2014 Kunlu Shan Raw Puerh

Private pressing from a Taiwanese producer, Shanghai stored. 

Quality material completely from medium and older trees (not the oldest gushu in Kunlu Shan as pricing for that is astronomical). The producer told me this was the final year he was able to make Kunlu tea as raw material prices started getting out of hand thereafter.

It is worth noting that Kunlu Shan is a large growing region. While most famous for the small-leafed variety of tea trees growing in the ancient Imperial Tea Gardens (highly prized and expensive!), there is also a significant amount of tea growing outside the Imperial Gardens, of the medium and larger leaved variety (and also some purely wild species which we don't prefer). This production is from these latter trees, which benefit from the excellent terroir that this mountain offers.

If you are looking for the small-leaf Imperial Tribute tea, we offer it as part of our FatBat Private Pressing line here.

TERROIR

Kunlu Mountain, situated along the ancient tea trading route, is best known for being the site of the ancient Imperial tea gardens. True top tier Kunlu gushu is unattainable for most, as the market for gushu material from this region borders on ridiculous. "First Grade" gushu fresh leaf went for up to $1200 per kg at 2021 spring auctions ($4800 per kg dried maocha).

However, the smaller trees also produce top notch quality material, as the entire area is strictly regulated for ecological conditions and agrochemical use. The relative scarcity of good Kunlu teas on the market is due to the smaller area that tea trees grow in (vs. Jingmai for instance) and also note that so-called "wild varietal" Kunlu teas available for cheaper are a completely different product from the cultivated teas.

TASTE PROFILE

A very distinct impression of dark baking cocoa alongside fresh hay, sprouts and citrus rind. Dried tropical fruit and fresh hay on the nose and in the empty cup. This is a beautifully balanced tea with no harsh notes or uncomfortable edges. Soup is only of medium thickness which is fairly typical for Kunlu Shan tea, but exceedingly smooth and lubricating.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER, MR. LIAO - click here