An elegant shu from one of Yunnan’s storied mountains, Dusty Basement ’17 is a ripe pu-erh built on spring 2017 Jing Mai leaf from Lancang County and finished as a loose-leaf selection. Fermentation followed in early autumn using the wo dui process — a guided, warm and humid piling that transforms fresh sheng into ripe tea within weeks. Years of quiet rest have fully integrated the fermentation, letting the mountain’s natural clarity show through a plush, composed frame. A bud-forward gong ting selection adds density and polish without heaviness, keeping the liquor smooth and settled.

Format shapes evolution as much as origin. Loose ripe pu-erh develops with more even airflow leaf-to-leaf, so progress is quicker and linear, emphasizing definition and a clean, stable arc. A compressed cake evolves more slowly as aromatics and moisture migrate through the mass, knitting flavors densely over longer spans. Presented loose, Dusty Basement ’17 expresses Jing Mai’s poised sweetness and structure now, while remaining on a steady path toward deeper aged pu-erh flavour.

FAQ

What does wo dui contribute here?
The guided, warm-humid pile fosters microbial activity that deepens color and softens structure quickly, setting a ripe foundation while preserving Jing Mai’s clarity.

How does a bud-forward (gong ting) make change texture?
More buds mean finer leaf and higher soluble content, which reads as a thicker, silkier body with a refined, honeyed impression.

Why harvest in spring and ferment in autumn?
Spring leaf offers vigor and cleanliness; autumn’s milder, drier weather helps manage the pile, encouraging an even, controlled transformation.

How does Jing Mai character show in shu?
Expect a poised, sweet-leaning profile with clear structure and a calm finish — a mountain signature that remains recognizable after fermentation.

If I plan to cellar it, does loose leaf still make sense?
Yes. Loose leaf tends to mature faster and more evenly; cakes age slower and interweave more densely. It’s a difference in development style rather than quality.