A few ways to select a tea

Select a tea by category, region, taste or TCM character

At TeaHong.com, we try to put ourselves in our customers’ shoes. Different people have different priorities. Each sees the world differently. Naturally when it comes to selecting a tea, your criteria may not be the same as that of any other tea drinkers. That is why in addition to the usual display by price, name or popularity, we group our tea selections in different ways so you can see them in the context that is closest to how you think when selecting a tea:

• by the tea category • by the tea region • by the taste character • by the TCM character

Selection by the tea category

The most common way to group different varieties of tea is by the category of processing method with which they are produced. Some call it Tea Classification, others Tea Categorisation. We think the later label is semantically more accurate.

Many connoisseurs and tea specialists organise their collections with this concept.

In addition to the five main categories: Green, Black, White, Pu’er ( Post-Fermentation ) and Oolong teas, we have included some subcategories such as matcha, cha bing, organic teas etc for easier focus for those who are looking for these.

Need more info about a category before seeing the products? Here are some articles:

• Green tea: What are green teas and what makes ours special
• Black tea: Black tea like it used to be. Before industrialisation…
• White tea: A white tea is defined by its biochemistry, not its colour
• Pu’er tea: The peculiar category of pu’er
• Oolong: Oolong — the gran cru of teas

Tea selection by the region

In addition to what a different terroir would yield, the very nature of the local tea cultivars, tea processing cultures and more importantly, the strong heritage and development of local techniques all contribute significantly to the simple looking dry leaves that could be manifested into that totally different, yet equally engaging epicurean experience. We work directly with producers in this renowned origins:

Tea selection by the TCM character

Eating right is core to maintaining health…

This is for those who understand the needs of answering the voice of the body. A well customised and balanced personal collection helps to maximise tea’s health benefits, in addition to the gastronomic qualities you desire. That is why at Tea Hong, we also categorise our collection by traditional Chinese medicinal character.

Tea selection by the taste character

Teas are like raw gems

At Tea Hong, we try to curate an all compassing array of supreme quality selections that represents the finest of different regions and their archetypical taste profiles. Yet even the finest of the most pristine teas are subject to the manifestation by the brewer. It is like a raw piece of gemstone waiting to be shaped in order to show its true beauty. Explore these treasures. Make our teas shine.

Experience and explore

Begin by tasting a few selections using various infusion styles to gain more specialist understanding of the finesses and differences. Relate this with your personal preferences and you will gradually carve out a direction in building your own repertoire of tea. This will be your very own line that best suits your taste and your needs. With repeated usage your senses and perceptions will deepen. This will empower you with the connoisseur skill to easily master yet more varieties to continue to gain levels in the vast world of tea.

Information on a tea page

Detail information on each tea page includes a description, taste profile, infusion tips and a few properties described with icons. This article gives a general orientation in case you want to prepare yourself before browsing.

or refer to what other people think

choe.felix

verified purchased

5/5

To be honest, my first impression of this tea was underwhelming. While it was undoubtedly a good tea, it lacked the mell...
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owness of Orchid Gratus and seemed similar to the less expensive Big White. However, as I gradually discovered its true value, it became my most frequently consumed tea. If I had to summarize this review in one sentence, I'd say: "There's a reason it's called Kumquat." Generally speaking, the kumquat (Citrus japonica) is an ancient and distinct citrus species. Unlike many other citrus fruits that have undergone extensive hybridization and selective breeding, the kumquat seems closer to the fruit our ancestors enjoyed. This might explain why kumquats are smaller than other citrus fruits and offer a complex flavor and aroma profile without any single overwhelming characteristic. This tea shares similar qualities. While it may not have a distinctive character that immediately catches your attention, it surprises with a wide range of flavors and aromas that coexist in layers. The broad and seemingly contradictory taste profiles mentioned above are not exaggerations! It reminds me, to varying degrees, of all the excellent Phoenix oolongs I've experienced. From the honey-like sweetness and subtle floral notes of classic dancongs to the pleasant bitterness and cooling effect of Bouquet style dancongs, this single cup of tea encapsulates a diverse array of experiences. In other words, its flavor profile can vary significantly depending on how you brew it. This versatility might explain why Teahong recommends a conventional brewing method using a smaller amount of tea, higher water temperature, and longer steeping time. This approach allows one to fully appreciate and distinguish the tea's complexity. While the gong-fu method can offer a gastronomic experience, I agree that Teahong's recommendation is nice, and I primarily brew it that way. However, on mornings when I'm sleep-deprived, feeling under the weather, or when my extremities are cold, I increase the amount of tea while keeping other parameters the same. Even when using 2-3g per 100ml with >6 min, the tea doesn't become overly bitter and can withstand multiple infusions. This method intensifies the full spectrum of aromas and flavors, producing a brew that almost functions as a tonic for the body. Interestingly, its effect is reminiscent of the cha-qi from well-aged, high-quality sheng pu'er from famous mountains, but with a gentler impact. Enigmatic!
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2 years ago

Reply 1

Tea Hong

Store manager

It is so gratifying to read that you understand why we recommend the long steep approach instead of short duration ones ...
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as in gongfu tea making. Happy also to see that you use more leaves for a draggy morning. I do it too! Please accept my apology for this exceptionally late reply. Your kind sharing came exactly on the same day when we were packing up the last bits before flying to Japan the next morning for our long, difficult journey of relocating Tea Hong to Japan. It feels warm read a comment from you on this slow morning now that things are a little bit under control, almost one year later. Thank you for sharing; thank you for your continual support.
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Huangzhi Xiang Classic, Phoenix dancong oolong, 40 g

NN

verified purchased

5/5

This is a lovely green tea, it has a thick mouthfeel and brothy texture with a savory flavor profile that sinks deeply i...
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nto the palate. The aftertaste is sweet and smooth, with a long-lasting freshness that reminds me of something between pine needles and rosemary leaves. I get overtones of zucchini noodles and cereal grains, along with hints of steamed snow peas & green beans, but this tea also has herbal qualities that add an extra touch of complexity and keep things interesting from cup to cup. The leaf quality is excellent - the dry leaves are wholesome and fuzzy, and as they gradually unfurl they release those tiny little hairs, which makes the resultant soup hazy. If you catch it at the right light, you'll see all of the little hairs floating around and shimmering like microscopic flakes of gold. This is a good, clean, and humbly priced daily drinker, one that is easy to brew up and even easier to enjoy.
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3 years ago

Serene Water Pearl Tea, traditional green tea, 60 g

Karen Ager

Reviewer

5/5

Tea Master's PickOpening a package of Keemun Traditional Supreme will transport you into a library full of fine leather-...
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bound books. The infusion will yield a glossy, mahogany liquor tasting of figs, almond blossoms, and sanded timber. One can easily imagine a sea captain bringing this tea across the ocean to his titled patrons, reserving some first for his own personal use. The taste of Keemun Traditional Supreme stays reminiscently on your palate long after the drinking is done with just enough caffeine to set your sails to the wind.
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10 years ago

Keemun Traditional Supreme, old style black tea, 70 g

Patricio Hurtado

verified purchased

5/5

Just marvelous smell and taste. I write this review because I feel that is completly unfair that such fancy tea doesn't ...
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has any comment here. It's not easy to me to describe it but the feeling that I got from him is such as the title of this post. The lingering after taste that is described in the product description resembles a lot to the Honey Orchid one. This is a must try before die. Strongly recommended.
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13 years ago

Shiguping Wulong, rare Phoenix oolong, 40 g

Jeffrey Novick

verified purchased

4/5

Pleasant TeaDry leaf has chocolate, minty aroma. Flavor is smooth with hints of dried fruit as well as in the aroma. Not...
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particularly sweet. A bit on the thin side as far as the body goes, but is pleasant with good huigan and a wet mouthfeel. A gaiwan proved beneficial in bringing out more of the fruit. An easy drinker.
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12 years ago

Black Leaf Special, Phoenix dancong oolong, 40 g

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Or if you want to see the product with the most reviews, on any product catalog page, simply sort to view products with the most reviews, or by popularity to see which are the best selling ones. Or simply go to our best sellers page.

Have fun browsing. In case of questions, jot us a line here: Contact us.