Ancient Big White

Ancient pu'erh tea trees are not uncommon in Yunnan, however we rarely come across any of the Jinggu Dabai, or "Big White," varietal outside of Yangta Village. This rare varietal is native to Yangta and the trees have never spread far from where they originated.

On account of its rarity, the price of fresh leaves from the ancient Jinggu Dabai tea trees has increased steadily in recent years. Despite their climbing market value, Mr. Tang insists on making a small amount of pu'erh from Jinggu Dabai every year, should he be fortunate enough to find fresh leaves on the ancient trees.

This rare pu'erh comes from a grove of 300 ancient Jinggu Big White tea trees near his property. The trees here are approximately 400 years old, and stand together in the only known grove of the ancient Big White varietal to exist! Their newly sprouted leaves are golden yellow, and their branches, covered in moss and lichen, are full of vitality.

The Jinggu Dabai varietal is subdivided into 9 varieties -- the yellow buds are used to make Ancient Gold Needle, which we also carry, and the other 8 varieties are combined to craft this pu'erh. While blended, this pu'erh is still "pure material," meaning there hasn't been any mixing with leaves from younger tea trees.

The effect that this tea has is unusual: it tastes delicate and refreshing, while delivering a powerful energetic effect. Its mouthfeel hints at it being more substantial than we would guess from its flavour, and we can sense its potency in its extended, mouthcoating aftertaste.

The soft, gold liquor is viscous and heavy, carrying with it a bright, beguiling taste reminiscent of lemon-yogurt. The activity of this sweet and complex ferment settles deeply in us, transmitting the strong energy of these enduring trees.

We would want this pu'erh on an intentional day. It asks for patience, and seems to slow us down, inviting a contemplative and open-minded state. After several infusions we find our thoughts moving in less familiar ways, which is something worth watching for.