my account | my cart [0] / checkout

First-Grade Da Hong Pao

(a.k.a. Big Red Robe Qing Xiang Da Hong Pao)

This is a really interesting, delicious tea. Like the description says, it's definitely a light-roast Wuyi, which I tend to prefer--the roasting doesn't overpower the inherent flavors and characteristics of the leaves, and you don't have to set it aside for aging and dissipation of the roasting character. I'd say this Da Hong Pao lasts more infusions than most Wuyi Yen Cha I've tried, and there's lots of complexity there to enjoy with every steeping. Even when the liquor starts to come out insipid, there's still a characteristic lingering sweetness. I do wonder about the origin of these leaves that the description brings up--are they actually from the Da Hong Pao cultivar? When it comes to Yen Cha and Da Hong Pao in particular, the cultivar is actually pretty important, and there's a lot of market falsification and smudging of boundaries, so I tend to appreciate a bit of transparency and honesty when it comes to tea labeling. This is only a superficial issue, though, since this is a delicious light-roast Yen Cha that I've already burned through--I'll definitely be ordering this tea again, and probably in higher quantity!

I admit it is fragrant, but I prefer greener Big red robe teas
Robust, delicate, fruity, hearty, fragrant etc. This tea has me stumped! Count me impressed!! I made it to 16 infusions too. Be sure to use 'real' water with this tea or you will begin tasting the water itself within 5 infusions.
As a long-time fine oolong fanatic you guys have made my tea discovery process much easier for the future. Though maybe not for everyone, this Dahongpao is so supremely special that I could enjoy several minutes of constant nose-in-the-pot aroma enjoyment without hesitation --- per steeping! The sheer complexity of the fragrance cause me to yell out so many things at once that I suppose it deserves its own place among available aromas of the world, lest it become like some of those wine bottles my husband is fond of, with a list of 10 fruit that make up the combined similar taste. Others be warned, ask the golden teahouse staff how to prepare this tea correctly the first time so you don't waste a single gram of these mystery leaves. Also some people that don't like teas with any roasted characteristic might be overwhelmed with this gem. Just my 2 cents! Linda G

Privacy Policy

STAY IN THE LOOP

Sign up today to receive new product updates, exclusive offers and great steeping and health tips!
Bonus, Get 5% OFF your next order just for signing up!