Shandong Laoshan | black tea
TASTING NOTES: honey, cinnamon, clove
Beautiful and gentle Chinese red tea from Yunnan with hints of honey and a subtle spiciness. It's full-bodied and invites for an experience. Yet, it's light enough to pair with something slightly sweet or slightly spicy.
Tea Region
Tea tree
Cultivar
Harvest
Picking & processing
Yunnan, China
Camellia sinensis sinensis
Yunnan Da Ye
Spring, 2022
Two buds, one leaf
In the remote, mist-kissed mountains of Yunnan, a region known as the cradle of tea, there exists a tea that captivates both the eyes and the palate—Hong Jin Luo, also known as Dian Hong Jin Luo. This first-class red tea, with its intricate craftsmanship and deep roots in Chinese tea culture, is a celebration of tradition and artistry.
Hand-picked with care, the whole leaf buds of this tea are meticulously rolled into delicate, snail-like spirals, each one a small testament to the skill and dedication of Yunnan’s tea artisans. This rolling process is more than just a technique; it’s a ritual that transforms each leaf into a work of art. The result is a tea that unfurls gracefully in hot water, releasing a beautiful amber-colored infusion that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the taste.
The flavor of Hong Jin Luo is a symphony of subtlety and richness. The tea’s complexity reveals itself gradually—notes of honey, malt, and sweet potato intertwine with hints of cocoa and dried fruit, creating a luxurious, full-bodied experience that lingers long after the cup is empty.
Chocolate and orange peel biscotti
The deep, bittersweet chocolate and the zesty citrus peel enhance the tea’s natural cocoa and dried fruit undertones, making for a rich, satisfying pairing.
Roast duck with hoisin sauce
The savory richness of roast duck, paired with the sweet and slightly tangy hoisin sauce, echoes the multi-layered flavors of the tea, particularly its malt and sweet potato notes.
Fig and prosciutto flatbread
The sweetness of fresh figs, the saltiness of prosciutto, and the creaminess of goat cheese create a delightful contrast to the tea’s soft, amber infusion, highlighting its complex aromas.
Pumpkin ravioli with sage butter
The earthy sweetness of pumpkin and the aromatic sage butter enhance the tea’s warm, layered flavors, while the richness of the dish pairs beautifully with the tea’s smooth texture.
Tea character
Leaf
honey, malt, dried fruit
Cup
molasses, roasted pecan, orange peel
Flavor
honey, cinnamon, clove
How to brew
Temperature
Tea weight
Water amount
Steeping time
85 °C
5 gram
100ml
10 sec (add 5 sec per steep for at least 8 steeps)
Temperature
Tea weight
Water amount
Steeping time
85 °C
4 gram
500ml
2 min (you can resteep 2-3 times)