Da Yi Snake Cake is a special tea made in 2013 to celebrate the Year of the Snake.

It was kept in Taiwan until it was sent to Eugene, Oregon, in January 2025.

☕ Color: Warm golden-orange

Smells like: Pine trees, fresh grass, cooked spinach, tree sap, maple syrup, and orange peel.

Tastes like: Oranges, pine trees, green apples, asparagus, sweet mango sauce, smoky pears, and tart raspberries.

Aftertaste: Lasts a long time, not too sour or bitter, with a little minty coolness.

The Da Yi Factory Commemorative Zodiac Series is a special collection of puer tea cakes produced by the famous Menghai Tea Factory (also known as Da Yi) to celebrate the Chinese Zodiac cycle. This series began in the early 2000s and continues to be released annually, honoring each of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac.

Key Features of the Da Yi Zodiac Series:

1. Limited-Edition Collectibles – Each year’s tea cake is produced in a special design and recipe, making it sought after by collectors and tea enthusiasts.
2. High-Quality Puer Tea – The cakes are made using premium raw (sheng) tea leaves, often aged for improved depth and complexity.
3. Unique Packaging & Design – Every year features artwork or symbols representing the zodiac animal, making the cakes visually distinctive.
4. Aging Potential – These teas are designed to age well, developing richer flavors and aromas over time.
5. Taiwan & Hong Kong Storage Popularity – Many collectors prefer to store them in Taiwanese or Hong Kong storage conditions to accelerate natural fermentation while maintaining smoothness.

Examples of Past Releases:

• 2012 Dragon Cake – Strong, bold character, fitting the legendary status of the dragon.
• 2013 Snake Cake – A balanced tea with a mix of fruity, woody, and herbal notes.
• 2014 Horse Cake – Known for its thick body and rich, sweet flavors.
• 2015 Goat Cake – Mellow and smooth, with a gentle honey-like sweetness.

Since the series is limited in production, many older years become highly sought after, increasing in value over time. It’s a great series for both drinking and investment!