Taste Profile

Aroma:
From the first inhale: Bold and expressive. Warm cinnamon, clove, and redwood are topped with fresh mint and wintergreen. Deeper layers of molasses, dark cherry, cacao nibs, and a light camphor-cypress note emerge as the leaves open - cool yet spicy.

Taste:
It is rich and naturally sweet with a mint-spice flavor. Expect dark malt, spiced plum, and raisin supported by mild menthol and citrus-peel brightness. Notes of black liquorice, cherry skin and cocoa complete the profile. The flavor is assertive but refined - it needs no additions and remains composed in many cups.

Mouthfeel:
Full-bodied velvet with a slight cooling sensation on the tongue. The wine coats the palate lightly without being heavy and has depth with a lively mineral edge. When brewed well it has very low astringency. The structure looks plush and does not dry.

Finish:
It was long, layered and clean. Menthol and cinnamon echo with dried-fruit sweetness as the liquor fades, leaving an elegant impression of red berries, soft wood, and warming spice lingering nicely.

Liquor colour:
Color: Crimson-ruby to reddish-copper with good clarity. Eventually cups turn to golden amber but remain vibrant.

Lovely with:
Chocolate, fruit cake, roasted nuts, ginger biscuits, or poured alone as a statement morning tea. Best served with mild cheeses; Possibly also interesting as a chilled brew to highlight the mint and spice flavors.

Common Questions

Taiwan Ruby Black Tea - What is it?
This is a specialty Taiwanese black tea, Hong Yu, or Taiwan tea No. 18, a hybrid of native Camellia formosensis and a Burmese wild tea. Mostly grown around Sun Moon Lake, it has a minty, cinnamon-spiced nose and deep ruby liquor without flavorings.

Is it caffeinated?
No: moderate to high caffeine - typical of black teas - a steady, sustained lift for mornings or focused work.

Are there added flavours or sugars?
No. Minty, spicy, and fruity notes characterize this cultivar and terroir. tea is unflavored and unsweetened.

Does it get reheated?
Yes, reheat gently if the pre-brewed. avoid boiling. Or enjoy cold. Refrigerate immediately and consume within 24 hours.

How do I store it, and how long does it keep?
Seal tightly in a cold, dry, and away from light place. Best within 18-24 months for maximum aroma and flavour. Sealing the tin or pouch preserves the strong aromatics.

FAQs

Please read our FAQs page to find out more.

How much is shipping?

Couriers Please Shipping is $5.95 for orders under $60 and free for all orders over $60.

Australia Post is always at cost. Orders going to Po Box or Parcel Locker address may be locked in to Australia Post.

What are your transit times?

We dispatch within 24-48 hours (sometimes much faster) and from there we'll see 1-3 days transit to most metro locations within Australia excluding WA and NT which can take a week or so.

We also offer express post which will help speed up the process, at cost with no handling fees. These are always sent as priority and packed first.

Are there any discounts available?

We're quite generous with our loyalty programs, and the best way to take advantage of them is to create an account here. Also if you subscribe to our newsletter you'll gain access to members only discounts, rewards and an initial 10% off first order.

Are your teas certified organic?

Up until recently we were certified organic but due to rising administration costs and the difficulty of maintaining certification we've put this on hold for now. Our suppliers and farms remain the same without any change but just now label things are organic, pesticide free or wildcrafted.

This also allows us to maintain our current pricing without any increases which we feel is more important at this time.

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