2020 Bai Sha Xi An Hua Hei Cha – Basketed Tian Jian

Traditional Dark Tea from Anhua County, Hunan

Hei Cha (Dark Tea) is one of China’s oldest tea traditions — a category defined not by leaf shape or appearance, but by its microbial fermentation. Unlike delicate green or oolong teas, Hei Cha develops its character over months and years of careful aging. Historically crafted in Hunan, Guangxi, Sichuan, and Yunnan, these teas were traded across China’s borders to Mongolia, Tibet, and Central Asia, valued for their rich, warming, and sustaining qualities.

This 2020 Basketed Tian Jian represents one of the purest expressions of Anhua Hei Cha. Made from the original Anhua varietal, harvested in the mountains of Anhua County, the leaves are carefully processed, then hand-packed into traditional handwoven baskets while still retaining a touch of moisture. This unique storage method encourages gradual fermentation and graceful aging, with medium-light compression that allows the leaves to breathe.

The resulting tea is deep, complex, and beautifully balanced:

• Molasses-like mineral sweetness
• Hints of light tobacco smoke
• Umami-rich mushroom broth character

It is smooth and warming, with a brooding yet elegant profile that lingers sip after sip.

Why It’s Special

• Authentic Heritage: From Bai Sha Xi, China’s oldest and most renowned Hei Cha factory.
• Traditional Craft: Hand-packed into bamboo-woven baskets, a centuries-old method unique to Tian Jian.
• Unique Aging: Medium-light compression allows natural microbial fermentation for complex aging.
• Flavor Depth: Sweet, smoky, and savory — with molasses, mineral, and mushroom richness.
• Authorized Source: Tao Tea Leaf is the official distributor of Bai Sha Xi in Canada and the United States, ensuring authenticity and direct import from Anhua County, Hunan.

Tasting Profile

• Aroma: Sweet mineral, light smoke, earthy mushroom
• Flavor: Molasses sweetness with gentle smokiness and umami depth
• Mouthfeel: Smooth, warming, and layered
• Finish: Lingering, savory-sweet with a touch of earthiness

Steeping Guide

Gong Fu Style

• Amount: 3–5 g
• Water Temp: 95–100°C (203–212°F)
• Rinse: Quick rinse to awaken the tea
• First Steep: 40–50 seconds
• Subsequent Steeps: 10–15 seconds, adding time with each infusion
• Resteep: 8–10 times

Teapot or Mug

• Amount: 3–5 g
• Water: 250–350 ml (8–12 oz) at 95–100°C
• Steep Time: 2–3 minutes
• Resteep: 3–4 times