’08 Vanilla Palace

Toasted sugar and vanilla rise immediately from the cup, bestowing a serious guabei that’s thick, fragrant. A deep exhalation through the nose pulls out a comforting aroma of vanilla and preserved pears. The broth tastes sweet and rich, imparting Bulang Zen,  smooth and grounded. The tongue adjusts to the bitterness instantly, while gripping astringency flips into fast mouth‑watering action. The tea feels cheeky and alive. A sugary, evanescent huigan follows with notes of dried cherry, booze, black licorice, and jasmine.

Each flash infusion reveals a new layer, shifting with temperature and rewarding attentive brewing. The qi hits hard, thundering first in the belly before rising through the chest and head. Both the huigan and qi define this tea’s character. The material is organic, and the tea has rested cleanly in Los Angeles since February ’23, gaining character and depth.

Palace (gongting) usually designates the minutest leaf grade of ripe Pu‑erh, but here it is used for this raw treasure. This small leaf size produces fewer infusions but delivers exceptional concentration and refinement. Vanilla Palace promises outstanding long‑term storage potential.

Banzhang Zhengshan Tea Factory (BZZS), founded in 2006, focuses on productions “everyday folk can afford to drink and store.” They source almost exclusively from the Menghai broad‑leaf variety, crafting teas with honest character and strong aging trajectories. Reputation in Pu‑erh takes time—usually fifteen years or more—and BZZS has earned its standing through consistent quality and smart branding. Several of their productions have already appreciated to reflect their craftsmanship.

Vanilla Palace stands out as a superb value, offering high‑grade gongting richness, Bulang depth, and serious aging promise at a price that remains accessible.

25¢

Mid-Aged Mekong Attar Taiwan Commission