2026 Yunnan Sourcing "Spirit Horse" Ripe Pu-erh Tea Cake
Mengku area mature tea tree leaves were harvested in Spring 2025 and wet-piled in late 2025. The wet-piling process was done with great care to preserve much the original character of the raw (sheng) mao cha. This is often referred to as "light fermentation" wet piling and is often done when the material used is high quality AND if there is a desire to create a slower aging ripe with more potency.
This is a very unique tea in regards to taste, aroma, and cha qi. It does retain some raw character and it will take much longer for it to lose it's awkwardness (wet pile taste and umami character, the latter of which is not typically very present in ripe tea).
If you are looking for a ripe to age or just like to experience another dimension of ripe tea, then this might be a cake worth trying!
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
In Summary
- Name: 2026 Yunnan Sourcing "Spirit Horse" Ripe Pu-erh Tea Cake
- Region: Mengku County (Lincang)
- Harvest year: 2025
- Wet pile: late 2025
- Pressing Date: March 10th, 2026
- Net weight: 357 grams per cake
- Packaging: matching gift box included
- Production Quantity: 280 cakes
- Gift Box and Wrapper Packaging: Design by Samantha Leonard
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.
