Aged Da Hong Pao (2008)
陈年大红袍
This Da Hong Pao (大红袍) also known as Big Red Robe tea has been carefully aged in Wuyishan for 8 years, and then roasted again. The tea was produced in the spring 2008 season. The tea was roasted recently, and has a strong roast flavor. This tea exhibits much of the characteristics of aged tea. Like any aged product there is a trade off between time spent aging and the cost. This 8 year aged da hong pao provides a reasonable balance and is a good entry point into aged Wuyi teas.
Update January 2018: This tea has improved considerably over the last couple years. It has gotten smoother as the last roast has mellowed. The finish is a little sharp with a slight bitterness not unlike a dark chocolate. The fragrance is warm, sweet and clean.