Big Red Robe
China’s most legendary oolong—rich, smoky, and steeped in centuries of Wuyi Mountain tradition.
Known as Da Hong Pao, this revered tea from Fujian’s Wuyi Mountains delivers dark, twisted leaves that steep into a smooth, reddish-gold liquor. A smoky aroma gives way to a mellow, layered infusion with notes of fruit, caramel, and roasted depth—an exceptional experience in every cup.
Why You'll Love It:
- Legendary Heritage: One of China’s most treasured teas
- Complex Flavour: Smoky opening with sweet, fruity, and caramel undertones
- Traditional Craftsmanship: Expertly charcoal-roasted for depth and balance
- Healthful & Satisfying: Offers antioxidants and natural stress relief
Origin & Character:
Wuyi Mountains, Fujian: Grown in rocky, mineral-rich soil, these semi-oxidised leaves undergo multiple charcoal firings by skilled artisans to achieve their signature flavour complexity.
Steeped in Story: According to legend, a Ming Dynasty general healed his troops with this sacred tea and honoured the bushes by cloaking them in his red robe—thus the name “Da Hong Pao.”
Tasting Journey: Begins with bold, smoky aroma that unfolds into a mellow, richly nuanced cup with stone fruit sweetness and hints of caramelised sugar. A tea to savour slowly.
Functional Benefits:
- Antioxidant-Rich: Helps combat oxidative stress and supports cellular health
- Metabolism Boost: May aid in fat oxidation and energy balance
- Cholesterol Support: Traditionally associated with heart health
- Natural Calm: Known for relaxing properties without drowsiness
Big Red Robe is a masterwork of Chinese tea culture—flavourful, legendary, and deeply satisfying. Perfect for quiet reflection or sharing in ceremony, this oolong offers both history and harmony in every infusion.
Brewing
Use 1-2 tsp per teapot. Pour freshly boiled water over the leaves. Quickly pour off the water and let the leaves breathe for a moment or two. Refill again with boiled water and infuse for 3-5 minutes. Can be infused a number of times.
Ingredients
oolong tea
t leaf T’s Commitment to Sustainable Packaging
At t leaf T, we're committed to reducing our environmental impact.
Why Do We Use Stand-Up Pouches?
Our stand-up pouches are made from soft plastic with a thin foil lining. This lining acts as a crucial barrier against light, moisture, and air, ensuring our teas stay fresh and flavorful throughout their shelf life.
In addition to protecting our teas, this type of flexible packaging is more efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional rigid packaging. Here’s why:
- Space-saving: Stand-up pouches ship, store, and dispose of flat, reducing the materials needed to produce them.
- Lower carbon footprint: They require less CO2 to manufacture and transport.
- Efficient design: We print directly on the pouches, eliminating the need for extra labels and further reducing waste.
Why We Don't Use Compostable Packaging
We understand the desire for fully compostable packaging, and we’d love to offer it. However, after extensive testing, we’ve identified two key challenges that prevent us from switching:
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Limited disposal options: Compostable packaging isn't accepted in council kerbside collections and isn't recyclable, meaning it usually ends up in landfill.
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Compromised tea quality: Biodegradable and compostable pouches degrade over time, even in storage. Teas need robust protection from light, moisture, aromas, and oxygen to maintain their freshness and flavour. During our tests, we found that compostable packaging allowed cross-contamination of aromas, especially in blends like Chai and English Breakfast. The result? A noticeable reduction in quality, which is unacceptable for our premium teas.
Given these issues, we’ve made the decision to stick with stand up pouches that ensures the highest quality and food safety for our teas.
Looking Forward to a Greener Future
At t leaf T, we're always on the lookout for better, more sustainable packaging options that don’t compromise on quality. Rest assured, we're committed to finding a solution that meets both our environmental goals and your tea standards.