Culinary Specialties CooksShopHere- Oolong Tea: Da Hong Pao

Black

Oolong

Da Hong Pao
Royal Red Robe Special Aged Vintage

Wuyi "Rock Tea"
Fujian Province, China
80% Oxidation
Open twist leaf style
Deep, rich flavor
Fresh, clean ‘tea’ aroma
Golden amber liquor

1/4 lb	1/2 lb	lb
27.50 Buy	55.00 Buy	110.00 Buy

Royal Red Robe is as oxidized as an Oolong ever is. At 80% oxidation, it looks like a black tea, only the leaves are HUGE, much larger than 98% of the black tea on the market. The Royal Red Robe tea plant is pruned to a single trunk and the leaves are plucked at a much larger size than almost any other tea of any style. Oolong teas are generally plucked from particular cultivars that are conducive to the Oolong being processed. Tieguanyin, Rou Gui, and Da Hong Pao are a perfect examples of this phenomenon.

This vintage Da Hong Pao is unique because of the time it has spent maturing in perfect tea-storage conditions. Similar to Pu-erh, some oolong teas benefit from "resting" or "maturing", provided that conditions are monitored and are conducive to improvement in the taste of the brewed tea. Supply is extremely limited, but we expect that, over the next several years, "aged oolongs" will become quite popular.

Royal Red Robe Oolong has a clear, fresh taste somewhat reminiscent of black or white tea, but with the lush mouthfeel that reminds the drinker that it is an exceptional Oolong.

Royal Red Robe Oolong is available in limited quantities, so is a bit more expensive than some teas; however, on a per-cup basis it is far less money than a cup of Salada costs in a diner.

So treat yourself to one of life’s finest Oolong teas and drink up!

Because of the exposed surface area of the open-twist leaf style, I find that Royal Red Robe Oolong can be brewed 3 or perhaps 4 times at normal Oolong-brewing temperature. It can also tolerate water that is a little hotter, due to its high oxidation.

Steep 2-5 infusions at 30-90 seconds each
or 1-3 infusions at 2-3 minutes each.
Water temperature should be 185˚ - 195˚ F