2023 Mini- Cake
Qun Ti Zhong (群体种) White Tea Cake – Guwankeng, Tongmuguan
Location: Guwankeng (古玩坑) Village, Tongmuguan, Wuyishan
Altitude: About 1000 meters
Harvest Date: May 2023
Cultivar: Qun Ti Zhong (群体种)
Age of Tea Trees: At least 80 years old (exact age unknown)
About This Tea
This rare white tea cake is made from Qun Ti Zhong, the traditional mixed-variety cultivar historically used to produce Lapsang Souchong and Jinjunmei. These ancient tea trees were distributed to local farmers during China’s land reform period, meaning they are at least 80 years old and deeply rooted in Tongmuguan’s tea heritage.
The tea comes from the high-altitude slopes of Guwankeng, Tongmuguan, where clean mountain air, mineral-rich soil, and a pristine wild ecology create an ideal environment for organic tea cultivation.
Production Process
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Hand-picking fresh leaves
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Outdoor withering at ~20°C for 45 minutes
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Gentle oxidation with hand-shaking (inspired by oolong processing)
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Outdoor sun-drying for 3 days
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Final machine drying
The spring 2023 harvest was aged for two years before being hand-pressed into small tea cakes in June. Due to traditional manual pressing, each cake weighs around 5g but may vary slightly. The looser pressing helps preserve the tea’s natural aroma and flavor.
Taste & Aroma Profile
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Aroma: Rich, high floral fragrance with notes of honey
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Flavor: Smooth, mellow, and layered with depth from slight fermentation
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Body: Thick and full with a clean, sweet finish
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Unique Note: Combination of white tea softness with subtle Wuyi rock tea complexity
The 2022 harvest was the first trial of this style, using pure white tea sun-drying combined with a Wuyi rock tea shaking step to encourage slight fermentation. The result is a deeper, more aromatic white tea compared to most on the market.
Why You’ll Love It
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Heritage cultivar: Made from ancient tea trees linked to Lapsang Souchong & Jinjunmei
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High altitude origin: 1000m elevation for cooler climate and richer flavor
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Traditional craftsmanship: Sun-drying and hand-shaking techniques for depth and aroma
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Organic and wild-grown: Pure mountain ecology, free from chemical inputs
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Small-batch pressed cakes: Ideal for aging or enjoying now
This tea offers a rare combination of history, craftsmanship, and complexity. Highly recommended for serious tea lovers and collectors.