One of the classic blends of the 配方 (Pèifāng — “Formula” or “Recipe”) era of pǔ’ěr production, the 8582 cakes, with their larger average leaf grade, were said to contain a higher percentage of old tree material than most of the contemporary blends.
I have a few examples of the 8582, including two very beautifully stored, late-‘90s bǐng from a really lovely couple who have tea shops in 鶯歌區 (Yīnggē Qū — Yīnggē District), Taiwan.
I bought those in 2013, my first time in Taiwan, from the husband of the pair. My “tea-dar” drew me in the direction of their shop as if by magnetism! 😅
After looking around and chatting a bit, I started asking him about aged teas. He clearly had some ideas for me, and had a really good dig around in a bunch of cupboards and storage areas to find what he was looking for. (At which point he explained he was taking care of his wife’s part of the business, because it was Taiwanese Mother’s Day, and didn’t really know where everything was. I thought that was so sweet. : )
When he found these cakes, and started brewing them for me, I knew I was experiencing something special. I also knew I was experiencing something expensive, and I started to squirm a bit. I tentatively asked about cake prices, tǒng prices… my mind racing to figure out exchange rates, and what was left in my own budget.
At that point, the gentleman told me not to worry about it — just enjoy! And that’s when I knew I was experiencing something really special: the generosity, kindness, and camaraderie of a person who truly loves tea. (And, this is why I include the phrase “just enjoy” on the front page of this site; I’ve carried that feeling with me ever since.)