Oolong Tea, Da Hong Pao

This ancient oolong tea, known in English as Big Red Robe, is grown in the Wuyi Mountains of China. The original plants, contained in a small tea garden, are now protected by the Chinese government. Current production comes from a cultivar produced from cuttings of the original plants and known as Qi Dan. Qi Dan is considered a "rock" oolong because it does well in rocky gardens that add a mineral component to the flavor. To produce Da Hong Pao, growers will generally blend Qi Dan with one or more other varieties of Wuyi Mountain Oolong teas to achieve their best interpretation of the true Da Hong Pao taste. This tea is described as fruity and sweet, with a woody/smoky component as well. It is excellent for multiple infusions, developing subtle changes in flavor with each infusion.