The Most Expensive Puerh Tea

A tea enthusiast remarked, “After seeing the official release prices for Puerh tea in 2023, I realized that the price of Old Banzhang ancient tree tea has fallen to the bottom. So, what kind of ‘King of Tea’ is this?”

If Banzhang is the king, shouldn’t it be the most expensive? After reviewing the top ten most expensive Puerh teas of 2023, you’ll understand!

10. Old Banzhang

  • Price: Ancient tree tea ¥12,000 per kilogram; Mixed grade ¥7,000-8,000 per kilogram
  • Characteristics: Rich mountain and wild aroma, bold flavor with an immediate transition from bitterness to sweetness, a long-lasting aftertaste, and a lingering fragrance on the lips and teeth.

Old Banzhang is recognized as the king of Puerh tea. With the phrase “Banzhang is the king, Yiwu is the queen” being widely circulated, the reputation of Old Banzhang Puerh tea is formidable.

While some attribute its fame to marketing hype, the bold taste of Old Banzhang Puerh tea is unique in the Puerh tea world. Despite similar flavors in teas from nearby mountains like Old Man’e and Nakai, none match the grandeur of Old Banzhang’s flavor profile.

9. Green Water Pond

  • Price: Ancient tree tea ¥19,000 per kilogram
  • Characteristics: Rich orchid aroma, delicate texture, sweet and smooth tea soup, and a full-bodied quality.

Many might not have heard of Green Water Pond, and it might not even be found on Baidu, indicating its lower profile. Green Water Pond Puerh tea, like Bingdao, comes from the Lincang region. In recent years, its popularity has surged, driving prices close to those of Bingdao’s old tree teas, leading some to wonder if it will become the next Bingdao.

However, in the tea world, the rise of new favorites is common. Green Water Pond Puerh tea may find it challenging to surpass the status of Bingdao’s old tree teas.Laobanzhang Village and Laobanzhang Puer Tea Plantation in Menghai County, XishuangBanna

8. Mint Pond

  • Price: Ancient tree tea ¥22,000 per kilogram; Mixed grade ¥9,000 per kilogram
  • Characteristics: No bitterness upon entry, delicate texture, sweet and smooth with a hint of mint, and substantial hidden strength.

Mint Pond is one of the top-tier ancient tree teas from the Yiwu tea region in recent years. There was a question from tea enthusiasts: “Why is Mint Pond so much more expensive than Guafengzhai and Mahei ancient tree teas?”

The answer lies in the number of ancient trees at Mint Pond. Before 2016, there were only 33 ancient trees listed, and after a re-listing in 2016, there were just 50. Authentic Mint Pond ancient tree tea is thus exceptionally rare. The principle of rarity applying to antique teas is equally valid for ancient tree teas.

7. Duoyi Tree

  • Price: Ancient tree tea ¥22,000 per kilogram; Mixed grade ¥8,000 per kilogram
  • Characteristics: Rich mountain and wild aroma, full-bodied and powerful taste, delicate sweetness, rapid and lasting saliva production, and a deep aftertaste.

Duoyi Tree is known as the “King of High Trees” with the tallest tree reaching 23.5 meters. This type of tea is difficult to harvest and very scarce, with only 50 high-stem ancient trees available.

Comparisons between Duoyi Tree and Mint Pond are common. While Duoyi Tree Puerh tea gained prominence later than Mint Pond, its market and price remain high. This year’s raw material price for Duoyi Tree is as high as Mint Pond’s.

6. Tianmenshan

  • Price: Ancient tree tea ¥25,000 per kilogram; Mixed grade ¥6,000 per kilogram
  • Characteristics: Rich mountain floral aroma, full flavor, with no noticeable bitterness, high sweetness, long-lasting aftertaste, and lingering finish.

Tianmenshan high-stem ancient tree tea has rarely been visited in the past, preserving its height, typically over 10 meters.

Although both Duoyi Tree and Tianmenshan are high-stem, eco-friendly teas with low production, their different ecological environments make each a sought-after rarity.Guafengzhai Tea Plantation of Yiwu Mountain, XishuangBanna

5. Mi Di

  • Price: Ancient tree tea ¥28,000-35,000 per kilogram
  • Characteristics: Also known as “Mi Di Tea,” it was offered as a tribute during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty and was awarded the title “Rui Gong Jing Shi” by the emperor. In 2021, a king tree of Mi Di tea was auctioned for ¥230,000 per kilogram.

Despite no connection to the Six Great Tea Mountains, Mi Di tea’s excellent flavor won the emperor’s favor and public acclaim.

4. Phoenix Nest

  • Price: Ancient tree tea ¥30,000 per kilogram
  • Characteristics: Originally named Ma Guai Tang, Phoenix Nest is so named because of the many peacocks that once inhabited the area.

Phoenix Nest has a very limited annual production of less than 600 kilograms. This year’s drought in Yunnan has further reduced production.

Compared to last year, Phoenix Nest tea has risen one place in the rankings, indicating its growing significance.

3. Kunlu Mountain Royal Tea Garden

  • Price: Ancient tree tea ¥35,000 per kilogram; Mixed grade ¥5,000 per kilogram
  • Characteristics: Known for its unique flavor, differing from the boldness of Banzhang, the smoothness of Yiwu, and the heaviness of Mengku, it features a fresh, elegant, and mellow taste. This tea has a strong aftertaste, rich sweetness, and wild essence, making it a rare gem in the Puerh tea world.

Kunlu Mountain Royal Tea Garden is notable for its excellent ecology and rare protection by the Holy恩派 soldiers.

2. Bingdao Old Village

  • Price: Ancient tree tea ¥45,000 per kilogram; Mixed grade ¥9,000 per kilogram
  • Characteristics: Bingdao Old Village is considered the finest among Mengku teas and a top Puerh tea from Yunnan.

Last year, Bingdao Old Village tea was priced at ¥50,000 per kilogram, making it the most expensive Puerh tea. This year, it is ¥45,000 per kilogram and has lost its top spot.

1. Mansong Wangzi Mountain

  • Price: Ancient tree tea ¥50,000 per kilogram
  • Characteristics: Located in the Yibang tea region of the Six Great Tea Mountains, Mansong is renowned for its superior flavor, leading to the saying “Eat Mansong, look at Yibang.”

Previously a royal tribute tea with an annual production of “100 dan” (units), Mansong Puerh tea is not only historically significant but also culturally rich. The tea’s defining feature is its sweet and smooth flavor, unlike the sweetness of Bingdao, which is more like a sword—once struck, you are forever captured by its charm.

However, Mansong ancient tree tea is extremely rare,