2011 Taiji Yuan Cha

Deng Shi Hai is well known for his belief that puer tea improves with age. His teas are crafted with this philosophy in mind and are produced specifically for long-term aging, intended to evolve and deepen over time.

The material used for this cake comes from Fengqing County in Lincang Prefecture. Deng Shi Hai selected leaves from this region at a time when material from some of the more famous tea mountains was beginning to show the effects of overharvesting, choosing instead to work with tea that still reflected the vitality and strength of its origin.

The flavor profile of this tea is complex and engaging, unfolding and shifting over the course of a session. The tea soup is satisfyingly thick and smooth, with a touch of bite. The aftertaste is pronounced and lingering, and the tea carries a strong energy, making it especially well suited for a focused, attentive session.

This tea has been stored in Taiwan and was acquired through a member of the Deng Shi Hai Puer Research Institute. Its authenticity as a Deng Shi Hai production is guaranteed. 

Please note that the wrappers on these cakes show evidence of insect activity, in some cases quite pronounced. This is not uncommon with naturally aged puer, as insects are often attracted to the paper wrappers rather than the tea itself. This cosmetic issue does not affect the quality of the tea. The cakes have aged very well and perform beautifully in the cup. Those who prefer pristine wrappers may wish to consider other offerings.