Lao Ban Zhang Tea
Old Ban Zhang · Ban Zhang Sheng
Lao Ban Zhang is the most famous — and most counterfeited — village in pu-erh, on Bulang mountain.
Flavor Profile
What does Lao Ban Zhang taste like?
Lao Ban Zhang is the most famous — and most counterfeited — village in pu-erh, on Bulang mountain. Its sheng is powerful: an intense bitterness that resolves into deep, lingering returning sweetness, thick body, and a pungent orchid-and-honey aroma. The tea is demanding when young and built for decades of aging. Expect high prices and buy only from trusted sources, as genuine Ban Zhang leaf is extremely limited.
Bar length reflects the relative prominence of each flavor note (dominant first), not a laboratory measurement.
Origin
Yunnan (Bulang), China
Lao Ban Zhang village sits high on Bulang mountain in Menghai county, Yunnan.
The birthplace of tea, producing every major tea style from green to dark.
Brewing Guide
How to Brew Lao Ban Zhang
Brewing parameters are a starting point and can be adjusted to taste.
Caffeine
Caffeine in Lao Ban Zhang
Typical brewed serving
Lao Ban Zhang is a high-caffeine pu-erh. A typical brewed serving contains about 40–70 mg of caffeine.
Values can vary depending on quantity, brewing time, serving size, and preparation method.
Keep Exploring
If you like Lao Ban Zhang
Side by Side
Want to see how Lao Ban Zhang compares?
Put Lao Ban Zhang next to Bulang Sheng and compare flavor, origin, caffeine, and brewing side by side.
FAQ
Lao Ban Zhang Tea FAQ
Quick answers about Lao Ban Zhang tea, drawn from its flavor, origin, caffeine, and brewing profile.
What is Lao Ban Zhang tea?
Lao Ban Zhang is the most famous — and most counterfeited — village in pu-erh, on Bulang mountain. It is also known as Old Ban Zhang and Ban Zhang Sheng.
Does Lao Ban Zhang tea have caffeine?
Yes. Lao Ban Zhang is a high-caffeine tea, typically 40–70 mg per brewed serving.
What does Lao Ban Zhang tea taste like?
Lao Ban Zhang is known for a profile led by Bitter, Honeyed, and Floral, with a strong body.
How do you brew Lao Ban Zhang tea?
Use about 5 g of tea per 250 ml of water at 95–100°C, steeping for 0.5–1 minutes. It can be re-steeped 8–12 times.
Is Lao Ban Zhang tea bitter?
Lao Ban Zhang can show bitterness, especially when young — bitter is one of its listed flavor notes alongside Honeyed and Floral.