2021 Xigui Sheng Puer Tea Brick, 250g

2021 Xigui Sheng Puer Tea Brick – 250g Yunnan Raw Puer Floral fragrance, lively mineral depth and a long, beautifully sweet finish. Discover the distinctive character of Xigui Sheng Puer, a traditional Chinese raw Puer tea presented in a substantial 250g compressed brick. Xigui (昔归) is a celebrated tea-producing locality in the Bangdong area of Lincang, Yunnan Province. Its name is closely associated with aromatic raw Puer teas that combine a bright, structured opening with a lingering sweetness known as huigan. Our Xigui Sheng Puer Brick offers a wonderful way to explore this regional tea tradition. The compressed format allows you to break off a small portion for each brewing session while keeping the remaining tea together in its original brick. Xigui-style Sheng is appreciated for its balance of fragrant floral notes, refreshing herbal character and a lively, mineral impression. In a well-balanced infusion, a little briskness gives way to a smoother texture and an enduring sweet aftertaste. Unlike ripe Shu Puer, raw Sheng is not subjected to the controlled wet-pile fermentation process. Its character is typically brighter and more expressive, with an appealing interplay between fragrance, structure and sweetness. Prepare this tea in a traditional gaiwan to explore successive short infusions, or brew a smaller portion in a conventional teapot for a refreshing cup of Yunnan raw Puer. Whether you are expanding your collection of regional Sheng teas or discovering compressed Puer for the first time, the 250g Xigui brick offers an engaging tea experience centred on aroma, texture and the pleasure of repeated brewing. Tea Name: Xigui Sheng Puer Tea Brick Chinese Name: 昔归生普洱茶 Tea Type: Sheng Puer (Raw Puer) Vintage: 2021 Regional Style: Xigui, Bangdong, Lincang, Yunnan, China Format: Compressed Tea Brick Net Weight: 250g Tea Material: Raw Puer Tea Leaves Typical Style: Floral, Herbal, Mineral and Sweet Expected Liquor: Golden to Amber, Depending on Age and Brewing Mouthfeel: Lively and Structured, with Lingering Sweetness Gongfu Brewing: 5g / 100–120ml / 95–100°C / 10–15 Seconds Initially Western Brewing: 3–4g / 250–300ml / 95°C / 2–3 Minutes Caffeine: Naturally Contains Caffeine Why Choose a Xigui Sheng Puer Tea Brick? Xigui is one of the best-known names among the regional raw Puer teas of Lincang. The appeal of this style lies in the relationship between fragrance, flavour intensity and the sweet sensation that can develop after swallowing. Xigui regional identity: A distinctive raw Puer tradition associated with Bangdong in Lincang, Yunnan. Traditional Sheng Puer: A brighter, more aromatic tea style than ripe Shu Puer. 250g compressed brick: A practical format for portioning and storing tea. Floral character: Xigui teas are often associated with orchid-like fragrance. Mineral impression: A clean, refreshing quality often discussed in Bangdong tea tastings. Returning sweetness: The distinctive huigan prized by many Sheng enthusiasts. Multiple infusions: Particularly suited to short, repeated Gongfu brewing. Traditional tea preparation: Break off only the quantity needed for each session. The combination of regional identity and compressed format makes Xigui Sheng Puer especially interesting for drinkers who enjoy exploring the diversity of Yunnan raw tea. What Is Xigui Sheng Puer? Xigui (昔归) is a tea-producing locality associated with Bangdong Township in the Lincang tea region of Yunnan Province, China. The wider landscape includes Manglu Mountain and the Lancang River, both closely connected with the identity of Xigui tea. Sheng Puer, also called raw Puer, is made from Yunnan tea leaves processed into a sun-dried material known as maocha. This material may be sold loose or compressed into cakes and bricks. Unlike ripe Puer, Sheng does not undergo the controlled wet-pile fermentation process used to create dark, earthy Shu tea. Its flavour may feature floral, herbal, fruity and mineral notes, with a brisk structure and a sweet finish. The balance changes according to the tea material, processing, storage and brewing method. Xigui is particularly associated with aromatic raw teas that offer a lively opening followed by a satisfying, lingering sweetness. From Xigui and the Bangdong Tea Region The Lincang tea region is one of Yunnan's important centres of tea production. Within Lincang, Bangdong is recognised for its mountainous landscapes and distinctive Sheng Puer traditions. Xigui is closely associated with the slopes of Manglu Mountain near the Lancang River. The area's geography has become an important part of its identity among Chinese tea enthusiasts. The name Xigui is used for a specific locality rather than the whole of Bangdong. That distinction is valuable when exploring regional Puer teas, as neighbouring areas can produce noticeably different drinking experiences. Xigui-style teas are often discussed in terms of their floral fragrance, lively mouthfeel and sweet aftertaste. These qualities are especially interesting when explored through successive Gongfu infusions. A 250g brick provides a traditional compressed format in which to enjoy the distinctive character associated with this Yunnan tea region. What Does Xigui Sheng Puer Taste Like? Xigui raw Puer is often appreciated for a fragrant and structured flavour profile, with sweetness that becomes more noticeable after the initial sip. Depending on the tea's age and preparation, characteristic impressions may include orchid-like florals, fresh mountain herbs, gentle stone fruit, mineral clarity and a long sweet finish. Young Sheng may show a brisk, slightly bitter or astringent opening. With balanced brewing, this can be followed by a smoother mouthfeel and returning sweetness. Characteristic Xigui Sheng Style Aroma Floral fragrance, often described as orchid-like Opening Bright, lively and gently brisk Herbal Notes Fresh mountain herbs and green-leaf character Fruit Notes Subtle stone-fruit impressions Mineral Character Clean, refreshing mineral-like finish Mouthfeel Structured, becoming smoother through successive infusions Aftertaste Lingering sweetness, known as huigan These are characteristic descriptions of the regional tea style. The precise balance in your cup will depend on the individual brick and how it is brewed. What Is Huigan in Sheng Puer? Huigan (回甘) is a Chinese tea-tasting term meaning returning sweetness. It describes the sweet sensation that can develop in the mouth and throat after tea has been swallowed. In raw Puer, this sensation can follow an initially brisk or slightly bitter taste. The contrast between lively structure and lingering sweetness is one of the qualities that makes Sheng Puer rewarding to drink slowly. Xigui teas are particularly associated with a noticeable sweet return, making them appealing to drinkers who enjoy flavour that continues to develop after each sip. To explore huigan, try a series of short Gongfu infusions and notice how the aftertaste changes as the leaves open. Why Is Sheng Puer Pressed into a Brick? Compressed tea has a long history in Chinese tea culture. Pressing leaves into cakes and bricks creates a compact format that is convenient for handling, transporting and storing. Our 2021 Xigui Sheng Puer comes in a 250g brick. Rather than brewing the entire brick, you remove a small quantity for each session. The compressed leaves gradually loosen when exposed to hot water, releasing their aroma and flavour through repeated infusions. Compared with loose-leaf tea, a compressed brick requires a little more preparation, but it also offers the satisfaction of working with a traditional Puer format. It is particularly suitable for anyone who enjoys Gongfu brewing and exploring the changing character of raw Puer over time. How to Break a Puer Tea Brick Use a dedicated Puer tea pick or a suitable blunt tea knife to separate a small portion from the brick. Place the brick on a stable, clean surface. Identify a natural gap between layers of compressed leaves. Carefully insert the tea pick from the side, directing it away from your hands. Gently lift and loosen a small section rather than forcing the brick apart. Measure the quantity needed for brewing. Keep the remaining brick wrapped and stored in a suitable location. Try to preserve larger leaf pieces where possible. Excessive crushing can increase the amount of small fragments and make the tea more astringent when brewed. For a typical Gongfu session, begin with approximately 5g of tea. How to Brew Xigui Sheng Puer Tea Raw Sheng Puer rewards careful control of leaf quantity, water temperature and steeping time. For a balanced cup, begin with short infusions and adjust gradually according to taste. Gongfu Brewing – Recommended Warm a 100–120ml gaiwan or small teapot. Break approximately 5g of tea from the brick. Heat fresh water to 95–100°C. Give the leaves a very brief rinse if desired, then discard the rinse water. Steep the first drinking infusion for approximately 10–15 seconds. Pour the infusion off completely. Continue with fresh hot water, increasing the steeping time gradually. As the compressed leaves open, the flavour can become fuller and more expressive. Several infusions may be possible, depending on the tea and your preferred strength. Western-Style Brewing Measure approximately 3–4g of tea. Place it in a teapot or roomy infuser. Add 250–300ml of water at approximately 95°C. Steep for 2–3 minutes. Strain completely and serve. Reinfuse with fresh hot water if desired. Method Tea and Water First Infusion Gongfu 5g / 100–120ml / 95–100°C 10–15 seconds Western – Lighter 3g / 300ml / 95°C 2 minutes Western – Fuller 4g / 250ml / 95°C 3 minutes Brewing tip: If the tea tastes more bitter or drying than you prefer, shorten the infusion or use slightly less leaf. A lighter brew can help reveal floral fragrance and returning sweetness. Xigui Sheng Puer vs Ripe Shu Puer Sheng and Shu are the two principal styles of Puer tea, but they offer very different flavour experiences. Sheng Puer is raw Puer made from sun-dried tea material. It can have floral, herbal, fruity and mineral notes, often with a lively structure and returning sweetness. Shu Puer, also called ripe or Shou Puer, undergoes controlled wet-pile fermentation. This develops a darker, more earthy and mellow flavour profile. Choose Xigui Sheng if you enjoy aromatic complexity, a brighter taste and the way raw tea changes through repeated infusions. For a contrasting ripe Puer, discover our 2017 Aged Shu Puer Brick, with its woody, nutty and cocoa-like character. Compare Xigui with Other Great Tea Sheng Puer Selections Different Yunnan raw Puer teas can offer contrasting expressions of floral aroma, fruit, mineral character and ageing. Tea Format Character Xigui Sheng Puer 250g compressed brick Regional style associated with florals, mineral clarity and huigan 2024 Yunnan Sheng Puer 7g compressed slices Fresh herbs, green plum, dried apricot and honeyed sweetness Yunnan Old Tree Sheng Puer 8g compressed biscuits Herbal freshness, green plum, apricot and gentle spice Rare 1996 Yiwu Sheng Puer Loose-leaf portions Mature wood, gentle camphor and aged sweetness For a convenient young raw tea, explore our 2024 Yunnan 7g Sheng Puer Slices. For individually wrapped portions, discover our Yunnan Old Tree Sheng Puer 8g Biscuits. For an aged raw Puer experience, try our Rare 1996 Yiwu Old Tree Sheng Puer. Can a Sheng Puer Tea Brick Be Aged? Raw Sheng Puer can change in aroma, flavour and texture during storage. This is one reason compressed Puer has attracted the interest of tea enthusiasts for generations. Depending on the original tea and its storage conditions, fresh herbal notes may gradually become softer, while other flavours become more prominent. However, ageing is not guaranteed to improve a tea. The quality of the leaf material, processing, storage environment and personal taste all matter. A 250g brick offers a convenient format for enjoying the tea over multiple sessions, whether you choose to drink it regularly or keep part of it for later. For the best experience, store the tea carefully and taste it periodically rather than assuming that greater age automatically means better flavour. How to Store a 250g Sheng Puer Brick Keep the brick in a clean, dry, odour-free environment away from direct sunlight, excessive heat and moisture. Protect it from condensation, damp surfaces and strongly scented products such as spices, perfumes and cleaning materials. Retain suitable breathable protective wrapping and avoid sealing damp tea in an airtight container. If you remove a portion for brewing, handle the remaining brick with clean, dry hands and return it to storage promptly. Stable storage conditions help protect the tea's current character while allowing you to enjoy it over time. Ingredients and Caffeine Ingredients: 100% raw Sheng Puer tea leaves (Camellia sinensis). This tea naturally contains caffeine. Floral, herbal, mineral and sweet tasting descriptions refer to characteristics of the brewed tea, not added ingredients. Frequently Asked Questions What is Xigui Sheng Puer? Xigui Sheng Puer is a regional style of raw Puer associated with Xigui in the Bangdong area of Lincang, Yunnan, China. Is this raw or ripe Puer? It is raw Sheng Puer, not ripe Shu Puer. How much tea is in the brick? The brick contains 250g of compressed tea. Where is Xigui? Xigui is a tea-producing locality in Bangdong Township, Lincang, Yunnan Province, associated with the Manglu Mountain landscape near the Lancang River. What does Xigui tea typically taste like? Xigui-style Sheng is often associated with orchid-like fragrance, lively herbal and mineral notes, and a long returning sweetness. The exact flavour depends on the individual tea and its age. What is huigan? Huigan is a Chinese tea-tasting term meaning returning sweetness, describing the sweet sensation that can develop after swallowing tea. How much tea should I break off? Begin with approximately 5g for a 100–120ml Gongfu gaiwan or 3–4g for a 250–300ml Western-style teapot. What water temperature should I use? Start with water at approximately 95–100°C for Gongfu brewing, or around 95°C for Western-style brewing. Can the leaves be brewed more than once? Yes. Sheng Puer is particularly suited to repeated infusions, especially when prepared Gongfu style. Does Sheng Puer contain caffeine? Yes. Raw Puer is made from tea leaves and naturally contains caffeine. Can I store the brick for later? Yes. Keep it in a clean, dry and odour-free environment away from direct sunlight and moisture. Explore the Distinctive Character of Xigui Raw Puer Our Xigui Sheng Puer Tea Brick offers a traditional 250g compressed format for exploring one of Lincang's most recognised raw Puer regional styles. From floral fragrance and lively structure to the lingering sweetness associated with Xigui tea, this is a style that rewards attentive brewing and repeated infusions. Enjoy it in a gaiwan, share it with fellow tea enthusiasts or break off a portion whenever you want to explore the character of Yunnan Sheng Puer. For a smaller compressed raw tea, discover our 2024 Yunnan Sheng Puer Slices. For an aged raw tea, explore our Rare 1996 Yiwu Sheng Puer. Browse more traditional pressed teas in our Compressed Teas Collection, or discover our wider Black and Puer Teas Collection. Discover Xigui Sheng Puer in a traditional 250g tea brick and enjoy the rewarding ritual of Yunnan raw tea. Discover the History Behind Your Tea History of Compressed Tea: Ancient Tea Bricks & Cakes For centuries, Chinese tea was pressed into beautiful cakes and bricks, carried along ancient trading routes and even exchanged as currency. Discover the fascinating history of compressed tea, from the Tang dynasty to today's traditional Puer tea cakes. Read the Full Story →