Jiu Qu Hong Mei Black Tea #1172

Also known as Jiu Qu Oolong, Jiu Qu Hong Mei belongs to the black tea category and is a treasure among black teas. Produced in the Qiantang River area, it gets its name from its curved fishhook-like shape, dark moist leaves with abundant fuzz, aromatic brew, fresh mellow taste, and red plum-like color. It is a rising star in Chinese congou black teas.

A very rare and famous tea from Zhejiang Province, China, Jiu Qu Hong Mei is named for the "red plum" color of its brew. Fully translated as "Nine Winding Red Plum," this fine tea rivals others in quality, picked by the "two leaves and a bud" principle. The brew is warm and pleasing to the stomach, with fruity, bittersweet notes and floral hints. It starts with fruity, bittersweet flavors and ends with a light melody of floral tastes, making it suitable for drinking with sugar or as milk tea.

Named after its unique red brew, this tea is characterized by long, brittle, twisted leaves resembling fish hooks. Famous for its rarity, Jiu Qu Hong Mei has been prized since around 1850 and gained worldwide attention in 1995 when mentioned in Wang Zufeng's popular novel A Magnificent Tree of the South.

• Brew Color: Mahogany
• Benefits: May increase alertness and decrease blood pressure
• Flavor Profile: Mellow and light with a simple sweetness and slight, dry finish