teaware:
Gaiwan (Ideal): Offers maximum control for appreciating aroma and observing leaves.
Yixing Teapot: Enhances the tea's depth and body, mellowing the liquor.
Simplified Method (Mug/Cup): Place one pearl in a cup, add boiling water, and wait for it to unfurl. While less nuanced, it still delivers the core Ban Zhang experience.
——The Brand:
Produced by Yunnan Xishuangbanna San Wu Zhu Tea Co., founded by Zhang Jianlei, known as the "Leopard of the Mountains" for his relentless pursuit of ancient tree teas. With 28 ancient tea gardens, 10 processing workshops, and 127 master artisans, the brand is committed to uncompromising quality and authenticity.
——Summary：
Laoye Shuo Ban Zhang Raw Pu-erh Dragon Pearls perfectly marry the iconic terroir of Ban Zhang with modern convenience. They offer a low-barrier entry to experience the legendary bold Qi, rapid sweet aftertaste, and profound depth of Old Ban Zhang.
Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast seeking a daily staple or a curious newcomer beginning your Pu-erh journey, this tea is an exceptional choice. Exercise a little patience during brewing, allow the pearl to fully reveal itself, and it will reward you with an unforgettable, exhilarating taste adventure.
One Pearl. One Session. Experience the Legend of Ban Zhang.
