At Authentic Yixing, we are proud to offer insights into exceptional teas and teapots, helping tea enthusiasts make informed choices. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a passionate tea enthusiast, understanding the nuances of teas like Qian Liang Tea (湖南千两茶) is key to appreciating the essence of tradition and refinement.

Qian Liang Tea is a variety of Anhua dark tea from Hunan Province. Its production process is similar to that of ripe Pu-erh tea, involving high-temperature steaming and compression, which gives it some resemblance to ripe Pu-erh tea. We recently tasted a 15-year-aged Qian Liang Tea (a slice cut from a single column, as shown in the image), and here are our impressions:

Flavor Profile and Comparison

The tea offers a slightly soft and sweet initial taste but lacks depth and a pronounced aftertaste. Overall, it is reminiscent of ripe Pu-erh tea (compared to a 1996 ripe Pu-erh tea, see images below). However, Pu-erh tea surpasses Qian Liang Tea in sweetness, flavor intensity, and durability in brewing.

The brewed Qian Liang Tea leaves are black and fragmentary, which indicates the use of young tea plants. In the context of Pu-erh tea raw materials, this quality would be considered inferior. These raw materials often come from terrace tea plantations, where chemical fertilizers and pesticides are commonly used to ensure high yields. We are concerned about potential pesticide and fertilizer residues in such teas, so we do not recommend them to our customers.

Drawbacks of Hunan Qian Liang Tea

One significant drawback of Qian Liang Tea is that the high-temperature steaming and compression process often leaves it insufficiently dried. This results in a storage-induced musty smell and a tingling sensation in the throat after drinking, a sensation similar to that experienced with poorly stored Pu-erh tea.

The “Tea King” Claim

The claim that Qian Liang Tea is the “King of Contemporary Teas” appears to lack any official recognition. Based on our understanding, this title seems to be more of a marketing strategy by the tea’s production region to enhance its reputation rather than an officially endorsed accolade.

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