Yongde Ye Sheng Hong Cha

Some aromas and tastes have the power to instantly transport us to specific moments and places, even those from decades ago—a phenomenon known as the Proust effect. If you’ve ever picked wild berries in a late-summer forest, this Yunnan red tea (aka Dian Hong) might take you right back. Produced from wild and ancient tea trees growing in the untamed forests of Yongde, it delivers the characteristic experience we’ve come to love. The intense sweetness of berry fruit gummies exuded by the warm, dry leaves transforms into the sweet-tart aroma of ripe blackberries and red currants once water is added. These fruity notes dominate the flavor as well, accompanied by a hint of maltiness and soft tannins in the background. There is almost no bitterness—unless you raise the brewing temperature, revealing notes reminiscent of Trinitario cocoa. As the aftertaste of this Ye Sheng Hong Cha lingers on your palate, ask yourself: Where does it take you? Written by Sven