2026 Yunnan Sourcing "Elemental" Ripe Pu-erh Tea Cake

This is a unique blend of Ripe Pu-erh tea from several regions in the southern regions of Yunnan! This is a very balanced blend with some bitter, some creaminess, and plenty of sweetness in the after-finish! 

Why it’s special

• A blend of high quality single-origin teas from Southern Yunnan
  
• Thick, rich, and substantial, but with a sweetness and clarity that keep it from feeling heavy or muddy
• Pressed young, with excellent potential to settle and improve over time

Tasting notes

• Aroma: dark chocolate, warm wood, cream, with hints of dried fruit
• Liquor: deep thick brown and burgundy
• Flavor: rich and smooth with dark chocolate bitterness, cream, date-like sweetness, earthy depth, and a gentle herbal edge
• Mouthfeel: dense, coating, and substantial without becoming murky or rough
• Finish & feel: quick returning sweetness, lingering mouthfeel, and a steady warming cha qi

Origin & processing

• Area: Xishuangbanna and Lancang (southern Yunnan)
• Harvest: 2025
• Wet pile: late 2025
• Pressing: 2026
• Type: Ripe Pu-erh tea cake
• Weight: 357 grams per cake

Brewing guide

Gongfu (recommended)

• 6–7 grams per 100 ml
• 100 °C
• Two quick rinses recommended, especially in 2026
• Start with 8–10 second infusions and lengthen gradually
• Expect 8–10 infusions with strong, even character

Western

• 4–5 grams per 300 ml
• 100 °C for 3–4 minutes
• Re-steep 2–3 times

Thermos style

• 1–1.5 grams per 100 ml
• Use boiling water and steep for 30-60 minutes

Aging notes

As a very young ripe, this tea may show some fresh fermentation character during 2026, especially in the earlier part of the year. That will gradually fade, allowing the deeper sweetness, texture, and He Kai character to come more clearly into focus. Store in 50-65% RH and 70-90F, in an odor-free area, with minimal airflow.

In Summary

• Name: 2026 Yunnan Sourcing "Elemental" Ripe Pu-erh Tea Cake
• Region: Xishuangbanna and Lancang areas of Yunnan
• Harvest year: 2025
• Wet pile: late 2025
• Pressing year: 2026
• Net weight: 357 grams per cake
• Packaging: matching gift box included
• Production Quantity: 950 cakes
• Gift Box and Wrapper Packaging: Design by Marcello Crispino

Each cake comes in a free matching gift box that features the full uncropped illustration by the artist. The matching gift box is not available for purchase separately. NOTE: If the gift box arrives with creases or cosmetic blemishes we cannot provide a free replacement.

This tea has been tested in a certified laboratory for 404 pesticides, and is within the EU MRL limits set for those 404 pesticide residues. For a full list of the 404 pesticides we tested for and more information about MRL testing and the EU Food and Safety commission click on this link.