ruby #18

type: black

origin: taiwan

region: nantou

ingredients: black tea

caffeine: strong

price level: $$$$

Ruby #18 is our name for this grand cru black tea made exclusively from the Hong Yu ("red jade") cultivar, which was originally developed by cross-breeding a native wild Taiwan tea variety with a Burmese strain of Irrawaddy sinensis. This name Ruby #18 refers to the number by which Hong Yu is cataloged in the Taiwan Tea Research and Extension Station registry of cultivars. The renowned cultivar renders a very unique profile as a black tea if processed with skill. The essential character presents an assertive, strong flavored cup with a deep red infusion color that reveals rich aromas of exotic spices such as black ginger, sarsaparilla root and clove with a beloved touch of minty wintergreen. This tea is fresh and dynamic with each brew revealing new aromatic notes.