Big Red Robe (AKA Da Hong Pao Rock Oolong)

SUMMARY 

Type: Wuyi Rock Oolong Tea 
Origin: Wuyi Mountains, Fujian China

Stone fruit, minerals, cacao

Wuyi Rock tea is a unique type of oolong tea that is only produced in the Wuyi Mountains which have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for cultural, scenic, and biodiversity values since 1999. Teas grown in this region are known for their "rocky" mineral characteristics or "Yan Yun". 

QI DAN DA HONG PAO

Da Hong Pao AKA Big Red Robe is the most famous of all the Wuyi rock teas, with many myths and stories surrounding it. This particular Da Hong Pao is a pure, non-blended version made from the Qi Dan cultivar. The genetic makeup of this cultivar is said to be the same as two of the original six Da Hong Pao mother trees, leading many to consider Qi Dan to be as pure an expression of Da Hong Pao as one can get on the wider market.

TASTING NOTES

A sweet, fruity flavour with light floral undertones and a lightly toasted aroma. A medium baked Rock tea, it still has those mineral-like qualities that are characteristic of this type of Oolong tea with some earthy, cacao flavour notes, finishing off with a light, floral aftertaste. 

PREPARATION NOTES

The best way to enjoy Wuyi Rock tea is using the traditional Gongfu brewing such as Gaiwan or Yixing tea pot. We recommend using a greater leaf to water ratio, quicker steeps and brewing the tea at higher temperatures (approx. 93 degrees). However, all of these teas still tastes great when brewed in a teapot, western style.

 Gong-Fu style (preferred method)

 4g per 60 – 100ml of water
 93 – 95 degrees Celsius
 10 – 15 secs per infusion* (up to 8 infusions)

*First infusion is a quick 3 – 5 sec rinse and isn't drunk.

 Teapot steep

 5g per 300ml of water
 93 – 95 degrees Celsius
 2.5 – 3mins (2 – 3 infusions)

STORAGE

Proper tea storage is super important. Improper storage leads to flat, flavourless and potentially weird tasting tea. So as a rule of thumb, keep your tea leaves in an airtight container (the less air inside the better) and away from heat, light, moisture and strong odours.