MADE-FOR-TV is a sheng (raw) puer tea from Yibang shan (shan = mountain), Xishuangbanna, Yunnan province, China, pressed in summer 2023from material harvested in spring 2020. Like last year’s RAWISM, fresh spring growth from trees spanning 100-200 years of age was hand-plucked, sun-dried, pan-fried to partially fix, hand-rolled into strips, sun-dried again, and then rested for 2 years before being pressed for us in 2022. This sheng presents an interesting opportunity in terroir study, as the tea all comes from a few villages settled around Yibang, and gives a clear expression of this mountains character. Unlike most Yiwu area teas, Yibang tea brings a healthy undertow of stout bitterness and punchy strength to the table, a telltale sign of excellent aging potential.

Yibang shan is one of the 6 old tea mountains east of the Lancang river in Xishaungbanna. Yibang is loosely thought of as Yiwu area tea (also the name for a specific mountain in the region), and carries the classic sweetness of this region, but with a backbone of complex florals and tannic dryness. Expect layers of fruit peel and orange wine when steeped small-format, and a high-octane experience grandpad. This tea brings a distinct body sensation second only to our house huangpian; steep with care.

VINTAGE SPRING ’23 (PRESSED IN SUMMER ’23)

STYLE SHENG PU’ER(“RAW”)

CULTIVAR HEIRLOOMDA YE (“BIG LEAF”)

REGION XISHUANGBANNA, YUNNAN, CHINA

LOCALE YIBANGSHAN

ELEVATION 1400 METERS

PRODUCER XIAOHUI QUAN

STEEPING PARAMETERS

(use freshlyboiled spring water)


modern, large format

[300 ml+ vesselBOLI, large teapot]

4 grams 206F (96C) 1 minutes

traditional, small format
[150 ml- vessel gaiwan, small teapot]

7 grams 206F (96C) 10 seconds
(rinse recommended)
+ 15-20 seconds each additional steep