2021 Bama Old Village Raw Pu‑erh Brick – 1kg

2021 Bama Old Village Raw Pu-erh - Wild Tea 1kg Brick

Experience the vibrant mountain character of this 2021 vintage raw pu-erh brick (1kg) made from wild tea leaves harvested in the esteemed Bama Old Village (八马老寨, Ba Ma Lao Zhai), a high-altitude tea area in Mengku, Lincang, known for its mineral-rich soil and well-preserved ancient tea gardens. Pressed into a substantial 1-kilogram brick for convenient storage and aging, this tea delivers exceptional value and quality.

Bama Old Village - The Hidden Gem of Mengku:

Bama Old Village (八马老寨, Ba Ma Lao Zhai) is a distinguished tea village located in the Mengku region of Lincang, positioned on the eastern half of the famous Mengku mountain range. Sitting at elevations between 1800-2100 meters, Bama is known for producing teas with distinctive energy, structure, and mountain character that set it apart from other Mengku villages.

The village has a long history of tea cultivation, with well-preserved ancient tea gardens that have been carefully maintained by local families for generations. What makes Bama special is its combination of high altitude, mineral-rich volcanic soils, and pristine ecological environment. The tea trees grow in a biodiverse forest setting, interspersed with wild vegetation that contributes to the tea's complex character.

Bama teas are particularly valued for their balance and liveliness. Unlike some Lincang teas that can be one-dimensional, Bama produces teas with layered complexity - vibrant floral aromatics, clean sweetness, and a distinctive mountain energy (shan qi) that is immediately noticeable. The wild tea leaves used in this brick come from trees that have grown naturally with minimal human intervention, resulting in leaves with exceptional vitality and aging potential.

The mineral-rich soils of Bama contribute to the tea's structured mouthfeel and lasting aftertaste. The high elevation and cool climate allow the tea trees to develop slowly, accumulating rich internal substances that create teas with depth and staying power. Bama is considered one of the hidden gems of Mengku - less famous than some neighboring villages but producing teas of comparable quality at more accessible prices.

1kg Brick Format - Practical & Economical:

This tea is pressed into a substantial 1-kilogram brick format, which offers several advantages. The larger format is more economical than standard 357g cakes, providing excellent value for daily drinking or long-term aging. The brick shape is compact and easy to store, taking up less space than multiple smaller cakes. The tight compression also promotes slower, more even aging over time. This format is ideal for those who have found a tea they love and want to stock up, or for those building an aging collection.

Tasting Experience:

This 2021 Bama brick showcases the village's distinctive character beautifully. The tea brews a bright, golden-yellow liquor with excellent clarity and visual appeal. The aroma is vibrant and captivating, filled with wild flowers, fresh honey, and light herbal notes that reflect the biodiverse growing environment. The tea carries the distinct energy and structure of Bama tea - balanced, lively, and layered with mountain character. The taste is sweet and crisp, with clean flavors that evolve across multiple infusions. The lasting huigan (returning sweetness) is pronounced, creating a satisfying aftertaste that lingers long after each sip. The texture is smooth yet structured, with a substantial mouthfeel that comes from the wild tea material and mineral-rich terroir. After 5+ years of aging, the tea has developed beautiful balance while retaining its vibrant energy.

Tasting Notes:

Aroma: Wild flowers, fresh honey, light herbal notes
Taste: Sweet, crisp, with lasting huigan
Texture: Smooth yet structured
Finish: Clean, pronounced returning sweetness

Key Features:

Bama Old Village Origin - Hidden gem of Mengku, high-altitude quality
Wild Tea Leaves - Naturally grown, minimal intervention, exceptional vitality
1800-2100m Elevation - High-altitude pristine environment
2021 Vintage - 5+ years aged, beautiful balance
1kg Brick Format - Economical, convenient storage, excellent value
Mineral-Rich Soil - Volcanic soils contribute to structure
Vibrant Floral Aroma - Wild flowers, fresh honey character
Sweet & Crisp - Clean, lively flavor profile
Distinct Mountain Energy - Balanced, structured shan qi
Lasting Huigan - Pronounced returning sweetness
Layered Complexity - Evolves across infusions
Excellent Aging Potential - Develops greater depth over time

Brewing Guide

Gaiwan / Teapot
Tea: 7‑8g
Water: 150ml at 95‑100°C
Rinse: Quick rinse (5‑8 sec), discard
Steep: 15‑20 seconds first infusion, +5‑10 seconds each round
Infusions: 12‑15+ times