Nan Nuo Shan Ya Kou Zhai 南糯山丫口老寨

Ya Kou Lao Zhai is a highly sought-after village for Pu Er on Nan Nuo Shan. Our teas from this village come from the old village (Lao Zhai) where the trees are 200-600 years old. We particularly enjoy the full-bodied but gentle floral notes this terrior gives.

Ya Kou means three-way fork, and Lao Zhai means old village. Pu Ers are typically named after the location where they are grown, hence this tea being named Ya Kou Lao Zhai. This village shares a tea tree lot with Ban Po Lao Zhai and Shi Tou Zhai. It is home to some beautiful ancient tea trees.

Teas from the west of Lan Cang river are typically known for their more forward, robust, and substantial profile. Nan Nuo Shan is mainly known for its weighty mouthfeel and subdued aroma.

Ya Kou is made of Qun Ti Da Ye Zhong (Heirloom Large Leaf) material. Pu Er making follows a typical green tea process; that's why it is academically classified as a sun-dry green tea. Pu Er picking is usually one bud with two or three leaves. The teas are generally shade wilted to lose some moisture before being wok-fried in a large batch. The large batch of Pu Er being processed each time is the "mistake" that causes the tea's enzyme not to be damaged thoroughly, providing the basis for aging Pu Er later on. The hot and moist tea leaves are then rolled and shaped quickly before being evenly spread out under the sun to dry. Aggressively intense sun is the most preferred in Pu Er making.