Big Red Robe

Product Description

No oolong collection is complete without Big Red Robe or Da Hong Pao': one of the most famous teas in China, & for good reason. The tea harks from the Wuyi Mountains of Fujian Province where the four original tea bushes were reputed to have been wrapped in imperial scarlet robes as a mark of honour
- reportedly because the tea had saved the life of the Emperor's ailing mother, although the stories tend to be as numerous as variations of the tea itself. Classic Big Red Robe has a deeply roasted taste with notes of cocoa & a wisp of forest woodsmoke; some even say it has an espresso-like quality. The very best varieties of Big Red Robe are distinguished by the surprising mineral taste which heightens & add complexity to the roasted notes, a taste which defines the exceptional rock oolongs' of the Wuyi mountains. Our Big Red Robe has a distinct hit of that mineral freshness, with a fragrant floral quality & a mellow tones of plum & apricot. The skilled process of partial oxidation brings forth those warm rich notes whilst keeping the freshness more commonly associated with green tea. In the particular case of Big Red Robe once the handpicked leaves are withered & tumbled to start the oxidation process they are baked in small batches, originally over charcoal fires, to arrest the oxidation process & create those deep roasted notes. There are few tea artisans outside China who have mastered the technique to perfect pitch: it's all about creating that balance of deep, roasted tones & mineral freshness. You'll find this exceptionally high quality Big Red Robe fits the bill perfectly, with a layered flavour which makes it absolutely ideal for a pairing with food.