2024 Nyot Ou Ancient Forest Raw Puerh from Laos

This loose leaf raw puerh maocha comes from the remote Nyot Ou region in northern Laos, directly adjacent to Yunnan's famous Yiwu tea mountains. Here, ancient Camellia sinensis var. assamica trees flourish in pristine mountain forests, some growing wild for centuries while others were planted generations ago and later reclaimed by the jungle.

The dry leaves present floral apricot candy aromatics with just a wee hint of smoke. Early infusions are soft yet full with muted florals—nothing perfumey here. Later steepings reveal the tea's true character: thick, starchy liquor with medium sweetness and an unmistakably Yiwu-like profile. 

Nyot Ou teas are restrained but powerful, soft but with a solid core of strength that emerges through the session. Unlike the often overpowering young puerhs from other regions, Nyot Ou teas display a more subtle tannic structure, balanced and pleasing in texture and mouthfeel. The ancient trees produce the larger, more robust leaves typical of the assamica variety, creating exceptional complexity and depth.

2024 spring harvest.