2015 Yiwu ManQian Sheng Puerh

Yiwu, located in Yunnan Province, is one of the famous Six Great Tea Mountains known for producing some of the finest puerh teas. Even among these prestigious mountains, Yiwu stands out as one of the top three in terms of quality and reputation. This has made puerh from Yiwu highly sought after—and often expensive.

However, this 2015 Yiwu Sheng Puerh offers a rare chance to experience tea from this premium region at a much more accessible price. Aged since 2015, this tea brings out the unique characteristics Yiwu is known for: a complex, fragrant profile with a strong Qi (vital energy) that is both potent and smooth. The favorable growing conditions and traditional cultivation methods in Yiwu contribute to the rich flavor and consistently high demand for teas from this region.

This tea brews to a deep golden color with a soft, smooth mouthfeel and a clear, sweet taste. The aroma opens with notes of honeysuckle and a hint of smokiness. Its texture is thick yet mellow, with a subtle rock sugar-like sweetness and a fruity aftertaste with a touch of brightness that lingers, similar to apricot jam. True to the saying “Yue Chen Yue Xiang”  (越陈越香)—the older it gets, the more aromatic it becomes—this tea continues to evolve beautifully over time.

Even when brewed stronger, any astringency remains balanced and never overwhelming. It maintains a smooth, pleasant profile even when oversteeped, making it forgiving for both seasoned and new puerh drinkers.

Brewing Instructions (Gongfu Style):

Using 5 grams of tea leaves and a 90ml gaiwan and 205°F (96°C) water, rinse the leaves briefly before the first brew. Start with a 10-second steep for the first infusion. For the following infusions, steep for just 3 seconds. The flavor and color will intensify with each infusion up to the 6th infusion. This tea can deliver 20-22 infusions, with new layers of flavor revealing themselves with each brew. Around the 12th infusion, the tea softens, bringing out delicate, nuanced notes while maintaining a pleasant mouthfeel through to the final brews.

If you’re looking to explore Yiwu Sheng Puerh and want to experience the qualities that make this region’s tea famous, this 2015 vintage is an excellent choice—especially at this price point.