Introducing Our New Teas- Dahongpao and Phoenix Dancong Xingren Xiang

We are excited to introduce 2 new teas into our lineup- Dahongpao and Phoenix Dancong- Xingren Xiang

Dahongpao aka Big Red Robe

The first- Dahongpao aka Big Red Robe needs little introduction being one of the best known Wuyi Yancha and one of the most highly regarded teas in the world.

With such a (literally) colorful name, there are numerous legends which you can read about here.

That aside, it is a truly delightful tea. Hordes of fakes flood the market but when the clincher comes, they lack the distinguish mark of true yancha- the ‘yan yun’ or the ‘harmony of the rocks’.

Yanyun is an indescribable sensation that brings to mind a charred rock like sensation that explodes in the month and intoxicates the drinker. And it is all good.

Traditionally Dahongpao is the stuff of emperors and leaders but thanks to grafting and asexual propagation as well as the efforts of numerous stalwarts such as Chen Guohua, this is now placed into the hands of the common man, at least a relatively affluent one.

While Dahongpao is no longer THAT exclusive, at its price range, it’s best for the occasional luxury or as a means of showing favor to a valued associate or family member.

Phoenix Dancong- XingRenXiang aka Almond Fragrance Phoenix Dancong

I have made little attempt to conceal my partiality for Dancong, which I wrote about here and on TChing.

One of my personal goals is to introduce more people to the world of Dancong which in my opinion is overlooked among oolong lovers compared to Yancha , Tieguanyin and Taiwanese High Mountain Teas.

Hence it’s with great delight that we found this exquisite Dancong which barring vendor’s private stashes- we should be the first to bring to Singapore.

XingRenXiang means Almond Fragrance and it is as what it claims.

We managed to find this exquisite XingRenXiang which has the classic Dancong mouth feel and ‘qi’ as well as this unique Almond Fragrance.

As XingRenXiang is relatively less well-known compared to Huangzhixiang and Zhilanxiang, we are able to secure 4kg of this batch at prices that are less prohibitive.

One cautionary note though, brewing Dancong is rather finicky, you can read more about my own journey here as well as some of the debates on Teachat.

Do take those into consideration because Dancong is a fussy mistress but when treated right, she will snare your heart as it did mine.

Dahongpao & Phoenix Dancong XingRenXiang now available in stores

You can experience both these teas as well as some of our exquisite selections in our oolong tea workshops. (Find out more about our workshops here)