Notes of dried date, citrus rind, and brown sugar.

Red tea from Fujian, China・April 2016・金針・Organic

After cupping hundreds of mediocre red teas in hopes of finding the one, we decided the best approach was to have one made. We’re pleased to introduce Golden Needle, a phenomenal organic tea that elevates the everyday into the sublime.

The source garden, located in Songxi County east of the Wuyi mountain range, leverages a range of traditional and modern methods of organic stewardship, producing teas that are both clean and delicious. Golden Needle was crafted from three Da Bai cultivars - Da Bai from Zhenghe adds body and depth, Fu’an Da Bai adds florals and Fuding Da Bai contributes sweetness and clarity. Picked in mid-April 2016 as bud and two leaf combinations, the tea was withered, rolled, left to oxidize, then shaped into needles. The final roasting was done over low charcoal fire.

Each shaped needle is no longer than 2 centimeters long. The dry leaves have a slight sheen from natural oils in the leaves, with flecks of gold showing through the twisted needles. Unfurled, the leaves show even oxidation throughout, brewing a gorgeous orange liquor.

Brew: 5 grams・150 ml・203° F・2 min

Golden Needle takes well to slightly longer brewing relative to our other red teas. The suggested 2 minute brew will result in a balance of richness with brighter fruit and floral notes.