In the West, red tea is the most popular type of tea among consumers. Although it may sound suprising at first, here is a quick explanation to clarify this statement: the tea we identify as ’black’ is known as red tea in China, named after the colour of its brew. The original Chinese name ’Hong Cha’, also means red tea in literal translation. Misunderstanding may have been caused by the dark colour of the withered tea leaves, given the condition in which Western buyers first have encountered them. Moreover, the long boat journey from China to Europe, combined with salty sea air could have added a further tone to this colour.
This tea is the most fermented one which can be seen in its red-orange colour as well. Black teas are rich in caffeine, its effect lasts long.
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The Assam Black – just like several other varietals – has come a long way until it has arrived to Taiwan. The state of Assam is one of the largest tea-producing regions in the world. It is located in north-eastern India, close to the Bhutan border and this area is the original habitat of the Camellia sinensis var assamica plant, that this tea is made of. The large-leaf teaplant has arrived to Taiwan in 1926 and similarly to other new cultivars it has found itself a home in Nantou county. Just like Ruby Black (No. 18) and Hong Yun Black (No. 21) teas in our sortiment, this type also comes from Mrs. Yeh's organic farm, following the same gentle and sustainable processing methods.
Camellia sinensis var assamica can grow particularly tall, its appearance resembles a tea tree rather than a shrub. The tea leaves are large, vivid green and from a certain point of view they almost turn golden. The leaves – like other black teas - undergo a complete oxidation process.
The tea soup of Assam Black is a full-bodied, bright red one, with a natural malt aroma. Its flavour is mainly characterized by dark chocolate and malty overtones. It is a pleasure in itself, but sipping it with a little additional milk is also excellent. The tea turns amber when infused with milk and the two liquids form a perfect blend. No coincidence, that Assam Black is also known as the king of milk tea.
Camellia sinensis var assamica can grow particularly tall, its appearance resembles a tea tree rather than a shrub. The tea leaves are large, vivid green and from a certain point of view they almost turn golden. The leaves – like other black teas - undergo a complete oxidation process.
The tea soup of Assam Black is a full-bodied, bright red one, with a natural malt aroma. Its flavour is mainly characterized by dark chocolate and malty overtones. It is a pleasure in itself, but sipping it with a little additional milk is also excellent. The tea turns amber when infused with milk and the two liquids form a perfect blend. No coincidence, that Assam Black is also known as the king of milk tea.
7.0 €
This tea is the unknown twin of the famous Oriental Beauty – they are coming from the same bushes though instead of oolong process, Beipu is a typical black tea, strong in flavors and aromas.
On the bushes we can find the famous leafhoppers – the special aroma of the tea is due to saliva of these little fellows. As the plant is trying to protect itself against the insects, they are producing more polyphenols and tannins which combined with the enzymes of the leafhopper’s saliva are resulting a faster fermentation hence a special, sweet aftertaste of the tea soup which reminds to pumpkin, cocoa and honey.
This tea is also coming from Mr. Chen’s organic farm.
On the bushes we can find the famous leafhoppers – the special aroma of the tea is due to saliva of these little fellows. As the plant is trying to protect itself against the insects, they are producing more polyphenols and tannins which combined with the enzymes of the leafhopper’s saliva are resulting a faster fermentation hence a special, sweet aftertaste of the tea soup which reminds to pumpkin, cocoa and honey.
This tea is also coming from Mr. Chen’s organic farm.
12.0 €
An other unique tea from the Sanxia region is called Mi Xiang Hong Cha, also coming from the tea farms of Mr. Chou. The name of the tea means „ Honey Black tea” which refers to the naturally sweet taste of the tea soup. You may be wondering about the origin of this special note – it is the result of a nice trick of the nature. There is an endemic leaf hopper (Jacobiasca formosana) which is nibbling the tea leaves during growth. As a reaction the tea plant is producing extra polyphenol which gives a unique taste to the tea soup. The farmers can not have any influence on this phenomenon hence the taste of Mi Xiang Hong Cha is different harvest by harvest.
The taste of the tea is generally malty, a bit like cocoa, getting more and more sweet after every single brewing, highlighting the honey tone gradually. The aftertaste is smooth, light and gentle, especially when it is cooling down.
Check out the special „golden buds” – during the harvest only the top leaves and buds are picked, they get goldish due to the natural fermentation.
This tea of Mr Chou also has been recognized by the Super Taste Award of ITIB in 2022.
The taste of the tea is generally malty, a bit like cocoa, getting more and more sweet after every single brewing, highlighting the honey tone gradually. The aftertaste is smooth, light and gentle, especially when it is cooling down.
Check out the special „golden buds” – during the harvest only the top leaves and buds are picked, they get goldish due to the natural fermentation.
This tea of Mr Chou also has been recognized by the Super Taste Award of ITIB in 2022.
8.0 €
Not available for purchase!
Hong Yun Black (No. 21) also comes from Yuchi Tea Farm located close to Sun Moon Lake, where Mrs. Yeh and her fater are mastering their unique tea selections, available only in limited quantities. The farm operates with an organic approach and uses only eco-friendly methods for tea processing. Gentle handling and rich nutrients make the teas not only health-friendly but environmentally friendly as well. This very rare cultivar is a brand new development at the same time, as it only exists since 2008. It is the result of crossing a Chinese Qimen black tea varietal with the Burmese large-leaf Kyang.
Hong Yun is easily recognizable by its twisted, thin and dark-green leaves.
The literal tranlation of Hong Yun, originated from its Chinese written characters stands for ’Red Rhythm’. However, part of the characters may also refer to the long-lasting effect, in this case an aftertaste that the tea leaves on the palate.
The brew of the hand-picked and fully oxidised tea leaves is rich and bright orange-red, with an almost savoury, spicy aroma, that also resembles grapefruit and citrus flowers. Its taste is also dominated by energetic impressions, especially the marvellously vivid combination of pomelo and orange, that will certainly revive your taste buds.
Hong Yun is easily recognizable by its twisted, thin and dark-green leaves.
The literal tranlation of Hong Yun, originated from its Chinese written characters stands for ’Red Rhythm’. However, part of the characters may also refer to the long-lasting effect, in this case an aftertaste that the tea leaves on the palate.
The brew of the hand-picked and fully oxidised tea leaves is rich and bright orange-red, with an almost savoury, spicy aroma, that also resembles grapefruit and citrus flowers. Its taste is also dominated by energetic impressions, especially the marvellously vivid combination of pomelo and orange, that will certainly revive your taste buds.
8.0 €
Due to the large temperature difference between day and night and the occasional snow in the Lishan area, tea grows slowly. The tea cyanine structure is thicker and the taste is more sugary, and the altitude is high, so the cold mineral taste of tea is particularly strong. In addition, Lishan is rich in alpine fruits, and tea gardens are distributed among fruit trees, which absorb natural fruit aromas when they grow.
The teasoup is bright yellow, vivid, the aroma reminds to peach, fruity. This tea is gentle, not that much rich in tannins.
The teasoup is bright yellow, vivid, the aroma reminds to peach, fruity. This tea is gentle, not that much rich in tannins.
10.0 €
Oolong Black was born by combining the original red tea and black tea processing; tea leaves are hand-picked then withered under sunlight. After this, they are bruised and shaken in a bamboo basket. The steps of withering and shaking are being repeated several times. More robust and longer lasting oxidation create the final result, which resembles black tea. It is important to emphasize, that oolong is the type of tea that tests even the most experienced tea masters’ skills and patience. If the fermentation process is not correct, the colour of the tea soup will not be orange enough. In addition, there will be no ripen fruit aroma either, resulting in the loss of the entire characteristics of oolong black tea.
Despite of its red tea-like appearance, with dark-amber colour, the brew is a fresh, fruity beverage with a sweetish fragrance. On the palate, you can taste both brown sugar and ripened fruit, as well as the typical notes of dried dates. The cold brew version may show its characteristics even better, but it is also an excellent choice in flavoured form (with fresh milk, fruit).
This special and unique varietal of oolong black comes from Mr Guo’s tea farm.
Despite of its red tea-like appearance, with dark-amber colour, the brew is a fresh, fruity beverage with a sweetish fragrance. On the palate, you can taste both brown sugar and ripened fruit, as well as the typical notes of dried dates. The cold brew version may show its characteristics even better, but it is also an excellent choice in flavoured form (with fresh milk, fruit).
This special and unique varietal of oolong black comes from Mr Guo’s tea farm.
7.0 €
Yuchi Township in Nantou County is famous for its Sun Moon Lake black tea, which is praised by tea experts as the real "Taiwanese fragrance". This is where the precious Ruby black (No. 18) is also coming from. Originally, the tea plant has been brought to Taiwan from the mountains of Myanmar. Later it has been hybridized with a local varietal - this is how Ruby Black was born. Ruby Black selection is coming from an eco-friendly, family owned farm in Yuchi area, with limited production volume- hence its exclusivity. Mrs. Yeh and her father are responsible for the marketing and management of the tea farm. The farm uses sustainable farming methods and puts great emphasis on environmentally friendly procedures: the main focus is on hand-picking and organic fertilization management.
Sun Moon Lake is located around 600-800 meters above sea level with stable averages in temperature and abundant rainfall, making the tea trees grow tall with thick and rich green tea leaves. Ruby Black is a unique variety cultivated by Tea Research and Extension Station (TRES) from Taiwan indigenous wild tea and Burmese large-leaf tea trees.
Its tea brew is bright red-brown – hence the name- and clear. It has a sweet and mellow taste with light notes of mint, anise and cinnamon on the palate, followed by a smooth aftertaste. Highly recommended for cold brew method.
Sun Moon Lake is located around 600-800 meters above sea level with stable averages in temperature and abundant rainfall, making the tea trees grow tall with thick and rich green tea leaves. Ruby Black is a unique variety cultivated by Tea Research and Extension Station (TRES) from Taiwan indigenous wild tea and Burmese large-leaf tea trees.
Its tea brew is bright red-brown – hence the name- and clear. It has a sweet and mellow taste with light notes of mint, anise and cinnamon on the palate, followed by a smooth aftertaste. Highly recommended for cold brew method.
8.0 €