“The Great Red Robe” is the old tea symbol of Wuyishan. It has long legendary history. Young springs of this sort of tea tree are magenta red. When sun rising rays backlight them on the background of terracotta cliffs, shining red colors are absolutely wonderful.
At the beginning the name of this tea was Qi Dan, “Magic Cinnabar”. Cinnabar is red mineral and it is element of Taoist alchemic “immortal pill”. Later tea name changed into “Great Red Robe”. There many legends about it. One story tells that young student Ding Xian went to pass emperor examination and got hot stroke. The monk from the monastery treated him with this tea. When Ding Xian passed exam, he got high official post and great red robe ornamented with dragons as the regard. He wanted to thank Buddha for the treatment, came back to the monastery and presented this great red robe to the monk who gave him this magic tea. But Buddhist monk refused this gift and Ding Xian covered tea bush with the red robe. There are other versions of this story. Other tells about emperor who got treatment and presented red robe to the wonderful tea bush. Also there are funny stories that tell about monkeys who searching for the tea leaves and they are worn into the red robes to be seen from the long distance.
Dry tea leaves are medium size and twisted, vinous-brown color. The aroma is warm with bread-spicy tones. The infusion is clear with dark amber tint.
The bucket of brewed tea is warm, balanced, with bread, spicy, floral, berries and woody tones. The aroma is tender and deep. The taste is soft, strong, rich and silky, with light berries sour taste, “fiery” spices and light bitterness which turns into refreshing aftertaste.
Brew this tea with hot boiled water (95°С) in yixing tea pot for strong fermented oolongs or in thick-walled gaiwan. Take 5-6 grams of tea for 100 ml volume dish. Shed tea with hot water to infuse it and increase infusion time gradually. This tea stands 8-9 infusions this way.
This is excellent choice for everyday tea time in winter or cold weather. It has soft rich taste and nice heating effect. This tea brings peace in soul, balances emotions, clear mind and relaxes body.
