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2005 Chang Da Manzhuan from The Essence of Tea

2005 Chang Da Manzhuan

from The Essence of Tea
Wet Leaf Aroma
Smoky, robust, slightly burnt, animal, barnyard, honey sweetness.
Tasting Notes
Starts smoky, though less pronounced than the wet leaf scent suggested. Sweet right away, with a chalky opening. Liquor is muddy, clearing somewhat after the first few steeps. Taste is straightforward and very sweet with honey and malty facets, low bitterness even when pushed. Soft, round, holding that character through for quite a while, later thinning out. Not very complex, but pleasant and easy to drink.
In a Sentence
Sweet bargain.
What it feels like
Simple and approachable character - my body feels somewhat hesitant though
Quick
Sheng ★★ The Essence of Tea
Details
Entry Date
12.08.2026
Country
China
Region
Xishuangbanna, Mengla, Manzhuan
Storage
Kunming
Price EUR/50g
18
Link
essenceoftea.com
Rating (1-5)
2.5
Properties
Kōu Gǎn i Mouthfeel: texture, density, softness, or dryness.
Chalky, round.
Hóu Yùn i Throat resonance — the depth and length of the finish.
A sense of locking in the first steeps.
Huí Gān i Returning sweetness after bitterness, perceived after swallowing.
Sweet.
Qi (1-5) i The tea’s felt effect on body and mind.
2 - Relaxing but doesn't go deep or wide.
Journal

2026-08-31

The wet leaf already tells a story: smoky, something animal, a whiff of barnyard, honey underneath, the sort of burnt note reminds me of the Yi Chang Hao Gedeng. In the cup the smoke doesn't show up as strong as the smell, instead it's sweet and with nice resolved softness - the kind of tea anyone could enjoy, even someone new to puerh.

Also given the price this is a real bargain. 10$ for a 25gr Sample is a great deal for a 20+year old tea with this traits. Because it really is easy to drink and a mellow fellow. Sweetness and softness along while also a bit simple, any probably not that clean - my body feels sometimes sensitive to that.

This is the reason, for me it rates lower, even though in terms of taste it would get 4 stars.

I may have to see how it goes in future sessions.

Quick
Sheng ★★ The Essence of Tea
Details
Entry Date
12.08.2026
Country
China
Region
Xishuangbanna, Mengla, Manzhuan
Storage
Kunming
Price EUR/50g
18
Link
essenceoftea.com
Rating (1-5)
2.5
Properties
Kōu Gǎn i Mouthfeel: texture, density, softness, or dryness.
Chalky, round.
Hóu Yùn i Throat resonance — the depth and length of the finish.
A sense of locking in the first steeps.
Huí Gān i Returning sweetness after bitterness, perceived after swallowing.
Sweet.
Qi (1-5) i The tea’s felt effect on body and mind.
2 - Relaxing but doesn't go deep or wide.