Thriving in the craggy, wind-swept mountains of Guangdong’s Phoenix Mountain range, this rare wild tea clings to sheer granite cliffs and hidden valleys, where the soil is thin yet mineral-rich. The ancient 锯朵仔 (Juduozi) bushes, some over a century old, grow amid thorny underbrush and twisted pine trees, their gnarled branches adapting to the harsh, unpredictable climate—intense summer heat, sudden rainstorms, and frosty winter nights. Mist rolls through the peaks at dawn, coating the leaves in a fine dew, while the afternoon sun bakes the rocks, releasing mineral deposits that seep into the roots, infusing the tea with a rugged, earthy intensity.

Exceptional Flavor Profile

Savor the tea’s untamed, layered essence: a bold, smoky base with notes of charred pine and wild rosemary, balanced by a bright, citrusy tang that cuts through the richness like a mountain breeze. The first sip delivers a jolt of complexity—earthy, herbaceous, and slightly briny, as if carrying the salt of distant seas on the wind—with a sharp, almost medicinal astringency that softens into a lingering, honeyed sweetness. A “ye xing” (wild nature) aroma hangs in the air, part forest floor and part sun-warmed rock, while the finish leaves a dry, tingling sensation that 唤醒 (awakens) the palate. The liquor glows with a deep amber-green hue, its texture thick and resonant, carrying the weight of the mountains in every drop.

Artisanal Craftsmanship

Harvested in late spring, when the new shoots push through the tough old growth, local foragers scale steep cliffs with ropes, plucking only the youngest one-bud-two-leaf shoots by hand—each pick a test of skill and courage. The leaves are tucked into woven baskets and carried down the mountains, where they undergo a traditional “sun withering” process: spread on bamboo mats under direct sunlight for 2-3 hours to let the wild enzymes begin their work. They are then pan-fried over low heat in iron woks, the smoke from burning pine wood subtly seasoning the leaves, before being rolled vigorously to break cell walls and release their bold oils. Multiple rounds of drying and re-rolling follow, with the final drying done over smoldering pine needles to lock in the tea’s distinctive smoky character. This rugged craftsmanship, honed by generations of mountain dwellers, preserves the tea’s wild essence without taming its spirit.

Perfect for Every Occasion

Ideal for crisp autumn evenings by a crackling fire, where its smoky depth complements the warmth of the flames, or as a post-hike reward, its bold flavor matching the exertion of the climb. Its intense profile pairs remarkably well with strong, aged cheeses or cured meats, the saltiness amplifying the tea’s inherent sweetness. It also shines in quiet moments of reflection, served in small clay cups to savor its complexity—each sip a journey into the heart of the wild mountains. Whether enjoyed by adventurous tea enthusiasts or those seeking a taste of untamed nature, it offers a rare connection to the raw, unspoiled corners of the world.

Brewing Guidelines

Packaged in rough-hewn clay jars that breathe with the tea, allowing it to mature and mellow slightly over time, this tea retains the wildness of its origins. Let each sip transport you to mist-cloaked Phoenix Mountain cliffs—where this exceptional tea captures the untamed soul of the wilderness and the unyielding spirit of those who harvest it.