Pu'er tea, each mountain has its unique charm, and every blend has its distinctive flavor. It's believed that every Pu'er lover can find their beloved tea and taste amidst the vast sea of teas.
Mansong is an irreplaceable name in the world of Pu'er tea, shining with its unique brilliance. Historical records show that the leaves of Mansong tea are thick and substantial, with a sweet water quality, a deliciously fragrant taste, and the ability to refresh the mind after drinking, earning it much praise from connoisseurs. Legend has it that during the Chenghua period of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Xianzong highly praised the tribute tea from Mansong and designated it as an exclusive supply for the imperial family.
So how is the one-of-a-kind “Mansong flavor” formed? Firstly, it is due to the unique tree variety. Mansong tea belongs to the small-leaf variety grown in a large-leaf tea region, known for its thick texture and exquisite taste, presenting a unique tea character. Studies have shown that medium and small-leaf varieties have more pronounced aromas compared to large-leaf types. Among Pu'er teas, the rare small-leaf variety of Yibang Mansong is renowned worldwide for its orchid-like aroma. Secondly, it is the unique soil. The mountains where Mansong tribute tea grows contain decomposed debris that has formed a distinctive red “rotten stone soil” with high zinc content over time. This soil turns into mud when wet and into stone when dry, providing excellent aeration and being a well-drained acidic red soil rich in minerals and trace elements. This soil provides ample nutrients and internal substances for the growth of Mansong tea trees, endowing the tea with a uniquely sweet quality.
Mansong tea absorbs the essence of heaven and earth, with a balanced and harmonious quality, delicate and smooth flavors, a distant fragrance, and a long-lasting aftertaste. Its light yellow infusion is pleasing to the eye, neither flashy nor hidden; taking a sip reveals no bitterness or astringency, neither bland nor insipid. Perhaps due to its inherent nature, the sweetness returns just right and remains consistently sweet. The aroma is similarly consistent, accompanying the sweetness throughout, truly remarkable.
The unique combination of soil, variety, tea tree environment, and condition creates the distinctive flavor of Mansong tea, characterized by a subtle and sweet aroma, delicate and mellow taste, and a lingering qi, making it highly recognizable.