2022 Qu Jiang Bao Pian - Anhua Dark Tea

Qu Jiang Bao Pian (渠江薄片) is a historically significant Anhua dark tea, with records tracing back over a thousand years. Known for its distinctive thin, coin-like shape, this tea follows a specialized process that preserves the essence of traditional Anhua heicha while offering a refined and accessible drinking experience.

This 2022 Qu Jiang Bao Pian is crafted from Anhua Qun Ti Zhong tea bushes grown at elevations above 800 meters in Qujiang, Anhua County. The raw material consists of one bud with two to three leaves, carefully selected from the 2019, 2020, and 2021 post-Guyu spring harvests to ensure depth and complexity. The Maocha (loose leaf semi-processed tea) undergoes a two-steaming, two-processing method before pile fermentation, a technique that enhances the tea’s smooth, mellow texture. After this transformation, the tea is pressed into thin discs, each weighing approximately 6.25g, making it convenient to carry, share, and brew. The finished slices are embossed with "Anhua Dark Tea" (安化黑茶) on one side and "Qu Jiang Bao Pian" on the other, maintaining its traditional aesthetic.

Upon brewing, the tea produces a clear golden-yellow infusion with a pure, long-lasting aroma. The taste is soft and sweet with a fresh mountain character, carrying a delicate wild freshness alongside the deep, smooth richness typical of Anhua dark tea. The result is a well-balanced tea that is both comforting and complex, making it a favorite among seasoned tea drinkers.

Qu Jiang Bao Pian is often regarded as the ancestor of Anhua dark tea and remains a cherished choice for those who appreciate the beauty of traditional tea craftsmanship. This 2022 release continues the legacy, blending carefully aged raw material with precise processing techniques to deliver a tea that is both visually striking and deeply satisfying.