Jiu Qu Hong Mei (Nine Bends Red Plum) Black Tea

An authentic, historic black tea from the scenic vicinity of Shuangling Village near West Lake in Zhejiang Province. The poetic name Jiu Qu Hong Mei translates to "Red Plum from the Nine Bends Brook."

In the 19th century, tea makers migrating from northern Fujian—famed for their Xiaozhong (Lapsang) teas—brought their traditional processing secrets to Zhejiang. During crafting, the leaves undergo the traditional guo hong guo ("passing through the red wok") roasting technique: an intense, 2–3 minute high-heat flash at 200°C. This process imparts the tea's signature dark leaf color and fiery wok warmth. Combined with West Lake's delicate local cultivars, the resulting bouquet is extraordinarily layered, fragrant, and complex.

Flavor Profile & Tasting Notes

• Aroma: Aromatic, rich, and syrupy bouquet reminiscent of homemade berry jam.
• Taste: Juicy and sweet with notes of golden caramel, warm bakery bread, wild forest berries, and a lingering fruit-candy finish.
• Character: Deeply warming, comforting, and mentally inspiring.

Taste Balance

• Sweetness: High (4/5)
• Acidity & Tartness: Medium (3/5)
• Bitterness: Very Low (1/5)

Detailed Notes

• Floral: Gentle honeysuckle and wild rosehip nectar.
• Fruit & Berry: Ripe raspberries, tart redcurrants, and juicy dark cherries.
• Warm Spice: Smooth vanilla bean and fragrant sweet nutmeg.
• Confectionery: Rich caramel, berry preserves, warm bread crust, sweet dough, and fruit hard candies.

Product Details

• Origin: Shuangling Village, West Lake, Zhejiang Province, China
• Harvest: 2026
• Type: Chinese Red (Black) Tea