Da Hong Pao (Royal Red Robe) oolong tea

Da Hong Pao, Royal Red Robe: one of China's famous teas

Formerly known as a Tribute tea Da Hong Pao is a unique 'rock tea' picked from ancient bushes around 360 years old perched precariously on the cliffs and in the crevices of the Wuyi Shan mountains of north-west Fujian Province. The sparse soil in which these venerable bushes grow has a high mineral content, creating a complex tea. Picked in early May it is highly oxidised for a China oolong - to around 80% which accounts for the dark leaf colour. It is then aged for three years. The name Royal Red Robe refers to a sick Ming dynasty official who after drinking the tea recovered and in gratitude placed his cloak over the tea bushes.

The very large, dark, open style leaves produce a rich smooth, golden amber cup with notes of peaches, apricots and hyacinth with a long mellow finish. It has a deliciously sweet aroma. Infuse one teaspoon per cup at 85 degrees C for five minutes. Increase this time for subsequent infusions (up to four). Best brewed in the gongfu style using a traditional Chinese Yixing teapot.

• • Superb. "This is the tea I have been looking for, it is packed with complicated flavours, a real wow."
  • This tea is absolutely delicious (Red Royal Robe) I am an avid speciality tea drinker and this is by far the best I have tasted. Great for drinking with an evening meal."

Tea from Grey's Teas

Our teas are loose leaf and we specialise in large leaf grades. All are made using traditional orthodox methods. Our teas are from named tea gardens or defined areas of origin.

Sourcing our tea

Da Hong Pao has been chosen for its distinctive, balanced flavour, aroma and appearance. Our tea is carefully sourced from long-established shippers. We can therefore guarantee the quality and origin of each tea and that it conforms to UK food and drink health regulations and our own demanding grading requirements.

The benefits of loose leaf tea

This loose leaf tea enables the full flavour characteristics of the tea to infuse. This tea is chosen for its high grade which imparts the flavour and aroma characteristics for which this tea is best known. A little extra time is necessary when infusing large leaf grades but you will be rewarded with a superior, more balanced cup. You will be well rewarded for your patience!

Packing options

There are generally several packing options to choose from. These are 60 grams, 125 grams and 250 grams, the default being 125 grams in a packet. Our silver-coloured packets are a triple laminate of paper, foil and cellophane, specifically designed for tea. Alternatively, you can select a tin caddy for your tea. These square, silver coloured caddies have hinged lids. Again, 60 gram, 125 gram and 250 gram options are generally available as options which can be selected from the drop-down list. Packets and caddies have full-colour labels.

Delivery options

For delivery our standard shipping is second class post unless you choose an alternative option such as first class post or courier. Free UK shipping is available for orders over £30 and free first class post can be chosen for orders over £50.

Storing your tea

Store your tea with care by ensuring it is stored air-tight, away from heat, light, moisture and strong aromas. Our standard best-before period is one year from packing and all teas are packed to order.

A guide to our tea

At the checkout you may choose to receive a free, full-colour, eight-page guide to our tea. For more information about buying our loose leaf teas see our page How to Buy the Best Loose Leaf Tea.