DEEP JUNGLE
BẮC MÊ ANCIENT TREE MAO CHA
SHENG (RAW) PU'ER
★ PESTICIDE-FREE
Bắc Mê, Hà Giang, Vietnam
DEEP JUNGLE is a rare Gu Shu Mao Cha produced from ancient tea trees growing in Bắc Mê, Hà Giang, one of the most remote and wild tea-producing regions ever explored by AN SHIM TEA. Harvested from ancient mountain tea forests hidden deep within untouched jungle landscapes, this tea captures the raw energy, purity, and untamed character of a region rarely represented in the world of specialty tea. The infusion is powerful, vibrant, and deeply mineral, offering layers of wildflowers, tropical fruits, forest herbs, honey sweetness, and a long, cooling aftertaste that reflects the extraordinary environment from which it originates. MORE
AROMA
Floral, fruity
TASTE
Honey
700+ years old trees
ALTITUDE: 1300+ m
HARVEST: 2024
SHENG (RAW) PU'ER
★ PESTICIDE-FREE
Bắc Mê, Hà Giang, Vietnam
DEEP JUNGLE is a rare Gu Shu Mao Cha produced from ancient tea trees growing in Bắc Mê, Hà Giang, one of the most remote and wild tea-producing regions ever explored by AN SHIM TEA. Harvested from ancient mountain tea forests hidden deep within untouched jungle landscapes, this tea captures the raw energy, purity, and untamed character of a region rarely represented in the world of specialty tea. The infusion is powerful, vibrant, and deeply mineral, offering layers of wildflowers, tropical fruits, forest herbs, honey sweetness, and a long, cooling aftertaste that reflects the extraordinary environment from which it originates. MORE
AROMA
Floral, fruity
TASTE
Honey
700+ years old trees
ALTITUDE: 1300+ m
HARVEST: 2024
Scientific studies proved that tea leaves from Pu’Er trees contain more polyphenolic organic compounds, which are the most powerful antioxidants than tea leaves from other regions. Sheng pu’er strengthens the cardiovascular system, vitalizes the nervous system, supports brain activity, reduces blood pressure, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Learn more about the BIOCHEMISTRY OF A TEA LEAF
EASTERN (PIN CHA) ★
Temperature: 85-99 °C
Amount: 3-7 grams per 120 ml of water
Steeping: 10-30 sec x 7+
WESTERN (INFUSION)
Temperature: 90 °C
Amount: 2-3 grams per 250 ml of water
Steeping: 1-2 min x 3+
Learn more about TEA BREWING METHODS
Tea absorbs surrounding aromas and moisture and loses its properties, including taste and aroma. Store it in a dry and cool place in airtight packaging. Avoid direct exposure to the sun and high temperatures.
TEMPERATURE: 20-25°C
HUMIDITY: 50-60%
BEST BEFORE: No expiration date!
*When properly stored, this tea gets better with time!
TEMPERATURE: 20-25°C
HUMIDITY: 50-60%
BEST BEFORE: No expiration date!
*When properly stored, this tea gets better with time!
Learn more ABOUT STORING AND AGING PU'ER TEA
ABOUT
DEEP JUNGLE is perhaps the most adventurous and ambitious tea project ever undertaken by AN SHIM TEA. Produced from ancient tea trees growing in Bắc Mê, Hà Giang, Vietnam, at elevations exceeding 1,300 meters above sea level, this tea originates from one of the most remote tea forests we have ever visited. The material comes from trees estimated to be more than 700 years old, growing in complete isolation within a pristine mountain ecosystem that has remained largely untouched by modern development.
The story of this tea began several years before the harvest itself. During our travels through Northern Vietnam, we repeatedly heard stories about an abandoned ancient tea garden hidden deep within the mountains of Bắc Mê. Local people spoke of enormous ancient tea trees growing somewhere far beyond the villages, but nobody seemed to know the exact location. Even among experienced tea producers and local residents, very few people had ever visited the area, and even fewer were willing to guide us there. The distance, difficult terrain, and uncertainty surrounding the journey made the expedition seem almost impossible.
Eventually, through the help of a local minority family, we were able to organize an attempt to locate the tea forest. The journey itself became an unforgettable experience. After traveling approximately three and a half hours by car from Hà Giang City, where our factory was located at the time, we reached the last accessible village. From there, the real expedition began. It took approximately five and a half hours of hiking through some of the wildest terrain imaginable. Dense jungle, steep mountain slopes, river crossings, rapidly changing weather conditions, and the complete absence of roads turned the search into a genuine exploration. Throughout the entire journey, there was no guarantee that we would actually find what we were looking for.
Fortunately, persistence and a little luck were on our side. Guided by local villagers, we eventually reached an untouched tea forest unlike anything we had seen before. Hidden deep within the mountains stood ancient tea trees estimated to be more than 700 years old. Growing in complete isolation, surrounded by native vegetation and a highly diverse ecosystem, these trees produced material with a character unlike any other tea we had previously encountered. The purity of the environment and the absence of agricultural intervention created conditions that are almost impossible to replicate elsewhere.
Harvesting itself became another challenge. Working within the jungle environment, where sunshine and heavy rain alternated every few minutes, we spent approximately three hours carefully collecting the spring leaves. Once the harvest was completed, the fresh material had to be transported back through the same route. Another five and a half hours on foot followed by three and a half hours by vehicle were required to bring the leaves back to our factory in time for processing on the same day.
The tea was then traditionally processed using hand-harvesting, wood-fired wok fixation and natural sun-drying next day. Every stage was carried out according to traditional Sheng Pu'Er production principles, allowing the extraordinary character of the raw material to remain fully intact. The result is a tea that reflects not only ancient trees and exceptional terroir but also the dedication, effort, and determination required to bring it into existence.
Ironically, DEEP JUNGLE became what we now call our "utopian project." While the tea itself exceeded all expectations, the sourcing and production process proved so demanding, expensive, and logistically complex that it could never become a sustainable commercial project. The remoteness of the location, the difficulty of access, and the enormous amount of effort required to produce even a small quantity of tea ultimately made regular production impossible.
Today, DEEP JUNGLE remains a rare reminder of what can be achieved when curiosity, passion, and determination overcome practical limitations. It represents a unique moment in the history of AN SHIM TEA, a tea born from exploration rather than business considerations, and a testament to the extraordinary tea forests that still survive in the most remote corners of Northern Vietnam.
TERROIR
DEEP JUNGLE originates from one of the most isolated tea-growing environments we have ever encountered in Northern Vietnam. Located in Bắc Mê District, Hà Giang Province, at elevations exceeding 1,300 meters above sea level, the tea forest lies deep within a remote mountain ecosystem accessible only after many hours of travel through dense jungle terrain. Unlike more established tea regions, this area remains largely untouched by modern agriculture, allowing the ancient tea trees to develop in complete harmony with their natural surroundings.
The tea trees themselves are estimated to be more than 700 years old, making them among the oldest tea trees we have encountered during our expeditions. These ancient trees grow scattered throughout native forest vegetation rather than in organized plantations, creating a highly diverse ecological environment. Over centuries, their roots have penetrated deep into the mountain soils, drawing minerals and nutrients from multiple geological layers. This unique relationship between tree and environment contributes significantly to the remarkable depth, structure, and minerality expressed in the final tea.
The climate of Bắc Mê plays an equally important role in shaping the character of the tea. Frequent mountain mist, high humidity, abundant rainfall, and significant temperature variations between day and night create ideal conditions for slow leaf development. During the spring season, weather conditions can change dramatically within minutes, alternating between intense sunshine, dense fog, and heavy rain. These dynamic conditions encourage the development of aromatic compounds and contribute to the vibrant, energetic character often found in teas from remote high-mountain environments.
The ancient forest ecosystem remains largely intact, supporting countless species of plants, mosses, fungi, insects, and wildlife. The tea trees coexist within this natural environment without fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation systems, or agricultural intervention. As a result, the leaves reflect a level of environmental purity that has become increasingly rare in modern tea production.
Hand-harvesting, wood-fired wok fixation, manual processing, and natural sun-drying allow the tea to fully communicate the character of its origin without unnecessary manipulation. The result is a Mao Cha that expresses the raw essence of Bắc Mê: powerful yet elegant, wild yet balanced, deeply mineral, highly aromatic, and unmistakably connected to one of the most remote ancient tea forests in Vietnam.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaves display a striking appearance characteristic of ancient tea tree Mao Cha, consisting of large, thick leaves and substantial silver buds harvested from centuries-old trees. Their color ranges from silvery-green and olive tones to deeper forest shades, reflecting both the maturity of the material and the traditional processing methods used in production. The aroma of the dry leaf is intense, wild, and deeply complex, offering notes of rainforest vegetation, mountain herbs, wildflowers, fresh wood, green fruits, honey, and wet stone minerality. In a preheated gaiwan or teapot, the fragrance becomes remarkably powerful, revealing layers of orchid, tropical fruits, sugarcane, fresh bamboo, pine resin, medicinal herbs, forest moss, and subtle spice undertones. The aromatic profile immediately communicates the untamed character of its remote jungle origin.
The liquor is bright, clear, and luminous, displaying a vibrant golden color with slight green reflections. The aroma of the infusion is energetic and highly expressive, combining notes of wildflowers, tropical fruits, fresh herbs, forest vegetation, citrus blossom, honey, and pronounced mineral nuances. The texture is exceptionally thick, powerful, and mouth-coating, reflecting the extraordinary age of the tea trees and the richness of the raw material. The taste opens with vibrant floral and fruity notes before gradually revealing deeper layers of sugarcane sweetness, passion fruit, green mango, mountain herbs, fresh wood, resin, and strong mineral complexity. A pleasant structure of bitterness and astringency contributes energy and depth, quickly transforming into an intense returning sweetness. Throughout multiple infusions, the tea continuously evolves, displaying remarkable complexity and persistence while maintaining its wild, energetic character.
The aftertaste is exceptionally long, cooling, and powerful. Waves of sweetness gradually emerge from the throat and spread throughout the mouth, accompanied by pronounced mineral freshness and lingering floral sensations. The Hui Gan is strong and persistent, creating a dynamic and highly engaging tea experience. As the session progresses, the tea becomes increasingly sweet and rounded while preserving its vibrant energy and jungle character. In the empty cup, the aroma remains intensely fragrant, revealing lingering notes of orchid, tropical fruits, forest honey, fresh bamboo, mountain herbs, pine resin, and wet stone minerality.
DEEP JUNGLE is perhaps the most adventurous and ambitious tea project ever undertaken by AN SHIM TEA. Produced from ancient tea trees growing in Bắc Mê, Hà Giang, Vietnam, at elevations exceeding 1,300 meters above sea level, this tea originates from one of the most remote tea forests we have ever visited. The material comes from trees estimated to be more than 700 years old, growing in complete isolation within a pristine mountain ecosystem that has remained largely untouched by modern development.
The story of this tea began several years before the harvest itself. During our travels through Northern Vietnam, we repeatedly heard stories about an abandoned ancient tea garden hidden deep within the mountains of Bắc Mê. Local people spoke of enormous ancient tea trees growing somewhere far beyond the villages, but nobody seemed to know the exact location. Even among experienced tea producers and local residents, very few people had ever visited the area, and even fewer were willing to guide us there. The distance, difficult terrain, and uncertainty surrounding the journey made the expedition seem almost impossible.
Eventually, through the help of a local minority family, we were able to organize an attempt to locate the tea forest. The journey itself became an unforgettable experience. After traveling approximately three and a half hours by car from Hà Giang City, where our factory was located at the time, we reached the last accessible village. From there, the real expedition began. It took approximately five and a half hours of hiking through some of the wildest terrain imaginable. Dense jungle, steep mountain slopes, river crossings, rapidly changing weather conditions, and the complete absence of roads turned the search into a genuine exploration. Throughout the entire journey, there was no guarantee that we would actually find what we were looking for.
Fortunately, persistence and a little luck were on our side. Guided by local villagers, we eventually reached an untouched tea forest unlike anything we had seen before. Hidden deep within the mountains stood ancient tea trees estimated to be more than 700 years old. Growing in complete isolation, surrounded by native vegetation and a highly diverse ecosystem, these trees produced material with a character unlike any other tea we had previously encountered. The purity of the environment and the absence of agricultural intervention created conditions that are almost impossible to replicate elsewhere.
Harvesting itself became another challenge. Working within the jungle environment, where sunshine and heavy rain alternated every few minutes, we spent approximately three hours carefully collecting the spring leaves. Once the harvest was completed, the fresh material had to be transported back through the same route. Another five and a half hours on foot followed by three and a half hours by vehicle were required to bring the leaves back to our factory in time for processing on the same day.
The tea was then traditionally processed using hand-harvesting, wood-fired wok fixation and natural sun-drying next day. Every stage was carried out according to traditional Sheng Pu'Er production principles, allowing the extraordinary character of the raw material to remain fully intact. The result is a tea that reflects not only ancient trees and exceptional terroir but also the dedication, effort, and determination required to bring it into existence.
Ironically, DEEP JUNGLE became what we now call our "utopian project." While the tea itself exceeded all expectations, the sourcing and production process proved so demanding, expensive, and logistically complex that it could never become a sustainable commercial project. The remoteness of the location, the difficulty of access, and the enormous amount of effort required to produce even a small quantity of tea ultimately made regular production impossible.
Today, DEEP JUNGLE remains a rare reminder of what can be achieved when curiosity, passion, and determination overcome practical limitations. It represents a unique moment in the history of AN SHIM TEA, a tea born from exploration rather than business considerations, and a testament to the extraordinary tea forests that still survive in the most remote corners of Northern Vietnam.
TERROIR
DEEP JUNGLE originates from one of the most isolated tea-growing environments we have ever encountered in Northern Vietnam. Located in Bắc Mê District, Hà Giang Province, at elevations exceeding 1,300 meters above sea level, the tea forest lies deep within a remote mountain ecosystem accessible only after many hours of travel through dense jungle terrain. Unlike more established tea regions, this area remains largely untouched by modern agriculture, allowing the ancient tea trees to develop in complete harmony with their natural surroundings.
The tea trees themselves are estimated to be more than 700 years old, making them among the oldest tea trees we have encountered during our expeditions. These ancient trees grow scattered throughout native forest vegetation rather than in organized plantations, creating a highly diverse ecological environment. Over centuries, their roots have penetrated deep into the mountain soils, drawing minerals and nutrients from multiple geological layers. This unique relationship between tree and environment contributes significantly to the remarkable depth, structure, and minerality expressed in the final tea.
The climate of Bắc Mê plays an equally important role in shaping the character of the tea. Frequent mountain mist, high humidity, abundant rainfall, and significant temperature variations between day and night create ideal conditions for slow leaf development. During the spring season, weather conditions can change dramatically within minutes, alternating between intense sunshine, dense fog, and heavy rain. These dynamic conditions encourage the development of aromatic compounds and contribute to the vibrant, energetic character often found in teas from remote high-mountain environments.
The ancient forest ecosystem remains largely intact, supporting countless species of plants, mosses, fungi, insects, and wildlife. The tea trees coexist within this natural environment without fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation systems, or agricultural intervention. As a result, the leaves reflect a level of environmental purity that has become increasingly rare in modern tea production.
Hand-harvesting, wood-fired wok fixation, manual processing, and natural sun-drying allow the tea to fully communicate the character of its origin without unnecessary manipulation. The result is a Mao Cha that expresses the raw essence of Bắc Mê: powerful yet elegant, wild yet balanced, deeply mineral, highly aromatic, and unmistakably connected to one of the most remote ancient tea forests in Vietnam.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaves display a striking appearance characteristic of ancient tea tree Mao Cha, consisting of large, thick leaves and substantial silver buds harvested from centuries-old trees. Their color ranges from silvery-green and olive tones to deeper forest shades, reflecting both the maturity of the material and the traditional processing methods used in production. The aroma of the dry leaf is intense, wild, and deeply complex, offering notes of rainforest vegetation, mountain herbs, wildflowers, fresh wood, green fruits, honey, and wet stone minerality. In a preheated gaiwan or teapot, the fragrance becomes remarkably powerful, revealing layers of orchid, tropical fruits, sugarcane, fresh bamboo, pine resin, medicinal herbs, forest moss, and subtle spice undertones. The aromatic profile immediately communicates the untamed character of its remote jungle origin.
The liquor is bright, clear, and luminous, displaying a vibrant golden color with slight green reflections. The aroma of the infusion is energetic and highly expressive, combining notes of wildflowers, tropical fruits, fresh herbs, forest vegetation, citrus blossom, honey, and pronounced mineral nuances. The texture is exceptionally thick, powerful, and mouth-coating, reflecting the extraordinary age of the tea trees and the richness of the raw material. The taste opens with vibrant floral and fruity notes before gradually revealing deeper layers of sugarcane sweetness, passion fruit, green mango, mountain herbs, fresh wood, resin, and strong mineral complexity. A pleasant structure of bitterness and astringency contributes energy and depth, quickly transforming into an intense returning sweetness. Throughout multiple infusions, the tea continuously evolves, displaying remarkable complexity and persistence while maintaining its wild, energetic character.
The aftertaste is exceptionally long, cooling, and powerful. Waves of sweetness gradually emerge from the throat and spread throughout the mouth, accompanied by pronounced mineral freshness and lingering floral sensations. The Hui Gan is strong and persistent, creating a dynamic and highly engaging tea experience. As the session progresses, the tea becomes increasingly sweet and rounded while preserving its vibrant energy and jungle character. In the empty cup, the aroma remains intensely fragrant, revealing lingering notes of orchid, tropical fruits, forest honey, fresh bamboo, mountain herbs, pine resin, and wet stone minerality.
Check out our DEEP JUNGLE #1 "Wild Tea. Ancient Trees"
DEEP JUNGLE #1 by AN SHIM TEA.
TEA HARVESTING
TEA HARVESTING
Check out our DEEP JUNGLE #2 "Wild Tea. Ancient Trees"
DEEP JUNGLE #2 by AN SHIM TEA.
TEA PRODUCTION
TEA PRODUCTION
GU SHU MAO CHA
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