2023 Nan Ben Lao Zhai Gushu Puerh

FatBat Private Pressing Gushu Raw Puerh 2023

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 remained more isolated due to difficulty of access. This lack of external traffic 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 (updated 2026)

Early steeps have a full-bodied sweetness bolstered by an underlying savory, spiced strength, the powerful umami encouraging the drinker to pursue steep after steep. Mid-session, the characteristic Mengsong-region tang becomes more apparent, with a stimulating huigan tingling in the back of the throat. A surprisingly rounded, refined Mengsong tea with lovely sweet and rich mouthfeel throughout. The energy is very present in most sessions, and never intimidating. 

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