An autumn Jiu Qu Hong Mei from Zhejiang, made from Longjing #43 leaf and scented three times with fresh osmanthus flowers. The fully oxidized black tea base gives it cocoa and malt depth, and the osmanthus sits clearly on top of that — sweet, apricot-like, and floral without covering the tea itself.
Tea Profile
At a glance: 2026 Autumn · Black tea (Hong Cha) · Zhejiang Province, China · Loose leaf · A+++ grade · Longjing #43 · Triple-scented with fresh osmanthus flowers (Gui Hua)
- Dry leaf: Loose leaf, tightly twisted dark curls with golden tips. The dry leaf smells of warm cocoa and roasted chestnut, with intense fresh osmanthus blossom.
- Wet leaf aroma: Honeyed malt, dark chocolate, and sun-warmed apricot.
- Liquor: Deep amber with ruby highlights.
- Taste: Silky and full-bodied from the first sip, opening with rich cocoa and caramelized plum notes from the Jiu Qu Hong Mei base. In the middle, natural osmanthus sweetness comes through — like biting into a ripe apricot — with subtle hints of cinnamon and toasted brioche underneath.
- Mouthfeel & body: Exceptionally smooth, with a rounded, almost creamy mouthfeel and no astringency.
- Finish: Long and floral, leaving osmanthus nectar and a gentle malt sweetness that invites another sip.
- Stamina: Good for 6–8 steeps, with the osmanthus fragrance changing gradually from one infusion to the next.
Brewing Guide
- Use 5 g of leaf in 200 ml of water at 95°C (203°F).
- Steep 30–40 seconds for the first infusion.
- Resteep 6–8 times, lengthening the steep a little each round and adjusting to taste. The osmanthus fragrance evolves across the infusions.
Storage
Keep in a ventilated, dry place away from light, moisture, strong odors, and contaminants. Keep it sealed between sessions — the osmanthus scent is the first thing to fade if the tea is left open to the air.
A Note on Appearance
Loose leaf. The dry tea is made up of tightly twisted dark curls with golden tips showing through. This is a loose-leaf tea, not a compressed form, so the curls open up in the cup as you brew.
A good choice for quiet drinking on your own, or for sharing with fellow tea lovers who enjoy a black tea with a clear floral character.
