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2012 Quanjihao Manzhuan Gushu

from The Essence of Tea
Wet Leaf Aroma
dry fruit, antique woods, straw, animal, light smoke, resin, rustic.
Tasting Notes
Starts slightly resinous with fruity sweet fermentation notes. Somewhat juicy, with an old school character, dark fruity notes, and a heavier body and good density. The sweetness sits more inward in the first sips rather than upfront, more in the layers underneath. The overall profile would be a dark wood sweetness, herbal-mossy notes carrying the body, and a hint of minerality that's hard to pin down. There’s a slight sense of Astringency, but only when pushed, - overall the tea itself is very round and apporachable
In a Sentence
Enveloping, sirupy density.
What it feels like
Enveloping, relaxing weight.
Quick
Sheng ★★★★ The Essence of Tea
Details
Entry Date
22.08.2026
Country
China
Region
Xishuangbanna, Mengla, Manzhuan
Tea Master
Quanjihao
Price EUR/50g
30
Link
essenceoftea.com
Rating (1-5)
3.9
Properties
Kōu Gǎn i Mouthfeel: texture, density, softness, or dryness.
Medium thickness, while texture feels dense. Noticeable activity in the mouth, with little tannins.
Hóu Yùn i Throat resonance — the depth and length of the finish.
A slight cooling sensation opens up the throat.
Huí Gān i Returning sweetness after bitterness, perceived after swallowing.
Oily sweet aftertaste.
Qi (1-5) i The tea’s felt effect on body and mind.
3 - a sense of weight that spreads in the body.
Journal

2026-08-22

First tender tasting of the 2012 Quanjihao Manzhuan Gushu from Essence of Tea, in comparison to the 2014 there is a lot of similarity - especially in the way that they are both easy to drink, sweet and approachable.

The 2012 is a bit heavier, denser and more rustic perhaps, while the 2014 has this bright, sweet thirst quenching character, with a lighter feel.

The older one appears to have more aromatic depth and punch overall. In terms of complexity both are solid but not outstanding.

Surprisingly I do like the 2012 better in the Gaiwan than the Zini Pot - the bright notes come out better, - its more lively and juicy than in the muting pot, which works nice for this tea.

Quick
Sheng ★★★★ The Essence of Tea
Details
Entry Date
22.08.2026
Country
China
Region
Xishuangbanna, Mengla, Manzhuan
Tea Master
Quanjihao
Price EUR/50g
30
Link
essenceoftea.com
Rating (1-5)
3.9
Properties
Kōu Gǎn i Mouthfeel: texture, density, softness, or dryness.
Medium thickness, while texture feels dense. Noticeable activity in the mouth, with little tannins.
Hóu Yùn i Throat resonance — the depth and length of the finish.
A slight cooling sensation opens up the throat.
Huí Gān i Returning sweetness after bitterness, perceived after swallowing.
Oily sweet aftertaste.
Qi (1-5) i The tea’s felt effect on body and mind.
3 - a sense of weight that spreads in the body.