Yan Zi Tou (Rock Head)
Sheng Puer Cake 357g 2024
A very mild and soft sheng puer with mossy flavors and honeysuckle aromatics, sourced in far western Yunnan. Grown in rocky mountain soil that yields deeply mineral flavors reminiscent of rock wulong.
$180.00
2 in stock
- Tea Origin
- Yan Zi Tou Village, Mengpeng Township, Zhengkang County, Lincang City, Yunnan Province, China
- Tea Bush
- Yunnan Dayezhong (Yunnan Large Leaf Heirloom Tea Tree)
- Tea Maker
- Chen Keke and Li Dong
- Harvest Time
- Early April
- Plucking Standard
- One bud, two leaves
This unusual sheng puer possesses flavors that are soft yet powerful. An initially mellow mouthfeel builds into full, persistent richness as the leaves open. An excellent choice for a low-astringency sheng puer that remains packed with flavor.
This high mountain tea grows in the forests surrounding Yan Zi Tou Village in Zhenkang County. Buried deep in rocky mountains ranging from 1500-2000 meters (~5000-6500 ft) in altitude, the unique rocky soil of this growing environment imparts a unique “mountain rock rhyme” to the flavor of the tea reminiscent of the deep mineral character of rock wulong. Great craggy rocks are scattered across the mountainside here, and the settlement that this tea takes its name from is itself named for a remarkably large boulder shaped like a horse’s head.
The ecology of this very remote area remains relatively undisturbed and retains an intact population of old-growth tea trees. Despite the high altitude, the climate of this subtropical region is sheltered from both severe winter cold and harsh summer heat and receives plenty of rainfall, making it an excellent environment for growing tea.
While Zhenkang County on the far western edge of Yunnan Province is sparsely populated, the Chinese government prohibits foreigners and tourists from traveling there due to ongoing civil war in the bordering Myanmar (Burma). As such, tea from this origin is difficult to obtain. However, local tea merchants are permitted to travel there to source its high-quality sheng puer maocha.
