XI GUI GU SHU SHENG CHA
XI GUI ANCIENT TREES
SHENG (RAW) PU'ER
★ PESTICIDE-FREE
Xigui, Da Xue Shan, Lincang, Yunnan, China
2023 Xi Gui Gu Shu Sheng Cha is a raw Pu'Er tea produced from old tea trees growing in the Xi Gui area of Lincang, Yunnan province, a terroir highly respected for its powerful structure and refined aromatic expression. Hand-harvested and traditionally processed, this tea reflects the combination of mature tree material, river valley mountain ecology, and the vibrant freshness of young Sheng Pu'Er. The infusion is dense and energetic, offering pronounced minerality, refined bitterness, floral and fruity nuances, strong returning sweetness, and a long, cooling aftertaste with exceptional clarity and persistence. MORE
AROMA
Fruity, honey
TASTE
Herbal, fruity
HARVEST: Spring, 2023
SHENG (RAW) PU'ER
★ PESTICIDE-FREE
Xigui, Da Xue Shan, Lincang, Yunnan, China
2023 Xi Gui Gu Shu Sheng Cha is a raw Pu'Er tea produced from old tea trees growing in the Xi Gui area of Lincang, Yunnan province, a terroir highly respected for its powerful structure and refined aromatic expression. Hand-harvested and traditionally processed, this tea reflects the combination of mature tree material, river valley mountain ecology, and the vibrant freshness of young Sheng Pu'Er. The infusion is dense and energetic, offering pronounced minerality, refined bitterness, floral and fruity nuances, strong returning sweetness, and a long, cooling aftertaste with exceptional clarity and persistence. MORE
AROMA
Fruity, honey
TASTE
Herbal, fruity
HARVEST: Spring, 2023
SHENG PU'ER is a traditional post-processed tea made from sun-dried tea leaves that continue to evolve naturally through slow fermentation and aging over time. Thanks to minimal processing and its living microbial ecosystem, this type of tea retains a rich concentration of polyphenols, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, aromatic compounds, and other bioactive substances that gradually transform as the tea matures.
Unlike most tea categories, Sheng Pu'Er continues to develop for decades after production, with aging enhancing its complexity, smoothness, and depth while reducing bitterness and astringency. It is believed that regular consumption of Sheng Pu'Er may support cardiovascular health, contribute to healthy cholesterol metabolism, assist the body's natural antioxidant defenses, and promote healthy digestion. Traditionally, Sheng Pu'Er has also been appreciated for its invigorating Cha Qi, its ability to enhance mental clarity and concentration, support physical vitality, and create a balanced state of energy, calmness, and overall well-being.
Unlike most tea categories, Sheng Pu'Er continues to develop for decades after production, with aging enhancing its complexity, smoothness, and depth while reducing bitterness and astringency. It is believed that regular consumption of Sheng Pu'Er may support cardiovascular health, contribute to healthy cholesterol metabolism, assist the body's natural antioxidant defenses, and promote healthy digestion. Traditionally, Sheng Pu'Er has also been appreciated for its invigorating Cha Qi, its ability to enhance mental clarity and concentration, support physical vitality, and create a balanced state of energy, calmness, and overall well-being.
Learn more about the BIOCHEMISTRY OF A TEA LEAF
SEED-GROWN TEA PLANT
This tea refers to a Qunzi Zhong, a "seed-grown tea plant". Unlike cloned or asexually propagated cultivars, which are created by cuttings or grafting from a single "mother" plant, Qunzi Zhong tea trees are grown from seeds. This results in a genetically diverse population of plants. Each seed-grown tea tree is unique, with slightly different characteristics. This genetic variety helps improve the resilience of the tea garden, making it more resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental stress. Seed-grown trees usually develop stronger and deeper roots than cloned plants, allowing them to draw nutrients and minerals from deeper soil layers, often giving the tea a more complex and rich flavor profile. Qunzi Zhong represents the traditional way of tea cultivation. Because of the genetic diversity, teas made from Qunzi Zhong plants tend to offer more layered and nuanced flavors, reflecting a richer expression of the local terroir (soil, climate, and environment).
WILD TEA
Wild tea refers to plants that grow naturally in the forest or mountains without human planting, pruning, or care. These trees are very old, deeply rooted in the earth, and part of a diverse natural ecosystem. These are tall, old trees, some more than 100, 300, or even 1000+ years old, rooted deep into mineral-rich soil, thriving in diverse ecosystems. Wild tea trees grow tall and strong, with roots reaching deep into the earth. This allows them to absorb various minerals, creating complex, full-bodied flavors that change with each harvest. Growing in remote forests, these trees are untouched by pesticides or fertilizers. Many tea lovers say wild teas carry a unique energy, a grounding, calming, and sometimes uplifting presence. This is believed to be the "Qi" of the mountains, the life force of ancient trees, passed into the leaves. Wild tea is often high in antioxidants, polyphenols, and minerals. Because these trees grow slowly and absorb nutrients naturally, their leaves produce clean, nourishing brews that are gentle on the body but rich in effect.
Learn more about Pesticide-Free Gardening
EASTERN (PIN CHA) ★
Temperature: 99 °C
Amount: 3-5 grams per 120 ml of water
Steeping: 10-30 sec x 7+
WESTERN (INFUSION)
Temperature: 99 °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. This type of tea oxidizes when it comes into contact with oxygen 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.
BEST BEFORE: 2 years since production date!
*Suitable for long-term aging. Under proper storage conditions, the tea may gradually develop increased depth, smoothness, and complexity.
BEST BEFORE: 2 years since production date!
*Suitable for long-term aging. Under proper storage conditions, the tea may gradually develop increased depth, smoothness, and complexity.
Learn more ABOUT TEA STORAGE
ABOUT
2023 Xi Gui Gu Shu Sheng Cha is a raw Pu'Er tea produced from spring 2023 tea material sourced from old tea trees growing in the Xi Gui area of Lincang, Yunnan, China, one of the most respected terroirs for structurally powerful and highly expressive Sheng Pu'Er. Traditional Sheng Cha production methods including careful hand-harvesting, pan-firing, sun-drying, and stone pressing preserve the freshness, energetic character, and long-term transformation potential of the leaf material. The combination of mature old tree material, mountain-river ecology, and traditional craftsmanship creates a tea with pronounced minerality, refined structural intensity, and exceptional aromatic precision.
Xi Gui is especially respected among experienced Pu'Er tea lovers for producing Sheng Pu'Er with strong energetic depth, dense texture, pronounced Hui Gan, and a characteristic balance between power and elegance. Old tea trees growing in this environment develop extensive root systems capable of penetrating deeply into mineral-rich soils, contributing to the layered complexity, persistent aftertaste, and concentrated structure associated with high-quality Gu Shu Sheng Pu'Er. Compared to softer regional profiles, Xi Gui teas are traditionally appreciated for their vibrant structure, refined bitterness, cooling sensations, and long-lasting aromatic evolution.
As a young Sheng Pu'Er, the 2023 harvest still preserves much of its vibrant freshness, structural tension, and dynamic energetic character. Floral, mineral, fruity, and sweet returning notes remain highly expressive and direct, while the concentration associated with mature tree material already provides remarkable depth and persistence throughout the session. Properly stored Xi Gui Gu Shu Sheng Pu'Er is especially valued for its ability to evolve gradually over decades while preserving clarity, energetic strength, aromatic precision, and refined mountain character.
TERROIR
The Xi Gui area of Lincang, Yunnan, is one of the most respected terroirs in the world of Sheng Pu'Er tea, known for producing teas with exceptional structural intensity, pronounced minerality, and refined aromatic expression. Tea tree environments in this region are generally situated at elevations ranging from approximately 700 to 1400 meters above sea level, where mountain slopes interact closely with the humid influence of the Lancang River valley. This unique combination of river ecology, warm subtropical conditions, abundant rainfall, and strong biodiversity contributes directly to the tea’s dense texture, cooling sensations, pronounced Hui Gan, and persistent energetic character.
The mountain soils of Xi Gui are rich in minerals and organic matter, with stable moisture retention and excellent natural drainage. Old tea trees growing in these environments develop extensive root systems that penetrate deeply into the mountain terrain and interact with multiple soil layers accumulated over long ecological cycles. This deep mineral interaction contributes to the concentrated structure, layered complexity, and long-lasting aftertaste characteristic of high-quality Gu Shu Sheng Pu'Er from the region.
The close interaction between mountain forests and the humid Lancang River valley creates a highly stable ecological environment for tea cultivation. Frequent mist and humid airflow moderate direct sunlight exposure, helping preserve aromatic freshness and complexity within the leaves, while warm daytime conditions support concentration and balanced polyphenol development. Compared to softer and sweeter regional profiles, Xi Gui terroir is especially respected for producing Sheng Pu'Er with vibrant structure, refined bitterness, cooling minerality, and powerful energetic depth while maintaining elegance and clarity.
Traditional harvesting and processing methods remain closely connected to the rhythm of the local mountain ecosystem. Tea material is selectively hand-harvested and processed near the cultivation area to preserve freshness and maintain the integrity of the leaves before fixation. Combined with mature old tree material and the distinctive river-mountain terroir of Xi Gui, these conditions produce Sheng Pu'Er with exceptional clarity, strong transformation potential, and highly expressive aromatic evolution valued among experienced Pu'Er tea lovers.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaves are large, mature, and strongly structured, displaying deep olive and dark green tones with silver-covered buds characteristic of young old tree Sheng Pu'Er. Their appearance reflects careful hand-harvesting and traditional processing while preserving the natural integrity and texture of the leaf material. The aroma of the dry leaf is vibrant, concentrated, and deeply layered, combining notes of fresh mountain herbs, warm minerals, floral honey, stone fruit, light woodiness, and subtle citrus freshness. In a preheated gaiwan or teapot, the aroma becomes warmer and increasingly expressive, revealing additional layers of forest wood, humid stone minerality, tree bark, fresh flowers, light resin, and delicate camphor-like freshness characteristic of Xi Gui material. After the rinse, the leaves fully awaken and the aromatic profile becomes smoother and more integrated, balancing floral elegance, mineral depth, fruity freshness, and refined sweetness.
The liquor is clear and bright, with a rich golden-yellow tone reflecting the freshness and concentration of young old tree Sheng Pu'Er. The aroma of the infusion is layered, vibrant, and highly persistent, combining warm minerals, floral nuances, fresh herbs, light resinous notes, stone fruit sweetness, and cooling mountain freshness. The texture is dense, smooth, and highly coating, showing the powerful yet refined structure characteristic of Xi Gui material while maintaining exceptional clarity and energetic tension. Initial bitterness is direct, clean, and highly refined, quickly transforming into pronounced Hui Gan, strong returning sweetness that develops actively throughout the palate and throat. Layers of floral honey, fresh wood, minerals, mountain herbs, ripe fruits, light spice, resin, and cooling sensations continue evolving throughout the session while maintaining remarkable harmony between strength, freshness, energetic character, and elegance.
The aftertaste is exceptionally long, cooling, and deeply persistent, with sweetness gradually intensifying and remaining in the throat and mouth long after drinking. As the tea continues to open, the structure becomes increasingly expansive and integrated while preserving its vibrant Xi Gui character and pronounced mineral depth. In the empty cup, the aroma remains warm and expressive, revealing lingering notes of floral honey, sweet wood, ripe fruits, humid forest tones, light resin, fresh herbs, and subtle camphor undertones.
2023 Xi Gui Gu Shu Sheng Cha is a raw Pu'Er tea produced from spring 2023 tea material sourced from old tea trees growing in the Xi Gui area of Lincang, Yunnan, China, one of the most respected terroirs for structurally powerful and highly expressive Sheng Pu'Er. Traditional Sheng Cha production methods including careful hand-harvesting, pan-firing, sun-drying, and stone pressing preserve the freshness, energetic character, and long-term transformation potential of the leaf material. The combination of mature old tree material, mountain-river ecology, and traditional craftsmanship creates a tea with pronounced minerality, refined structural intensity, and exceptional aromatic precision.
Xi Gui is especially respected among experienced Pu'Er tea lovers for producing Sheng Pu'Er with strong energetic depth, dense texture, pronounced Hui Gan, and a characteristic balance between power and elegance. Old tea trees growing in this environment develop extensive root systems capable of penetrating deeply into mineral-rich soils, contributing to the layered complexity, persistent aftertaste, and concentrated structure associated with high-quality Gu Shu Sheng Pu'Er. Compared to softer regional profiles, Xi Gui teas are traditionally appreciated for their vibrant structure, refined bitterness, cooling sensations, and long-lasting aromatic evolution.
As a young Sheng Pu'Er, the 2023 harvest still preserves much of its vibrant freshness, structural tension, and dynamic energetic character. Floral, mineral, fruity, and sweet returning notes remain highly expressive and direct, while the concentration associated with mature tree material already provides remarkable depth and persistence throughout the session. Properly stored Xi Gui Gu Shu Sheng Pu'Er is especially valued for its ability to evolve gradually over decades while preserving clarity, energetic strength, aromatic precision, and refined mountain character.
TERROIR
The Xi Gui area of Lincang, Yunnan, is one of the most respected terroirs in the world of Sheng Pu'Er tea, known for producing teas with exceptional structural intensity, pronounced minerality, and refined aromatic expression. Tea tree environments in this region are generally situated at elevations ranging from approximately 700 to 1400 meters above sea level, where mountain slopes interact closely with the humid influence of the Lancang River valley. This unique combination of river ecology, warm subtropical conditions, abundant rainfall, and strong biodiversity contributes directly to the tea’s dense texture, cooling sensations, pronounced Hui Gan, and persistent energetic character.
The mountain soils of Xi Gui are rich in minerals and organic matter, with stable moisture retention and excellent natural drainage. Old tea trees growing in these environments develop extensive root systems that penetrate deeply into the mountain terrain and interact with multiple soil layers accumulated over long ecological cycles. This deep mineral interaction contributes to the concentrated structure, layered complexity, and long-lasting aftertaste characteristic of high-quality Gu Shu Sheng Pu'Er from the region.
The close interaction between mountain forests and the humid Lancang River valley creates a highly stable ecological environment for tea cultivation. Frequent mist and humid airflow moderate direct sunlight exposure, helping preserve aromatic freshness and complexity within the leaves, while warm daytime conditions support concentration and balanced polyphenol development. Compared to softer and sweeter regional profiles, Xi Gui terroir is especially respected for producing Sheng Pu'Er with vibrant structure, refined bitterness, cooling minerality, and powerful energetic depth while maintaining elegance and clarity.
Traditional harvesting and processing methods remain closely connected to the rhythm of the local mountain ecosystem. Tea material is selectively hand-harvested and processed near the cultivation area to preserve freshness and maintain the integrity of the leaves before fixation. Combined with mature old tree material and the distinctive river-mountain terroir of Xi Gui, these conditions produce Sheng Pu'Er with exceptional clarity, strong transformation potential, and highly expressive aromatic evolution valued among experienced Pu'Er tea lovers.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaves are large, mature, and strongly structured, displaying deep olive and dark green tones with silver-covered buds characteristic of young old tree Sheng Pu'Er. Their appearance reflects careful hand-harvesting and traditional processing while preserving the natural integrity and texture of the leaf material. The aroma of the dry leaf is vibrant, concentrated, and deeply layered, combining notes of fresh mountain herbs, warm minerals, floral honey, stone fruit, light woodiness, and subtle citrus freshness. In a preheated gaiwan or teapot, the aroma becomes warmer and increasingly expressive, revealing additional layers of forest wood, humid stone minerality, tree bark, fresh flowers, light resin, and delicate camphor-like freshness characteristic of Xi Gui material. After the rinse, the leaves fully awaken and the aromatic profile becomes smoother and more integrated, balancing floral elegance, mineral depth, fruity freshness, and refined sweetness.
The liquor is clear and bright, with a rich golden-yellow tone reflecting the freshness and concentration of young old tree Sheng Pu'Er. The aroma of the infusion is layered, vibrant, and highly persistent, combining warm minerals, floral nuances, fresh herbs, light resinous notes, stone fruit sweetness, and cooling mountain freshness. The texture is dense, smooth, and highly coating, showing the powerful yet refined structure characteristic of Xi Gui material while maintaining exceptional clarity and energetic tension. Initial bitterness is direct, clean, and highly refined, quickly transforming into pronounced Hui Gan, strong returning sweetness that develops actively throughout the palate and throat. Layers of floral honey, fresh wood, minerals, mountain herbs, ripe fruits, light spice, resin, and cooling sensations continue evolving throughout the session while maintaining remarkable harmony between strength, freshness, energetic character, and elegance.
The aftertaste is exceptionally long, cooling, and deeply persistent, with sweetness gradually intensifying and remaining in the throat and mouth long after drinking. As the tea continues to open, the structure becomes increasingly expansive and integrated while preserving its vibrant Xi Gui character and pronounced mineral depth. In the empty cup, the aroma remains warm and expressive, revealing lingering notes of floral honey, sweet wood, ripe fruits, humid forest tones, light resin, fresh herbs, and subtle camphor undertones.
SHENG (RAW) PU'ER
Explore more Sheng (Raw) Pu'Er from AN SHIM TEA Collection.