2018 Yi Wu Gua Feng Zhai Ancient Tree Raw Pu'er Tea – Aroma with Silky Smoothness | 100g Cake

Product Description

Gua Feng Zhai, located within the legendary Yi Wu tea region, is renowned for producing teas of exceptional character – bold yet refined, powerful yet silky. This 2018 spring harvest is crafted from pure ancient tree material, sourced from the subtropical primeval forests that define this iconic terroir.

The tea trees of Gua Feng Zhai are of the medium-to-large leaf variety, growing in an environment of dense forest cover where sunlight is diffused rather than direct. This unique combination of natural conditions – pristine ecology, abundant rainfall, and gentle, filtered light – creates the ideal growing environment for tea trees, allowing them to develop deep roots, rich internal substance, and the distinctive flavour profile that has made Gua Feng Zhai a legend among Pu'er enthusiasts.

The dry leaves are long, slender, and beautifully intact – dark green with an oily lustre and prominent downy tips. The aroma is rich and penetrating, and notably, the fragrance carries fully into the liquor itself – a hallmark of exceptional quality.

On the palate, the tea delivers a satisfying fullness with brisk, rapid returning sweetness. The balance of strength and elegance makes this tea approachable and enjoyable for a wide range of drinkers – from seasoned collectors to those exploring Yi Wu for the first time. The infused leaves are vibrant, thick, and plump, with clear, distinct veins and long, prominent stems – further evidence of the quality and integrity of the raw material.

Tasting Notes

Key Specifications

Packaging Options

Brewing Recommendation

Steps:

1. Warm the vessel – Rinse with boiling water and discard.

2. Add the leaves – Break off a piece of the cake. Keep the pieces intact rather than crumbling.

3. Rinse (Awakening) – Pour boiling water over the leaves and immediately pour it out after 3–5 seconds. This awakens the leaves and removes any dust.

4. First infusion – Refill with boiling water, cover, and steep for 5–8 seconds. Decant into a fairness cup.

5. Subsequent infusions – Add 5–10 seconds to the steeping time for each additional brew. This tea holds its character for 10–12 infusions, with the flavour evolving beautifully – early infusions reveal its brisk, full character, while later infusions become softer and sweeter.

Pro Tip: Gua Feng Zhai is celebrated for its silky smooth texture and the way its fragrance carries fully into the liquor – to fully appreciate this, use a thin-walled gaiwan and pay close attention to the aroma of both the empty cup and the liquor itself.

Storage Advice

To allow this tea to continue improving over time:

• Store in a clean, dry, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight.

• Avoid strong odours – tea absorbs surrounding scents easily.

• Ideal conditions: temperature 20–30°C, relative humidity 50–70%.

• With proper care, this tea will continue to develop deeper complexity and richness over the years – a true investment for the patient tea drinker.

Product Highlights at a Glance

• 2018 spring harvest from Gua Feng Zhai – legendary Yi Wu terroir

• Ancient tree pure material – medium-to-large leaf variety

• Grown in pristine subtropical primeval forest – diffused sunlight, ideal conditions

• Long, slender, intact dry leaves – dark green with oily lustre

• Rich, penetrating aroma – fully integrated into the liquor

• Full, brisk, and satisfying – rapid returning sweetness

• Silky smooth texture – approachable and balanced

• Vibrant, thick infused leaves – clear veins, prominent stems

• Available in single cake, 5-cake bundle, and 30-cake carton

Complete Specification Summary

This 2018 Gua Feng Zhai Ancient Tree Raw Pu'er is a beautiful expression of Yi Wu's signature character – bold yet refined, powerful yet silky. From its long, slender dry leaves to its rich, penetrating aroma and brisk, rapid returning sweetness, every element reflects the quality of its ancient tree origins and the pristine forest environment in which it grew. With several years of aging already behind it, this tea offers a drinking experience that is both approachable and deeply satisfying – a perfect introduction to the world of Yi Wu Pu'er, and a rewarding choice for collectors and enthusiasts alike.