New Release of Tang Li Shan Ripe Pu-erh Tea 2023

We have released the 2023 edition of Tang Li Shan Ripe Pu-erh Tea. Tang Li Shan refers to a mountain located on the northern slope of De Dang Town, the central area of Yong De County. This ripe Pu-erh tea offers an exceptionally long aftertaste due to the high-quality raw material used, combined with meticulously controlled fermentation. It boasts excellent quality in both its raw material and processing.

Tang Li Shan: A Symbol of De Dang Town

Tang Li Shan lies to the north of De Dang Town, the heart of Yong De County in Yunnan Province. This prominent mountain, with its gradual and picturesque slopes ascending to about 2000 meters above sea level, serves as a defining landmark and symbol of the town. Its elevation and unique topography provide favorable conditions for tea cultivation, making it a key area for tea production in the region. Thanks to its convenient accessibility, Tang Li Shan is home to a diverse range of tea gardens, from those relying on fertilizer-aided cultivation to those adhering to natural, organic farming practices. The closer tea gardens are to the town center, the more likely they are to utilize modern agricultural methods, often to meet higher production demands. As one travels farther northward and deeper into the mountain slopes, the distance from the urban area increases, bringing a change in the environment. The higher altitude not only creates cooler temperatures and cleaner air but also allows the tea trees to grow at a slower pace, absorbing more minerals from the soil. Additionally, this northern stretch features older tea trees, some of which have stood for generations. These mature tea trees and their primeval surroundings contribute to creating tea gardens with more ideal growing conditions, yielding teas of extraordinary quality. This distinction makes the northern areas of Tang Li Shan particularly prized among tea connoisseurs. The slopes of Tang Li Shan extending to the north of Dedang Town Tang Li Shan enjoys abundant sunlight throughout the year, which is a key factor in the distinct characteristics of the teas produced in this region. The ample sunlight not only supports healthy growth but also enhances the development of the tea’s flavor and aroma. As a result, teas from Tang Li Shan often exhibit an elegant and refreshing floral quality, with a subtle complexity that reflects the mountain’s unique environment. Given its reputation of the tea leaves, Tang Li Shan tea is highly sought after and commands a premium price in the local market. Due to its value, it is uncommon for tea from this mountain to be processed into ripe Pu-erh, as raw Pu-erh is often preferred for showcasing the area’s exceptional terroir. However, the recent economic challenges in China have impacted various tea markets, including ripe Pu-erh. The decrease in demand for ripe Pu-erh has led to a noticeable decline in its market price. This economic shift provided us with a rare opportunity to acquire Tang Li Shan tea, typically reserved for other processes, at a more accessible cost. This has allowed us to present a high-quality ripe Pu-erh tea from this esteemed region at a more reasonable price, making it more accessible for tea enthusiasts to enjoy its unique qualities.

A Long Aftertaste Among HOJO’s Ripe Pu-erh Tea Lineup

Tang Li Shan Ripe Pu-erh Tea 2023 stands out for its long aftertaste, surpassing even the popular Guo Gan Ripe Pu-erh Tea 2016. From the perspective of tea experts, the fermentation is well-executed, resulting in a tea that retains a clean, refreshing sweetness without any hint of acidity, even when cooled. The tea was first aged in a loose-leaf state under aerobic conditions for one year before being compressed into its final form, allowing its flavors to develop naturally. Looking ahead, further aging in an oxygen-free environment is anticipated to refine its fragrance and enhance its depth, bringing out even richer layers of sweetness and complexity over time.

For more on how ripe Pu-erh is fermented, compressed, and aged, see About Ripe Pu-erh Tea.