2024 Gua Feng Zhai (Windy Village) Single-Origin Ancient Tree Raw Puerh Tea Cake

Gua Feng Zhai (Windy Village) is located in the northwestern part of Mengla County, Xishuangbanna. It is a Yao ethnic village in the Yiwu tea-producing area, situated at an elevation of around 1,200 meters. Although not far from Yiwu in terms of distance, the journey there is winding and rugged. Bordering Laos, a boundary marker lies just seven kilometers from the village, marking the international border. As such, it was once a hidden paradise nestled deep within the mountains. The village lies in a valley between two high mountains, with a river running through the center — truly a place surrounded by lush mountains and clear waters.

Gua Feng Zhaii is the highest-elevation village among the seven major villages of Yiwu and is known for having the most well-preserved ancient tea trees. This area contains six sections of national forest — government-owned land designated as national-level nature reserves. The ancestors who lived and worked here left behind tea seeds, which eventually flourished into today's national forest tea groves.

When brewed in spring at a water temperature of 92–95°C, the newly harvested tea produces a liquor that is sweet and mellow, with a rich floral honey aroma. The tea soup is clear and bright, rich in pectin, and carries a natural fragrance of wildflowers and honey, showcasing the authentic flavor profile of the Yiwu tea region. The aftertaste lingers long in the throat, smooth and memorable, with a continuous wild mountain charm that unfolds gently. The tea leaves are soft, fresh, vibrant, uniformly intact, and highly resilient, releasing bursts of floral and fruity aromas from the infused leaves.

Although raw Pu-erh tea made from pure materials is known for its potential in post-fermentation aging, even fresh Gua Feng Zhai tea performs remarkably well. It has a natural and intense honey aroma within its sweetness and smoothness, with a strong yet restrained inner strength. The bitterness and astringency are subtle, while the aftertaste is prolonged and penetrating, leaving a deep impression in both heart and body. As the tea ages, its transformation becomes increasingly apparent. Initially, it offers sweetness and deep throat resonance, with a strong fragrance. Over time, the liquor becomes thicker and more full-bodied, as the bitterness and astringency mellow out, gradually revealing a rich aged aroma.