Thriving in the mist-kissed mountains of Yunnan’s Pu’er and Lincang regions, as well as Fujian’s Anxi and Wuyi areas, this exquisite compressed tea draws life from the ancient tea trees that dot the fertile, red-soil slopes. These tea bushes, some of which are centuries old, grow at elevations ranging from 800 to 1,800 meters, where they absorb the gentle warmth of the sun filtered through layers of cloud, and drink in the moisture from annual rainfall averaging 1,400-1,800 millimeters. The unique terroir, marked by varying day-night temperatures and mineral-rich soil, infuses the leaves with a concentrated, complex flavor that forms the foundation of this exceptional tea.

Exceptional Flavor Profile

Savor the tea’s rich, evolving essence: a deep, earthy base with notes of ripe fruits, damp forest floor, and subtle hints of caramel or honey, balanced by a smooth, mellow undertone that unfolds with each infusion. The first sip delivers a robust, full-bodied taste—reminiscent of a walk through an ancient tea garden after rain—with a gentle astringency that quickly gives way to a lingering “hui gan” (returning sweetness) across the palate. A pronounced “chen xiang” (aged fragrance) permeates the cup, growing more pronounced as the tea ages, blending with hints of wood, leather, or dried flowers, while the finish leaves a clean, satisfying warmth that settles comfortably in the throat. The liquor shimmers with a deep amber to reddish-brown hue, its texture thick and velvety, carrying the accumulated wisdom of years in every drop.

Artisanal Craftsmanship

Harvested in spring and autumn, when the leaves are at their peak of flavor, skilled pickers select only the finest tender shoots and leaves, often choosing 1-bud-2-leaf or 1-bud-3-leaf clusters. The fresh leaves undergo traditional processing according to their type—whether green, black, oolong, or pu’erh—including withering, fixation, rolling, and drying to develop their base characteristics.

The key step in creating  (Dragon Pearl Tea) is the meticulous rolling and shaping: the processed tea leaves are hand-rolled into small, round balls, each weighing 5-8 grams, a technique that requires dexterity and precision to ensure uniform size and density. This rolling action helps to seal in the tea’s aromatic compounds and flavor, creating a unique environment for slow oxidation and aging. Some varieties are then subjected to a fermentation process, especially pu’erh which undergoes controlled microbial fermentation to develop its distinctive earthy notes. Finally, the pearls are dried naturally or with gentle heat, preserving their shape and locking in their initial flavor profile, ready to mature gracefully over time.

Varieties and Aging Potential

encompasses a range of types, each with its own character:

Health Benefits

Beyond its captivating taste,  offers notable health benefits:

Brewing Guidelines

Packaged in breathable paper wrappers or ceramic jars,  thrives in cool, dry, and well-ventilated storage, where it continues to evolve, its flavors deepening and harmonizing over months and years. Let each sip transport you to the misty mountains where ancient tea trees stand—where this exceptional tea captures the artistry of handcrafting, the patience of aging, and the timeless connection between nature and tradition.