Sun Moon Lake Ruby Black Tea Hong Yu (Ruby 18)

Sun Moon Lake Ruby Black Tea is a top-grade black tea from Nantou county in Taiwan. On the island it is called Ri Yue Tan, and in 2003 it received its international name Hong Yu, meaning ruby red.

History of the cultivar

The tea was created during the Japanese occupation of the island. The cultivar originally carried the working name Ruby-18, under which it was bred.

Taste and aroma

The bouquet shows clear notes of menthol, cinnamon and camphor wood, followed by rose, jasmine, baked milk, caramel, honey, chocolate, jam, prune, cherry, raspberry, plum and apple. The liquor is full-bodied and deep amber, with a long cooling finish.

How to brew

• Water at 90–95 °C, in a gaiwan or teapot.
• Keep the first infusion short, then extend the time gradually.
• Stands up to many infusions — the menthol note appears from the second or third.

Format

Loose leaf tea in a kraft paper stand-up pouch with a clear window and a zip-lock seal. Available in 7 g, 25 g, 50 g, 100 g + 5 g and 200 g + 10 g.