Tea: Ruby #18

Grower: Master Aones, Goe Tea

Origin: Sun Moon Lake, in Yuchi Township. Nantou, Taiwan

Cultivation: Conventional

Harvest Date: April 2014

• • •

Ruby #18, also known as Hong Yue (Red Jade) in Taiwan, is one of Taiwan's pinnacle black teas. This tea was popularized by Alfredo Lin's tea mentor, Master Aones, and his mastery of this tea is evident in the crafting. The profile is bright, fruity, and complex, with notes of Meyer lemon, malt, cherry, and menthol. The mouthfeel is both brisk and silky, with little bitterness and a lasting cool aftertaste. Lasts for many infusions, unfolding even more layers of complexity and flavor.

Taiwan is famous for its high mountain oolong teas, but the developed tea infrastructure and research entities enable it to experiment with many different teas. This one is made from a developed varietal, #18, which is a cross between wild Taiwanese varietals and the robust Assamica bush. As a result, it has both lush, juicy-fruit qualities and robust, malty flavors.

• • •

Recommended Brewing Instructions:

Use 2tsp (~4g) per 250ml cup. Brew for 2 minutes.

- 195F for a smoother, lighter profile with honeysuckle notes.

- 205F for a bolder, fuller profile with stronger malt and sweet citrus notes.

This tea can be rebrewed up to 5 times, with hotter water and longer infusions.