New Release: Da Xue Shan Wild Pu-erh Tea 2023 & 2024

We have released the 2023 and 2024 editions of Da Xue Shan Wild Raw Pu-erh Tea. The 2023 edition has been aged for one year in our Malaysian warehouse.

Authentic Wild Tea, Rare Even in Yunnan Province

Da Xue Shan Wild Tea is a raw pu-erh tea made from wild Camellia taliensis. In Yunnan, Camellia taliensis is simply called “wild tea” (Ye Sheng Cha), not just because it’s wild but as the common name for the plant itself. This means that teas labeled as “wild tea” can be either wild or cultivated, making it hard to tell the difference by name alone. As demand for wild tea has grown, many farmers have started cultivating Camellia taliensis, leading to tea gardens in various regions. These cultivated teas are often sold as wild tea. Despite this, we remain focused on sourcing only genuine wild tea. For further details, please see the article below: In Search of Wild Tea: Exploring Mountain Villages in Southwest Lincang, Yunnan

Specialized Processing of Compressed Cake Tea

We purchase loose raw pu-erh tea (mao-cha) and bring it to a specialist for compression into cake form. While many producers who make loose tea can also handle cake processing, our experience with raw pu-erh and white tea has shown that the compression process plays a crucial role in the final quality. Key factors include the type of metal used, steam temperature, humidification time, and drying method. Between 2017 and 2019, we tested several companies recommended by partners and friends until we found our current specialist. This small team of artisans is dedicated solely to cake tea processing, and their skill is now a vital part of our production.

Da Xue Shan Wild Raw Pu-erh Tea 2023 Cake

The 2023 edition of Da Xue Shan Wild Raw Pu-erh Tea has been aged for one year in an oxygen-free environment in our Malaysian warehouse. This aging process has developed sweet aromas reminiscent of raisins, sweet potatoes, and chestnuts, making it an ideal choice for the colder season.

Da Xue Shan Wild Raw Pu-erh Tea 2024 Cake

This tea was produced in 2024 while we were actively involved in Yunnan, managing each step of the process. We used the same leaves as the previously released loose Da Xue Shan Wild Tea and had it compressed into cake form. We directly took part in the pan-frying process, ensuring it was done at the ideal temperature range. The tea has a long aftertaste and a full-bodied character, with a refreshing, fruity aroma reminiscent of grapes, apples, and young tree bark. With further oxygen-free aging, we also expect honey-like and raisin-like aromas to develop.

For more on how raw Pu-erh is made, aged, and stored, see What Is Raw Pu-erh Tea?.