Cain Sign: 1992 Xiaguan Tuocha (下关沱茶 甲级）

Cain Sign was considered as a potential title for what became John Steinbeck's magnum opus, "East of Eden." The story of Cain and Abel is a bit perplexing; after their father "looked with favor" upon Abel's gift but not Cain's, Cain murders his brother. His punishment? Life and protection. The mark put on him by the Lord is to protect him. Ever think of that? Something to ponder over your next cup of tea.

Note the embossed 甲 sign on the surface of the tea pictured above. That mark is unique to the 1992 Xiaguan Tuocha (tuo=沱 referring to the rounded bowl-like shape, which has become a Xiaguan Tea Factory specialty). Often "without clothes" i.e., no outside paper wrapping, the 100g Xiaguan Tuocha can be tricky to place year-wise by observation alone, but the 1992 甲级 edition is an exception. Thus, it commands a premium in the marketplace.

Also note the smaller, thinner striations indicating the use of young buds/leaves. This distinguishes 甲 from less expensive 乙 and 丙 versions, with the latter having noticeably larger leaves and stalks in the mix.