China Red (中国红) is a dianhong developed in 2005 to compete with high grade Fujian and Anhui red teas. It uses a blend of cultivars which is considered a trade secret. It is also processed more like a Fujian or Qimen gongfu red, then rolled into a needle shape. This is an exceptionally well-made example of China Red, using only fine pickings. The tea liquor is rich and smooth, full of suspended tea down. We were able to find a producer who uses much older trees than would normally be used for this tea. This results in improved texture and endurance, lasting many steeps.
You can brew this tea any way you like, trying different water temperatures. Brewing in a mug will bring out more fruitiness, while brewing gongfu style brings out refreshing, slightly herbal character.
