"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.