2003 Meng Hai Factory #7542 Zhong Cha Logo

In 1976, the Yunnan Tea Import and Export Company formalized the labeling of Puerh raw tea (sheng cha) for export, introducing codes to standardize blends. The code "7542" specifically marks a blend which:

• recipe was created 1975, as shown by the first two digits "75"
• uses grade 4 tea leaves, indicated by the third digit "4"
• and is produced by the Menghai Tea Factory, signified by the final digit "2"
  

The 7542 blend, known for its well-rounded flavor that evolves and intensifies with age, has its origins in the influential Huang Yin (yellow-label) tea, a Qi Zi Bing variety produced around the same time. This historical connection between the yellow-label teas and the 7542 blend underscores a legacy that is preserved in its flavor profile, ensuring both consistency and stability in taste over the years.
This particular 7542 model is a highly collectible tea, as it represents the last production to bear the Zhongcha mark from the Menghai Tea Factory before the transition to the “Dayi” trademark in 2004. As the final pre-reform 7542, this tea captures a pivotal moment in puerh tea history, serving as a tribute to the enduring qualities of traditional production methods. 
This 2003 puerh from Menghai Tea Factory delivers a rich, well-aged experience. The tea soup strikes a balance between smooth, mellow sweetness and dried fruit, complemented by an earthy depth. As it unfolds, woodsy and tobacco flavors emerge, accompanied by a subtle floral fragrance. Its full-bodied, velvety texture coats the palate, while the long, clean finish invites another sip. Having matured beautifully over time, this tea not only showcases the enduring qualities of traditional puerh production but also demonstrates its potential for further aging.