This is the most remote area we sourced puerh from in 2010. Located at the southernmost tip of the Bulang range, this village is in a small area bordered on the north by an impassable mountain ridge and on the south by a river crossable only by a rope bridge. The people are of the Bulang minority and the village is surrounded by many old trees averaging 300-500 years old.
The maocha for this cake is a little more broken than is ideal, due to the 4km carried by hand and 7km by motorcycle before it could be loaded into a 4x4. The leaves have a slight smokiness, which I hope will dissipate over the next few months. The chaqi however is strong and the taste is thick with many layers of complexity. It has a medium bitterness (ku wei) and long sweet aftertaste towards the back of the mouth and in the throat.
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2010 Mansai Review by Sebastien
The aftertaste is long and powerful but remains quite soft in the mouth and throat. A fine structure in the mouth, a homogeneous and always pleasant rendering. I really like cake.
This is certainly one of the best cakes in the 2010 selection. (Posted on 26/11/2011) -
2010 EoT Mansai Review by CM
I found this the most complex and interesting of the EOT teas I’ve tried from 2010. Very smooth and clean-tasting, lighter than the Bangwai, but with rich savoury notes in early infusions, a slight bitterness and a gently sweet, long lasting after taste. After a few infusions a faint floral scent is noticeable in the wet leaves. (Posted on 14/10/2011)
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interesting comparison Review by dbj
It is really quite enjoyable comparing the effect different weather conditions will have on old tree teas. I found with the 2010 there was a stronger kuwei and an almost meaty flavor. I prefer the 2011 Mansai for the more intense cha qi and better mouthfeel. Out of the 2010's this is my favorite .
(Posted on 11/10/2011) -
All the better for a little age . Review by Simeon
This is really lovely to drink now it's just over 12 months old - smooth thick and silky , with a lovely toffee like sweetness to it's aroma and flavour profiles . A good huigan , and a strong qi . The smokiness that was present when it was new has now pretty much dissipated , leaving just a few notes in the background that help to add to the over all complexity . Some nice creamy notes appeared during the second half of the session along with some luscious soupy vegetal notes and textures . TOP STUFF ! (Posted on 21/09/2011)
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Excellent tea Review by Tomas
I have to admit, this is my absolute favorite of all teas produced by Essence of tea I tasted by now.
Very clean soup, fresh taste without any smokiness, it reminds me of a home made bread our ancestors used to make. The tea has great energy and long lasting aftertaste - for it's price it's an excellent value. I'm looking forward to try the 2011 Mansai. (Posted on 20/09/2011)