Autumn Cloud Hong Cha

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A delightful, and rich black tea produced from the Mei Zhan varietal.

Autumn Cloud is a luxurious black tea crafted from the Mei Zhan cultivar, renowned for its rich and complex flavor profile. Harvested in autumn from the misty, mineral-rich mountains of Wuyishan, this black tea offers a deep, full-bodied experience with layers of malty sweetness, dried fruit, and a touch of cocoa. The tea brews to a beautiful amber-red liquor, revealing notes of ripe plums, honey, and a subtle spice that lingers on the palate. Its smooth, velvety texture and balanced astringency make Autumn Cloud an ideal choice for a comforting afternoon tea or a brilliant morning cuppa (without the milk!).

Tasting notes:

Dried Fruit | Cocoa | Malt  

50 gram pouch | approx. 16 servings (each serving can be infused multiple times)

100 gram pouch | approx. 33 servings (each serving can be infused multiple times)

Origin: Tongmuguan, Wuyishan, Fujian Harvest: Autumn 2023 Ingredients: Cultivated without chemicals black tea

Size:

A delightful, and rich black tea produced from the Mei Zhan varietal.

Autumn Cloud is a luxurious black tea crafted from the Mei Zhan cultivar, renowned for its rich and complex flavor profile. Harvested in autumn from the misty, mineral-rich mountains of Wuyishan, this black tea offers a deep, full-bodied experience with layers of malty sweetness, dried fruit, and a touch of cocoa. The tea brews to a beautiful amber-red liquor, revealing notes of ripe plums, honey, and a subtle spice that lingers on the palate. Its smooth, velvety texture and balanced astringency make Autumn Cloud an ideal choice for a comforting afternoon tea or a brilliant morning cuppa (without the milk!).

Tasting notes:

Dried Fruit | Cocoa | Malt  

50 gram pouch | approx. 16 servings (each serving can be infused multiple times)

100 gram pouch | approx. 33 servings (each serving can be infused multiple times)

Origin: Tongmuguan, Wuyishan, Fujian Harvest: Autumn 2023 Ingredients: Cultivated without chemicals black tea

  • Meizhan is a prized cultivar from the Wuyishan region of Fujian, China, an area famed for its exceptional terroir that produces some of the world’s most distinctive teas. The tea plants thrive in the rocky, mineral-laden soil of the Wuyi Mountains, and the cool, misty climate further enhances the depth and complexity of the tea. Autumn Cloud is crafted from tea leaves harvested in the fall, when the leaves develop a more concentrated flavor due to slower growth. The Meizhan cultivar is traditionally known for producing robust and flavorful oolongs, and Autumn Cloud is no exception.

    The tea undergoes meticulous processing to bring out its rich, layered character. The leaves are carefully withered, rolled, fully oxidized, and then dried to perfection, capturing the essence of the autumn harvest. The result is a black tea that is both bold and nuanced, with a lingering sweetness that reflects the unique qualities of Wuyishan’s famed tea-growing environment.

  • Mei Zhan is a distinctive clonal variety that originated in Lutian, Anxi County, the same region famed as the birthplace of Tie Guan Yin oolong tea. With a cultivation history spanning over 100 years, Mei Zhan was officially recognized as a national tea variety in 1985. The cultivar’s journey into the Wuyishan region dates back to the late Qing Dynasty, where it found a perfect home in the misty, mineral-rich mountains of Wuyishan, Fujian.

    Meizhan’s adaptability and resilience have made it a prized cultivar for producing both oolong and black teas. In Wuyishan, where the terroir enhances its unique qualities, Meizhan is revered for its rich, full-bodied flavor and its ability to develop complex layers of sweetness and fruitiness during processing. The cultivar’s leaves are known for their durability, allowing for multiple infusions while revealing new flavors with each steep. Today, Meizhan continues to be celebrated for its contribution to the rich tradition of Chinese tea-making, offering a deep connection to both Anxi’s oolong legacy and Wuyishan’s famous rock tea culture.

    • Rich in Antioxidants: High levels of antioxidants help support overall health and wellness by combating free radicals.

    • Energizing: Provides a moderate caffeine boost, making it perfect for morning or afternoon tea.

    • Digestive Support: The slightly astringent nature of this tea can aid digestion after meals.

    • Mood Enhancing: The comforting, full-bodied flavor can uplift your spirits and provide a relaxing tea experience.

  • Preparation Method

    1. Western Preparation:

      • Use 3 grams of tea per 6-8oz of 200-205°F (91-96°C) using a teapot or infuser mug

      • Steep for 2-3 minutes

      • Good for multiple steeps

    1. Eastern Preparation (Gong Fu Cha):

      • Use 4 grams of tea per 100ml of water at 205°F (96°C) using a gaiwan or small teapot

      • Steep for 15-20 seconds

      • Increase steeping time by 5-10 seconds with each subsequent infusion

      • Enjoy multiple infusions to savor the evolving flavors