Da Hong Pao, also known as Big Red Robe, is a Wuyi rock tea grown in the Wuyi Mountains in the Fujian province of China. It is a heavily oxidized, dark oolong tea and is one of the world's most expensive tea.
The name “Da Hong Pao” (or “Big Red Robe” in English) is alleged to have come from a few different stories. Some stories say its tea bushes were so revered that they were cloaked in red robes by imperial officials, while others simply claim the name was a poetic description for the color of local tea bushes when dusk light is cast through their newly grown leaves.
A special varietal of tea, known as “Qi Dan,” is used to make Da Hong Pao. It grows defiantly in the gaps of the mountain boulders, which endow it with the highly prized 'yan yun' or mineral 'rock taste.' In making this tea, long leaves are selected. They are twisted using the sideways rolling technique (much different than the tight ball rolling seen in other oolongs) and then pan-fired to stop oxidation. The leaves are baked in the final stage of processing.
Our premium Wuyi Da Hong Pao offers rich aromas of roasted vegetables, sweet honey and wet stones. When the tea is brewed, the liquor is equally intriguing, colored as warm peach brandy. Delicately spicy, robust and rounded texture, with pit-fruit flavors and subtle ripe peach juiciness. A truly thought-provoking cup.