Pour yourself a cup for this one: the 2023 Xiaguan “Green Mark” raw puerh isn’t screaming for attention, but it’s quietly carving out a niche in the clay pot. Brewed with precision—5.5g in an 80mL duanni clay pot, just off boil—it unfolds in layers, each steep revealing a different facet of its character. The first wash brings wood, hay, and a faint diesel whisper, setting the stage for a tea that’s more about texture than bombast.
Steep one is a timid affair, the leaves stubbornly resisting release. It’s a tightly compressed cake, and the flavor feels muted, like a shy conversation. Grass, leather, and a faint sweetness hover on the edge of perception, leaving you wondering if you’re missing something. But by steep two, the tea starts to flex. A punchy front, slick mouthfeel, and a coating that lingers without bitterness—this is the kind of tea that makes you pause, not because it’s dramatic, but because it’s present.
By steep four, the tea begins to breathe. Green grass pops up front, sweetness builds slowly, and a faint camphor woodiness emerges. The mouthfeel becomes a star, with oily viscosity and a coating that clings to the gums. It’s not about bold flavors but about the way the tea interacts with your senses—like a well-worn favorite that feels familiar yet intriguing.
The final steep reveals a middle ground: woodiness lingers but softens, sweetness arrives sooner, and the overall impression is one of balance. It’s not a standout, but it’s far from flawed. The blend’s complexity—drawn from seven regions—creates a flavor profile that’s diffuse, almost like a puzzle missing its final piece. Yet, the mouthfeel remains its saving grace, offering a tactile pleasure that offsets its lack of immediate wow factor.
Its blend of seven regional materials creates a flat, nondescript profile that leans on texture rather than intensity.
KEY POINTS: This tea thrives in the middle ground, offering a silky mouthfeel and subtle sweetness without overwhelming notes. Its blend of seven regional materials creates a flat, nondescript profile that leans on texture rather than intensity. While it’s not a contender for greatness right now, it’s a drinkable, unassuming choice that avoids the pitfalls of bitterness or astringency.
Close: Have you ever found a tea that’s more about how it feels than how it tastes? What’s your go-to for a quiet, satisfying brew?
Questions & Answers
What is the 2023 Xiaguan “Green Mark” raw puer?
It is a raw puerh tea from Xiaguan, Yunnan, noted for its greenish hue and fresh flavor. It is a 2023 harvest, sourced through Yunnan Sourcing.
Where is the 2023 Xiaguan “Green Mark” raw puer from?
It originates from Xiaguan, a renowned tea region in Yunnan Province, China. It is sourced via Yunnan Sourcing and is part of the 2023 harvest.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
