Guo You Lin 國有林

Guo You Lin, Man Zhuan, Yi Wu, East of Lan Cang River, Xi Shuang Ban Na, Yun Nan Province, China (~1200m elevation)

Usually, Pu Er teas are named after their location. Mainly through the name of the tea mountains or specific village. However, this Pu Er does not follow this convention. Guo You Lin translates to national forest. Teas harvested from any of China's national forests throughout Southern Yun Nan are called Guo You Lin. This title also displays their unique status.

Category: Green Tea - Sheng Pu

Sub-Category: Shai Qing (Sun-dried Green)

Cultivar: Heirloom, ancient Gu Shu tea trees

Guo You Lin is made of all Qun Ti Da Ye Zhong (Heirloom Large Leaf) material. Pu Er making follows a typical green tea process; that's why it is academically classified as a sun-dry green tea. Pu Er picking is usually one bud with two or three leaves. The teas are generally shade wilted to lose some moisture before being wok-fried in a large batch. The large batch of Pu Er being processed each time is the "mistake" that causes the tea's enzyme not to be damaged thoroughly, providing the basis for aging Pu Er later on. The hot and moist tea leaves are then rolled and shaped quickly before being evenly spread out under the sun to dry. Aggressively intense sun is the most preferred in Pu Er making.

Each Guo You Lin tea takes on the characteristics of its terroir. This Guo You Lin tea from Man Zhuan is earthy, full-bodied with herbaceous floral notes such as Osmanthus flowers.

Please see above for the category specific brewing specs for Gong Fu brewing. For brewing in a teapot, mug, or single cup visit this article here.

This foundational course is a great resource to help you understand the methods and motions of Gong Fu Brewing.