rigin: Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
Classic Tea Base | Hangzhou Jiu Qu Hong Mei 杭州九曲红梅
Crafted from Hangzhou spring tea leaves (one bud with two to three leaves), Jiu Qu Hong Mei is produced through traditional wither, roll, and fermentation processes. The tea base undergoes low-temperature charcoal roasting, where gentle and sustained heat softens the tea's character, elevates its flavor, and develops deep notes of honeyed sweetness and roasted nuts. After sensory evaluation, it is sealed and rested until the autumn osmanthus blooms, laying the foundation for a deep integration of flower and tea.
Freshly Harvested Silver Osmanthus | Traditional Multi-Stage Scenting 传统窨花工艺
Selected from fresh autumn Silver Osmanthus in Hangzhou, the tea undergoes traditional multi-stage scenting, allowing the floral fragrance to infuse layer by layer into the tea leaves.
Osmanthus has a brief blooming period, making fresh picking critical. Leaves and branches are pruned together by hand so the flowers remain "alive" on the branch until reaching the scenting facility, capturing peak freshness. Once harvested, the blossoms are mixed with the tea leaves within the shortest time possible.
Unlike the simple method of mixing dried osmanthus with tea leaves (Ban Hua), this tea uses traditional scenting (Xun Zhi), allowing fresh floral aromas to gradually saturate the tea leaves. After scenting, the blossoms are removed, leaving the leaves completely infused with osmanthus fragrance. Even in an empty cup, a cool, subtle, and enduring fragrance lingers long after drinking.
Ancient Artisan Method | Lime Drying (Shi Hui Gan Zao) 传统石灰干燥
After scenting, the tea leaves must be dried to lock in fragrance and character. High-temperature quick drying focuses on speed and mass production, but easily destroys the complex aromas so carefully cultivated. For this tea, Mr. Wu Buchang’s team applied "Lime Drying"—the oldest finishing technique used for Longjing tea.
The scented mixture of tea and blossoms is wrapped in paper and placed into earthenware jars lined with quicklime. Utilizing quicklime's natural ability to absorb moisture slowly, the tea is dried gently and thoroughly.
Derived from traditional Longjing processing, this labor-intensive method relies heavily on the tea maker's experience and patience. However, it preserves the intricate aroma profile to the maximum extent, harmonizing the sweet osmanthus fragrance, rich black tea base, and silky texture into a smooth, comforting, and long-lasting finish.