Selections that are roasted or baked relatively heavier have deeper and often very complex aroma. Another category in this group is the pu’ers; the special post-fermentation process they have gone through give them unique aromas none others equal.
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Old Hong Kong Pou Nei 2012, old style post-fermented Pu’er tea, 70 g
Denser Aromas, Fuller Bodies, Neutral Energy, Pu'er teas, Tea, YunnanUS$16.3懷舊香港系列 復刻原版 港式老普洱
The original, premodern shu cha Pu’er
For most of the 20th century until the 80’s, Yunnan's rough, overgrown maocha were sold almost entirely to Hong Kong, the British free port that was China's most essential export destination. The extreme low price came in time to satisfy a city whose population had quadrupled with refugees after 1949, and to meet the export need for under-developed economies in Southeast Asia. A "wet storage" method was developed in the small colony to turn the sharp and bitter taste to sweet, smooth and earthily mesmerising. Pou Nei* soon became the most popular tea of its day, found everywhere from teahouses, dimsum restaurants, grassroot eateries, and even my own sub-poverty childhood home. In the 1970s, Yunnan tea specialist Zou Bing Liang came to study the Hong Kong technique, scaled it up and codified it to produce the modern shu cha Pu'er. Yet a little bit something of the original is missing. Tea Hong’s Old Hong Kong Pou Nei is our tribute to that earlier tradition. Crafted to recreate the mellow sweetness, rich earthy aroma, and effortless drinkability, it is both a historical revival and a deeply personal expression of a tea that defined countless everyday moments and cherished memories.
Net weight: 70 g (2.5 oz) in wide Kraft-alu pack -
Kyoto Houjicha Powder Premium, 120 g
Denser Aromas, Fuller Bodies, Green teas, Japan, Tea, Warm EnergyUS$33.2京都 極上 粉末 焙じ茶
Top quality at great value
Milled to an ultra-fine particle size of under 10 microns, Tea Hong’s Kyoto Houjicha Powder Premium offers a texture as silky as the highest ceremonial matcha, offering a mesmerising, and deep, dark cacao and molasses profile. Other than the top of the trade grinding setup, the choice of raw material and mastery of the roast are essential elements to create this unique quality. With a unique blend formula created by Grand Tea Master Kikuoka of a high percentage of deep roasted tencha, supported with the sweeter taste of FIR Houjicha, the deep roasting takes place before each session of milling. The intensity of heat together with the optimally paced timing triggers a deep Maillard reaction, transforming the natural amino acids into rich, aromatic pyrazines while preserving a thick, sweet umami backbone. With that heat intensity, we have rested the tea well before releasing, so as to tame down its excess TCM heat energy. Enjoy.
Net weight: 120g (4.2oz) in Kraft-alu pack -
Sayama Japanese black tea Yume Wakaba, 50 g
Black teas, Denser Aromas, Fuller Bodies, Japan, Neutral Energy, TeaUS$24.0狭山和紅茶 夢若葉
Wakocha from volcanic soil made by 17th generation tea master
A limited size production rolled with a wooden roller for lengthening the oxidation duration vs the speed, this exceptional “wakocha” — Japanese black tea — of purely the leaves of the local cultivar Yume Wakaba — ゆめわかば (kanji: 夢若葉) is the prized production by the multiple award winning Master Shimizu. These leaves grown on the dark volcanic soil of the Sayama area carry with them a distinctive mineral character like no other we have tasted. It is also the attention and skills by this 17th generation tea farmer that has made this tea stands out so well to convince us to have it as the first Japanese black tea in our collection.
Net weight: 50 g (1.8 oz) in Kraft-alu pack -
Cedar Creek Classic, deep oxidation Taiwan oolong, 70 g
Denser Aromas, Fuller Bodies, Neutral Energy, Oolongs, Taiwan, TeaUS$25.0深造青 文火深焙 杉林溪紅水烏龍
Red Liquor Oolong
Other than the famous Oriental Beauty, there is another popular deep oxidation oolong in Taiwan. The locals call it Red Liquor Oolong — Hong Shui Wulong, referring to it being like hong cha, i.e. red tea ( aka black tea ). To include this variety in our collection, we have been screening sources from different parts of the Beautiful Island*, and concluded that the one from the scenic mountain of Da Lun Shan 大崙山 in Shan Lin Xi 杉林溪* by Master Chen has the highest potential. While some use the softer tasting Jinxuan or Four Season cultivars, Master Chen insists the use of the old Qing Xin from his 1500m altitude tea farm for its more complex taste profile after the long oxidation process. We do too. In addition to the oolong way* of deeper zao qing*, the real mastery is also in the baking. It is this precise heating that optimally caramelises and transforms the juice from the tightly rolled tea beads into the complexity in what the tea offers. We have aged it till all the elements are in place for the current uniquely enjoyable taste and aroma.
Net weight: 70 g (2.5 oz) in Kraft-alu pillow pack -
Misty Heights #8, Taiwan’s very own Assamica black tea, 40 g
Black teas, Denser Aromas, Fuller Bodies, Neutral Energy, Taiwan, TeaUS$23.4雲嶺八號、高海拔台版阿薩姆紅茶
Driving south towards Alishan from Yuchi*, the birthplace of black tea in Taiwan, along the mountainous road through emerald forests, in about two hours time one can stop by a scenic local hideouts: Yunling*. Here, Master Zheng moves naturally through his stepped tea garden on the slope at elevation 1300m, despite his rather round body. One large patch of his farm is populated with a locally improved version of the Indian tea cultivar Jaipuri*. The whole leaf black tea that that he produces using this plant tastes so smooth and delicate that one wonders why a similar thing isn’t found in Assam, where the origin tea cultivar was transplanted from back in 1923. Maybe it is the beautiful sceneries here, or maybe it is the specialist tea craft, or maybe it is the culture of Taiwan, or maybe a bit of everything, that turns this immigrant plant into this friendly, smooth and yet intricately complex black tea, Tea Hong’s Misty Heights #8, while remaining that uniquely engaging maltiness that makes an Assamica.
Net weight: 40 g (1.4 oz) in Kraft-alu pack -
Mini Tuo 2018, shu cha pu’er, 120 g
Compressed tea, Denser Aromas, Neutral Energy, Pu'er teas, Stronger Tastes, Tea, YunnanUS$10.3老同志 棗香迷你小沱茶（熟茶）
A single dose, easy tasting post-fermented tea
Take these little studs to the dimsum restaurant for a real cup of tea to go with those savoury morsels. Or on a trip, or any place where you may make tea only in a mug, or even in a thermo flask. Because of its convenient form of package, there are countless makes of mini tuo in the market. Of all those we have screened, Haiwan’s Old Comrade has always come out as the best in taste. This compact 5 gram single dose yields a sweet, round body with surprisingly fullness. More so considering the very friendly price.
Net weight: approx 120 g (4.2 oz) in Kraft-alu pack -
Honey Concubine, medium deep baked Taiwan oolong, 70 g
Denser Aromas, Fuller Bodies, Neutral Energy, Oolongs, Taiwan, TeaUS$26.9私藏 文火深焙 蜜香貴妃
Guifei Oolong from Cold Peak
Guifei Oolong ( or Honey Concubine Tea, literally translated ) is a medium deep baked, medium oxidation ( 25 ~ 30% ) oolong produced from the Ruan Zhi cultivar in the Dong Ding ( Cold Peak ) area. It is different from the traditional Cold Peak oolong. The leaves of Guifei are bitten by green leafhoppers before plucking. The bug attack triggers a chain of biochemical reactions in the leaves that result in the complex honey notes that typify this tea. It was inspired by the way Oriental Beauty acquires its unique taste profile. However the two teas taste very differently through each’s own unique oolong processing approaches and pluck timing. The tea was invented after the devastation of an earthquake in September 1999, when the farmers had to create more revenue to rebuild their lost homes. «Read more» Baked to perfection by our producer the multiple award-winning tea master Chen Yu Wen, the current batch is certainly one of the best we have ever had from her. Net weight: 70 g (2.5 oz) in Kraft-alu pillow pack
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Iron Buddha Supreme, Wuyi yancha oolong, 40 g
Denser Aromas, Fuller Bodies, Oolongs, Tea, Warm Energy, Wuyi-shanUS$29.1春收火慢 竹窠鐵羅漢
Bamboo Forest Tiě Luohan:
Overshadowed by the more promoted Red Cloak, Iron Buddha ( Tiě Luohan ) is actually as taste-worthy, if not more, than any of the so-called “famous” Wuyi oolongs. It is not proven that whether it is the oldest oolong cultivar in Wuyi as they say, but it is certainly one that is not the easiest to cultivate and to produce from. Finding a farmer to process it to the taste profile that befits its legend and our quality demand has been a challenge. It took us 15 years. Presenting Tea Hong’s Iron Buddha Supreme, with that complex charcoal finish yet sweet floral aroma, stout yet lingering “rock tea” taste, delivered gently in a well-balanced infusion in a civilised way. This could very well be the only traditional style Wuyi that any connoisseur would fall in love with.
Net weight: 40 g (1.4 oz) in Kraft-alu pack -
Lincang Centenarians, traditional black tea, 60 g
Black teas, Denser Aromas, Fuller Bodies, Neutral-Warm Energy, Tea, YunnanUS$20.2臨滄古木 金針紅茶
Gold Needles Supreme:
Deep in the mountains in Lincang, native tree type tea plants have prospered for millenniums. There are so many huge tea trees that people say this is where tea itself originated. From these old tea forests we have reserved some finest first flushes for producing our special quality Dianhong. For drinkers who feel Yunnan Golden is too easy tasting, and Dianhong Classic too smooth, Lincang Centenarians has a complexity that is possible only from leaves slowly grown on old trees and which roots reach deep enough for the richest of minerals in the mountain soils. Same luscious taste profile as the finest classic Dianhong, yet tinkling with more notes.
Read more: Dianhong — Tea Born of a War
Net weight: 60 g (2.1 oz) in Kraft-alu pack
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Dianhong Classic, traditional black tea, 50 g
Black teas, Denser Aromas, Fuller Bodies, Neutral-Warm Energy, Tea, YunnanUS$18.8鳳慶金毫 滇紅經典
Feng Qing Golden Tip:
Some people think that the more the golden tip, the better the quality of a black tea. For a real connoisseur, however, it is the taste profile made possible by properly managing all the variables throughout production that matters. Don’t be convinced by the rich dark chocolate aroma of the dry leaves either. What matters is the round and complex body in the clear deep golden red liquor possible only with the first flush leaves from the deep mountains in Fengqing, the origin of Dianhong.
Read more: Dianhong — Tea Born of a War
Net weight: 50 g ( 1.8 oz ) in Kraft-alu pack
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Bada 2011, Pu’er shu cha, 120 g
Denser Aromas, Fuller Bodies, Home, Neutral Energy, Pu'er teas, Tea, YunnanUS$26.7巴達深山、賀松圓熟
Traditional Premium Shu Cha :
At 1800 m elevation, the temperature difference between day and night can easily be over 15°C even on a hot summer day. That is deep in the mountains in He Song of the Bada region in Xishuangbanna. Leaves grow much slower here, accumulated in them a little bit more plant protein, and the rich minerals from the pristine mountain soils. We pick whole sun-withered leaves from these native tea trees to process and mature into our premium grade shu cha pu’er. Presenting Bada, possibly the richest, deepest, and yet roundest post-fermented tea there is.
Net weight: 120 g (4.2 oz) in Kraft-alu pack -
Meizhan Classic, Wuyi yancha oolong, 40 g
Denser Aromas, Fuller Bodies, Home, Neutral Energy, Oolongs, Tea, Wuyi-shanUS$24.7細火純滋味、正岩梅占
Wuyi's Secret Ingredient
Like Rou Gui and Shuixian, Meizhan has long been a major production cultivar in Wuyi. It has never attained that level of prestige like the other two though. Perhaps because traders want to hide a big secret. It is a major ingredient to blend with other varieties to produce what flood the high end market with labels of Red Cloak, Tieluohan, Shuijin Gui or such fancy traditional rare teas. We think it deserves a place of its own. Introducing Tea Hong’s Wuyi Meizhan. Enjoy its sweet floral aroma uniquely finished with a just right Wuyi style firing. A great tea for all occasions. No fancy names, just pure quality at great value.
Net weight: 40 g (1.4 oz) in Kraft-alu pack -
Tieguanyin Classic, deep baked oolong, 120 g
Denser Aromas, Minnan/ Mindong, Fujian, Neutral-Warm Energy, Oolongs, Stronger Tastes, TeaUS$27.0陳年 竹籮碳火 慢焙鐵觀音
Bamboo basket charcoal rebaked
We have matured this special batch of tieguanyin for long enough before double baking it the traditional way in a bamboo basket with charcoal ash. To attain an ideal result from this traditional practice requires proper conditioning and in-depth know how. Tieguanyin Classic is one of Tea Hong's best value oolongs. Enjoy the warm, soothing aroma as hot water touches the leaves. Then the characteristic tastes of a classic tieguanyin delivered in a round, smooth body with a unique sweetness. This tea is also available in a small portion as a part of Tea Taster’s Box: Nine Oolong Samplers.
Net weight: 120 g (4.2 oz) in Kraft-alu pack -
Cream of Pu’er 2020, naturally formed shu cha tea nuggets, 120 g
Denser Aromas, Fuller Bodies, Neutral Energy, Pu'er teas, Tea, YunnanUS$25.1勐海春毫 醇香茶頭 2020
Spring Cha Tou:
During the many re-shufflings of the leaves in the post-fermentation process, some of the most tender leaf shoots with naturally higher percentage of pectin stick together, forming these small nuggets. Since they have the highest concentration of vitality substances but less bitter ones as the youngest of the leaves, ‘cha tou’ tastes smoother, sweeter and softer. Tea Hong’s top quality Cream of Puer is made only from prime spring harvests for even better taste and health compositions. A real treat for people who enjoy shu cha pu’er.
Net weight: 120 g (4.2 oz) in Kraft-alu pack -
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Raw Reserve 2009, partially post-fermented Pu’er shengcha, 100 g
Denser Aromas, Neutral-Cool Energy, Pu'er teas, Stronger Tastes, Tea, YunnanUS$25.6珍藏 自家後發酵 生普洱
Old Style Dark Tea:
Fine pu’er tea produced by darkening shengcha (raw tea, or maocha) naturally through maturity has a distinct and pleasant herbaceous high note. It is a lost art that mass production has come to replace. To deliver the pleasant tasting effect of Tea Hong Raw Reserve requires much specialistic attention in the process that is not common in the trade nowadays. This is what good pu'er used to taste like before controlled post-fermentation.
Net weight: 100 g (3.5 oz) in Kraft-alu pack -
Menghai Spring 2004, Pu’er shu cha, 100 g
Denser Aromas, Fuller Bodies, Neutral Energy, Pu'er teas, Tea, YunnanUS$19.9私庫典藏、乾倉勐海春芽
Private Reserve Classic Pu’er:
Maturing of dark tea demand good scientific understanding of the process and experienced selection of initial batches. We have devised a special approach to deliver quality incomparable by others at even higher price points. Tea Hong’s Menghai Spring is prized for its dark liquor with a silkily smooth body but without being too soft. A classic representation of fine “shu cha” puer.
Net weight: 100 g (3.5 oz) in Kraft Alu Pack