2021 Ailao Shan Single-Origin Ancient Tree Raw Puerh Tea Cake

Ailao Shan Nature Reserve spans five counties in Yunnan Province: Chuxiong, Shuangbai, Jingdong, Zhenyuan, and Xinping. It is classified as a forest ecosystem nature reserve. The terrain is rugged, with steep mountains and deep valleys, and elevation ranges from 600 to 3,000 meters. This creates a multi-layered climate that spans temperate, subtropical, and tropical zones, providing ideal conditions for the cultivation of rich and complex arbor (tree-grown) tea varieties.

Characteristics of Ancient Tree Tea

The unique topography and natural environment of the region have produced a distinct terroir. The tea is primarily harvested from ancient arbor trees over 100 years old in the mountainous areas of Zhenyuan, Pu’er. Grown at elevations of 1,800–2,000 meters, these trees thrive in a clean, natural ecosystem.

Ailao Shan Ancient Tree Tea uses pure spring-picked leaves from ancient trees and is crafted using traditional handmade techniques. The tea cake is full and rounded, with tightly knotted leaves. The dry leaves are dark, lustrous, and covered with silvery hairs. The brewed tea is clear and bright yellow, with distinct floral and wild honey aromas that linger in the cup. The taste is rich and full-bodied, with a quick and long-lasting salivation effect, high durability over multiple infusions, and a strong, vibrant tea energy. The infused leaves are plump, tender, and substantial.

Brewing Instructions:

Use a teapot or cover bowl with a capacity of 150cc. Brew with hot water at 95–100°C.
Suggested steeping times:

First infusion: 30 seconds to 1 minute

Second and third infusions: about 30–45 seconds

From the fourth infusion onward: increase each steeping by 20–30 seconds

Ancient arbor tea from Ailao Shan can typically be brewed for 12 to 15 infusions or more.