2023 Nan Ben Lao Zhai Gushu Puerh

FatBat Private Pressing Gushu Raw Puerh

南本老寨 古树

Nan Ben is a village where we "booked" a grove for first-flush picking very early on this year, having tasted some superb samples last year. Unlike most of the other villages in Mengsong region, Nan Ben has stayed out of the limelight for years due to poor infrastructure. 

This lack of attention has been a boon for the gushu gardens, which have been kept in fantastic condition. No agrochemicals have been used, and trees have not been over-picked. Upon visiting, we found these groves to be some of the best preserved we've seen recently, with large numbers of old arbor trees growing together and sprouting lush foliage despite the very dry weather. 

We are happy to offer a chance to taste a pure gushu picking from this more recently uncovered village, what we think is some of the most elegant tea from Mengsong. 

TASTING NOTES

Early steeps have a full-bodied sweetness bolstered by an underlying savory, spiced strength. Mid-session, the characteristic Mengsong-region tang becomes more apparent, with a stimulating huigan tingling in the back of the throat. If pushed later in the session, a pleasant bittersweet hoppiness emerges. A surprisingly rounded, refined Mengsong tea with lovely rich mouthfeel throughout. The energy is very present in most sessions, but never intimidating. 
[ This tea is very freshly pressed; tasting notes will be updated after it settles. ]
 

TECHNICALS