The 2004 Xiaguan A-Grade Tuocha is a classic tightly compressed raw Pu-erh (Sheng Pu-erh) tea produced by Xiaguan Tea Factory. As one of Xiaguan’s signature products, this tea is renowned for its premium raw material selection, tight compression process, rich smoky aroma, and excellent aging potential. After nearly 20 years of natural aging, its flavor profile has evolved significantly, making it a highly sought-after tea among aged Pu-erh enthusiasts.

Product Characteristics
1. Raw Material & Compression
"A-Grade" refers to high-quality raw material selection, meaning this Tuocha is made from carefully chosen large-leaf sun-dried Yunnan tea, with thicker leaves and a higher proportion of buds compared to standard Tuocha.
Compressed using Xiaguan’s classic high-temperature steaming technique, forming a tightly packed Tuocha, ideal for long-term aging and transformation.
The surface displays clear tea strands with uniform coloration, and after years of aging, the leaves become more elastic and oily in texture.
2. Aroma & Taste
Aroma: Features the signature Xiaguan smoky fragrance, with prominent pine-smoke notes, aged woody aromas, and hints of floral and honey-like sweetness.
Tea Liquor: After years of aging, the tea liquor has developed into a deep golden or amber color, with a bright and thick texture.
Taste:
Distinctive smoky aroma upon the first few infusions, complemented by a subtle aged woodiness and honey sweetness.
Thick and full-bodied tea soup, with mild bitterness that quickly transforms into sweetness. 
Rich complexity and strong tea energy (Cha Qi), with an enduring sweet aftertaste and a long-lasting salivating effect.
Highly durable, retaining its character through 10+ infusions, with the later steeps developing into a soft and sweet brew.
3. Tea Leaves (Leaf Base)
Thick and resilient leaves with a darkened color, reflecting good-quality raw material and proper aging conditions. The leaves have a supple and oily texture, indicating strong potential for further aging.
Aging & Transformation
After nearly 20 years of natural aging, the smoky aroma has softened, becoming more integrated and refined, while the tea liquor has gained greater smoothness and sweetness.
Dry Storage: Preserves a clean and bright liquor, maintaining the distinct smoky aroma and overall complexity.
Wet Storage: May introduce deeper aged woody aromas, but excessive humidity can diminish the tea’s clarity and vibrancy.
With further aging, the tea is likely to become even smoother, less bitter, and more naturally sweet, making it a great option for long-term storage and investment.
Best for Tea Drinkers Who:
Enjoy Xiaguan’s signature smoky-style Pu-erh with bold flavors.
Prefer aged Sheng Pu-erh with a smooth, thick texture and complex layers.
Are looking for a collectible tea that continues to appreciate in value over time.
Price Trend: As aged Xiaguan raw Pu-erh teas gain popularity, the price of 2004 A-Grade Tuocha has steadily increased, and its limited availability suggests that its market value will continue to rise.