2021 Nanlie Gu Shu White Tea Cake from Yunnan

Nanlie Village is located in the southwest of Menghai County and is home to ancient tea trees ranging from 200 to 250 years old, qualifying this tea as Gushu (ancient tree) tea. It is crafted from the first flush of spring 2021, following the one bud, two leaves picking standard.

Typically, the first harvest of Gushu trees in Yunnan is used to produce Sheng Pu-erh, as it holds higher market value. However, this producer took a different approach. After experimenting with white tea production using leaves from multiple villages, he found that Nanlie’s tea trees yielded the best results for crafting Gushu white tea.

Following the withering stage, the tea leaves are sun-dried rather than baked indoors, a traditional technique that supports further aging. This natural drying process enhances the tea’s floral and fruity aroma, preserving its delicate yet complex character.

Compared to a typical Yunnan white tea, this tea is bolder and stronger in Qi, yet it maintains a soft and smooth texture. It offers multiple infusions, leaving behind a long-lasting sweet sensation in the mouth. Each tea cake weighs 357 grams.