2026 Guniangzhai

• 200-600 year old trees
• 2026 Spring first pick
• Produced by Guniangzhai 42

• Wrapper design by moriz.work

Guniangzhai 42 produced this tea from 200-600 year old trees on their family plot in Guniangzhai, which has over one hundred ancient trees on 52 mu scattered throughout the forest. The plot is weeded and picked once a year and usually is covered with tall undergrowth. This tea comes from the first (and only) picking in spring.

Guniangzhai (meaning “Girls’ Village”) is a Hani village on Nannuoshan west of the well-known Banpolaozhai. Guniangzhai’s plots, however, are on the other side of Banpolaozhai to the north east. These plots are some of the farthest north on Nannuoshan and have a quite different character from  Bama, for instance, one of the farthest to the south.

In contrast to Bama’s power and presence, Guniangzhai is composed and satisfying. It has a floral fragrance with a resinous herbal note that, when pushed, can be mushroomy. It has a quick and steady huigan and a long, subtle, mouth-coating aftertaste. Throughout a session, the tea remains crisp and clear and feels comfortable but not overwhelming. What starts as low bitterness and astringency builds to a lively tea supported by minerality.