Da Hong Pao, a.k.a "Big Red Robe", or even more poetically, "Grand Scarlet Robe" may be one of the most famous fine oolongs from China. Legend has it that the tea was named after a group of traveling scholars who were cured of their illnesses after drinking the tea. It is believed this tea originates from a wild variety, naturally adapted to the rocky cliffs of the Wuyi Mountains in northern Fujian. For many years, the extremely limited harvest plucked from these trees was reserved for China’s most elite tea drinkers, and was often gifted to visiting dignitaries upon visiting China.
Traditional long oxidized Wuyi oolong exhibits the classic dark curly tea leaves and has a smooth, rich body with a roasted aroma and sweet finish. With Da Hong Pao, rich mineral from the mountains is clearly present in the liquor, along with notes of floral, fruity, hints of spice, smokey/bakey notes, and a final finish of toasted bread.