"Tang Li Shan" (棠梨山) in Chinese, refers to the mountain located on the northern slopes of De Dang Town (德党镇), the central area of Yong De County (永德县).
This ripe pu-erh tea is distinguished by its exceptional raw material quality, resulting in an extraordinarily long-lasting aftertaste. The fermentation process has been masterfully controlled, further enhancing its character. Both the raw materials and production methods reflect superior quality, making this tea truly remarkable.
Tang Li Shan: A Symbol of De Dang Town
Tang Li Shan lies to the north of De Dang Town, the heart of Yong De County in Yunnan Province. This prominent mountain, with its gradual and picturesque slopes ascending to about 2000 meters above sea level, serves as a defining landmark and symbol of the town. Its elevation and unique topography provide favorable conditions for tea cultivation, making it a key area for tea production in the region.
Thanks to its convenient accessibility, Tang Li Shan is home to a diverse range of tea gardens, from those relying on fertilizer-aided cultivation to those adhering to natural, organic farming practices. The closer tea gardens are to the town center, the more likely they are to utilize modern agricultural methods, often to meet higher production demands.
As one travels farther northward and deeper into the mountain slopes, the distance from the urban area increases, bringing a change in the environment. The higher altitude not only creates cooler temperatures and cleaner air but also allows the tea trees to grow at a slower pace, absorbing more nutrients from the soil. Additionally, this northern stretch features older tea trees, some of which have stood for generations. These mature tea trees and their pristine surroundings contribute to creating tea gardens with superior growing conditions, yielding teas of exceptional quality. This distinction makes the northern areas of Tang Li Shan particularly prized among tea connoisseurs.
The slopes of Tang Li Shan extending across the northern part of De Dang Town.
Tang Li Shan enjoys abundant sunlight throughout the year, which is a key factor in the distinct characteristics of the teas produced in this region. The ample sunlight not only supports healthy growth but also enhances the development of the tea’s flavor and aroma. As a result, teas from Tang Li Shan often exhibit an elegant and refreshing floral quality, with a subtle complexity that reflects the mountain’s unique environment.
Given its reputation and the high quality of the tea leaves, Tang Li Shan tea is highly sought after and commands a premium price in the local market. Due to its value, it is uncommon for tea from this mountain to be processed into ripe Pu-erh, as raw Pu-erh and other premium tea types are often preferred for showcasing the area’s exceptional terroir.
However, China's recent economic challenges have impacted various tea markets, including the market for pu-erh tea. The decline in demand for Pu-erh has led to a significant drop in its market price.
This economic shift presented us with a rare opportunity to acquire tea from Tang Li Shan at a more affordable cost for processing into ripe Pu-erh. In previous years, the fresh leaves from this region were primarily used to produce other types of tea, such as raw Pu-erh.
As a result, we are now able to offer a high-quality ripe Pu-erh tea from this esteemed region at a more reasonable price, making it easier for tea enthusiasts to enjoy its unique characteristics.
Among HOJO's range of ripe Pu-erh teas, the 2023 Tang Li Shan Ancient Tree Ripe Pu-erh stands out for its exceptionally long-lasting aftertaste. From a professional perspective, the fermentation has been executed perfectly, resulting in a tea that maintains a clean and pleasant sweetness without any sourness, even when cooled.
The tea liquor is clear and bright, reflecting excellent fermentation and processing quality. When enjoyed, the tea is smooth and delicate, free from bitterness or astringency, making it exceptionally easy to drink.
Initially, the tea leaves were stored in a loose-leaf form under aerobic conditions for one year before being steamed and pressed into tea cakes.
When freshly pressed, the tea liquor may carry a slight greenish note, requiring some aging to transform and mellow. Made from the rich raw material of ancient tea trees and crafted with expertly controlled fermentation by experienced tea masters, this ripe Pu-erh offers a fermentation level that is just right. After aging in an oxygen-free environment for several more years, its aroma and sweetness are expected to further develop, delivering a richer and more mellow flavor.
This tea is a worthy collectible for any Pu-erh tea enthusiast.
Tea Storage Guidelines
We recommend storing tea at room temperature. Tea leaves are highly sensitive to humidity, and even slight moisture absorption can trigger immediate deterioration. To prevent this, please be mindful of the following scenarios where moisture can unintentionally affect the tea:
- Exposure to steam: Tea is placed near hot water or steam while brewing.
- Wet utensils: Moisture is transferred from spoons or other tools.
- Opening in high humidity: Tea is unsealed in a humid environment.
- Condensation after refrigeration: Tea is opened immediately after being taken out of the refrigerator.
- Partial sealing after refrigeration: Tea is left unopened for some time but not properly resealed, causing condensation.
Among these, points 4 and 5 are the most common causes of tea deterioration. When tea is stored in the refrigerator, even with a well-sealed bag, cold air inside can allow external air to penetrate, causing condensation. Once tea leaves absorb moisture, their aroma can drastically change within 2–3 days.
To prevent moisture-related issues, store tea at room temperature in a dry environment, and ensure the container or bag is tightly sealed. Ideally, consume opened tea within a few months for the best flavor.
For unopened, vacuum-sealed tea, it can be stored for over a year. If you wish to further age the tea, keep it at room temperature in its original vacuum packaging. If you prefer to preserve the tea in its original freshness, refrigeration is also an option. However, if you refrigerate the tea, it is crucial to allow the package to return to room temperature over 24 hours before opening. While it may seem sufficient to wait for half a day, tea leaves have a large surface area and excellent insulating properties. Even if the outer surface feels warm, the inner leaves may remain cold, making the full 24-hour transition necessary. Once refrigerated tea is opened, it should be stored at room temperature thereafter.
During cooler seasons, such as autumn to spring, tea stored at room temperature can retain its quality for several months or more.
For long-term storage, consider using specialized vacuum-sealed containers available on the market. Though not common, these containers are highly effective for preserving tea and are worth investing in if you prioritize optimal storage conditions.