Big Red Robe (AKA Da Hong Pao Rock Oolong)
Wuyi Rock Oolong
Regular price $2,900
SUMMARY
Type: Wuyi Rock Oolong Tea
Origin: Wuyi Mountains, Fujian China
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".
DA HONG PAO AKA BIG RED ROBE
Da Hong Pao is the most famous of all the Wuyi rock teas, with many myths and stories surrounding it. The tea that many refer to as Da Hong Pao is actually a blend of different Wuyi Rock Oolongs, designed to express the characteristics and essence of Oolong tea from the Wuyi Mountains.
Our Da Hong Pao Rock Oolong is a blend of the Shui Xian, Qi Zhong and Huang Guan Yin (aka Yellow Goddess) cultivars. It makes for a great introduction to this type of Oolong tea.
TASTING NOTES
Our Da Hong Pao blend has been given a heavier bake, giving this tea deeper roasted notes with the characteristic wet-stone minerality that Wuyi Rock teas are well known for. There are 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.