2020 Bai Sha Xi An Hua Hei Cha Brick Traditional Craft (Classic Style)

Traditional Dark Tea from Anhua, Hunan

Hei Brick Tea (Hei Zhuan Cha) is one of the most historic styles of Anhua Hei Cha (Dark Tea), first created in 1939 at the Bai Sha Xi Tea Factory. That year, tea master Peng Xianze successfully trial-produced Hei Brick, and the tea was later recognized by national experts for its excellence. This marked the birth of China’s very first Hei Brick Tea, a tradition that continues to this day.

Anhua County, nestled in the misty Xuefeng mountain range, offers fertile soil and abundant rainfall, creating ideal conditions for tea cultivation. The region produces large, thick, emerald-green leaves rich in natural compounds — the foundation for its celebrated dark teas.

This Hei Brick Tea is crafted from Hei Mao Cha, processed with traditional methods and strict adherence to national standards. The bricks are tightly pressed, smooth, and uniform inside and out. Known for its durability to multiple brews, the tea produces a liquor that remains stable without turning sour.

The flavor profile is smooth, mellow, and complex:

• Dry leaves: dark with a woody, roasted aroma
• Liquor: bright yellow-orange with notes of orange peel, lemongrass, and wood
• Wet leaves: dark green, with a character lying between a young ripe puerh and a well-aged raw puerh

A true representation of Anhua’s tea heritage, Hei Brick Tea offers a rich, satisfying taste with a remarkable lingering aftertaste.

Why It’s Special

• Historic Legacy: The first Hei Brick Tea, born at Bai Sha Xi in 1939.
• Authentic Origin: From Anhua, Hunan, the birthplace of China’s Hei Cha tradition.
• Durable Brew: Stable liquor that remains pure, bright, and sweet even after multiple infusions.
• Unique Flavor: Bright, citrusy notes of orange and lemongrass layered over mellow wood and roast.
• Authorized Source: Tao Tea Leaf is the official distributor of Bai Sha Xi in Canada and the United States, ensuring authenticity and direct sourcing.

Tasting Profile

• Aroma: Woody, roasted, with citrus hints
• Flavor: Smooth and mellow with orange, lemongrass, and earthy wood notes
• Mouthfeel: Rounded, full-bodied, and warming
• Finish: Clean, sweet, and long-lasting

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: 20–30 seconds
• Subsequent Steeps: 10–15 seconds, adding time gradually
• 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