Zhou Bingliang-the director of the Haiwan Tea Factory
A portrait of one of the essential personality of hinsoire puerh, Zou Bing Liang (邹炳良), one of the greatest figures of tea with whom I had the chance to speak at length. Founder and director of Haiwan Tea Industry, Zou Bing Liang is also known to have been part of 70 years in the handful of people responsible for the development of fermented puerh as we know it today. It is thus now considered a leading expert from the fermentation of puerh, but focuses on his shoulders the legacy of large state factories and it is a living symbol of the blending, or the art of assembling the various sheets Tea cakes in order to sculpt their aromas.
Zou Bing Liang (邹炳良) is a celebrated figure in the world of Puerh tea, known for his profound contributions to the development and fermentation of this ancient Chinese tea. Born in 1939, Zou Bing Liang’s career spans over seven decades, during which he has become a pivotal personality in the tea industry. He is the founder and director of Haiwan Tea Industry and was instrumental in transforming Puerh tea production, particularly through his work at Menghai Tea Factory.
Early Life and Career
Zou Bing Liang entered the renowned Menghai Tea Factory in 1957 at the age of 18, immersing himself in the rigorous environment of a state-operated tea production facility. Over the next 40 years, he honed his skills and knowledge in Puerh tea production, eventually emerging as a leading expert in the field.
Contributions to Puerh Tea
In the 1960s, Zou Bing Liang distinguished himself within the research department of Menghai Tea Factory. From 1963 to 1965, he participated in studies on the production and grading of black tea (known as red tea in China). At that time, Yunnan province was more famous for its black tea than for Puerh.
During the early 1970s, Zou Bing Liang’s focus shifted to the aging and post-fermentation processes of Puerh tea, driven by the demands of the Hong Kong market, where aged Puerh was highly prized. In 1973, he was sent to Guangdong by Menghai Tea Factory to study accelerated fermentation methods, leading to the development of Wo Due (渥堆), the modern technique of Puerh fermentation. That same year, Zou Bing Liang published the first technical book on Puerh tea fermentation, setting production standards that are still referenced today.
Master of Tea Blending
Beyond fermentation, Zou Bing Liang is renowned for his expertise in blending, a critical aspect of Puerh tea production. Blending involves combining various grades and types of tea leaves to create a balanced and consistent flavor profile. This art ensures that each batch of tea maintains a uniform taste, appearance, and quality.
Zou Bing Liang’s blending philosophy can be summarized in three key principles:
- 扬长避短 (Highlight Strengths, Avoid Weaknesses): Utilize the strengths of each type of tea leaf to offset the weaknesses of others.
- 显优隐次 (Show the Beautiful, Hide the Unsightly): Combine leaves to enhance the visual appeal and overall quality of the tea.
- 高低平衡 (Balance the Quality): Achieve a harmonious blend by balancing the different qualities of individual tea leaves.
Haiwan Tea Industry
In 1996, Zou Bing Liang left Menghai Tea Factory, which had become a private entity, and in 1998, he co-founded Haiwan Tea Industry with Lu Guoling, another former deputy director at Menghai Tea Factory. At Haiwan, Zou Bing Liang oversees fermentation and blending, continuing to innovate and refine Puerh tea production.
The Haiwan facility is equipped with advanced machinery for technical analysis and houses extensive collections of raw tea leaves (Maocha) for blending. Zou Bing Liang’s meticulous approach ensures that each tea blend is adjusted annually to account for variations in raw material and climatic conditions, maintaining the unique character of each tea.
Legacy and Influence
Zou Bing Liang’s legacy in the Puerh tea industry is immense. His expertise in fermentation and blending has set high standards for quality and consistency. As a living symbol of Puerh tea’s rich heritage, Zou Bing Liang continues to influence the industry, nurturing the art of tea blending and the appreciation of fine Puerh tea.
For more detailed insights into Zou Bing Liang’s contributions and philosophy, you can visit the source: Puerh.fr.
Source from: http://www.puerh.fr/en/article/zou_bing_liang.htm
