Da'an Sunrise Red

We are very fortunate to be able to offer this Sunrise Red from Da'an Village, of the legendary Wudong Mountain.

This Phoenix Oolong is crafted out of a varietal of tea called Dongfang Hong, which translates directly as "Oriental," or "Eastern Red." It has long been the tea selected to be served to foreign heads of state when they attend important dinners in China, and is famous for its elegant aroma, deep and full bodied mouth feel, and silky texture.

Da'an Village lies deep within the Wudong Mountains and central to an area widely regarded as the most prestigious origin for Phoenix oolongs. The name of the village means "Great Monastery," a reference to the ancient Taiping temple built there during the Qing Dynasty. Because of the tea-appreciating Buddhist monks that first inhabited the temple, Da'an is home to the Mother Trees of many varietals of Phoenix oolongs; they are the trees that the monks planted near the temple.

These tea trees are third generation offspring of their Mother Tree. The tea is traditionally crafted by hand, and slowly roasted over charcoal at low heat. Dry, the tea smells like nectar and honey. Once wet, its dark, long spindles smell more like smoke and acacia wood. The first three infusions are very fragrant and sweet, drawing saliva under the tongue. Its intoxicating fragrance sticks to the palate, building layers of aroma as you drink it.

With a slightly oily texture, we really notice this tea's intensity building through infusions. Its lingering notes, like longan and wood, are very soothing and give this oolong a downward pull that relaxes the body. Eventually, it places us back where it started us off, with the last infusions tasting like very floral honey.