Mansong Pu'er tea is produced in the northern part of Mengla County, Yunnan Province, within the Yibang tea mountain area. It mainly grows on Prince Mountain at an altitude of about 1,400 meters, covering an area of approximately 20 square kilometers. Historically, Mansong tea was designated as tribute tea, earning the names “Standing Tea” and “Upright Tea,” which were greatly favored by emperors. When brewed, it stands upright and suspended in the cup, remaining undisturbed for a long time, symbolizing “officials paying homage” and “the eternal stability of the empire.”
The aroma of Mansong Pu'er tea is rich, with notes of greenish bitterness, floral and fruity sweetness, and orchid fragrance; its flavor lingers, feeling smooth yet firm on the tongue when first tasted, with a thick and delicate texture. The greenish bitterness continuously transforms into a rich sweetness, accompanied by a bright orchid fragrance that fills the mouth.
Characteristics of the Origin of Mansong Pu'er Tea
The Mansong tribute tea region is located within the Yibang ancient tea mountain area in Xiangming Township. The local Yibang tea is best represented by Mansong tea, leading to the saying “taste Mansong, see Yibang.”
Mansong Village is renowned as a source of tribute tea, distinct from ordinary official tribute teas, as only Mansong tea was reserved exclusively for the emperor's use.
Mansong tea is primarily produced on Prince Mountain and Back Shade Mountain. As its name suggests, Back Shade Mountain receives less sunlight than Prince Mountain, creating unique natural advantages that result in Back Shade Mountain tea having richer flavors and more substantial intrinsic qualities, as well as greater durability when steeped.
The most distinctive feature of Mansong is its unique soil, rich in various minerals, known as weathered red loam. This soil resembles rock but turns into mud when wet and sand when dry, making it relatively infertile.
The original ecosystem and unique soil create the noble elegance of King Mansong.
Features of Mansong Pu'er Tea
Distinct from other young-aged Pu'er teas from Yibang, which can be thin, King Mansong tea belongs to the small and medium-sized type of large-leaf Pu'er tea. Its leaves are plump and tender, tightly packed, shaped like a bird's beak, with a verdant color. In the cup, the tea buds slightly unfurl.
Firstly, it has a high level of sweetness, which becomes apparent in the mouth just seconds after tasting. This rapid onset of sweetness is one of the main reasons for its fame or hype.
Secondly, its aroma is very strong, whether it's the lingering scent in the cup or the aroma of the tea itself.
Thirdly, it is gentle, with a soft tea broth and a fine water path, giving it a good jelly-like texture.