HONG BI LUO
RED SNAIL
RED (BLACK) TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE / WILD TEA
Yuanling, Hunan, China
Hong Bi Luo is a Chinese red tea inspired by the traditional Bi Luo Chun style, produced in Jiangsu Province. It is made from finely picked early spring material, where small leaves and buds are carefully rolled into tight spiral shapes and fully oxidized. The infusion is smooth and aromatic, offering gentle sweetness, light fruit notes, and a clean, refined finish. MORE
AROMA
Honey, Fruity
TASTE
Fruity, Floral
ALTITUDE: 1000 m
CULTIVAR: Fuding Xiao Ye
HARVEST: Spring, 2025
RED (BLACK) TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE / WILD TEA
Yuanling, Hunan, China
Hong Bi Luo is a Chinese red tea inspired by the traditional Bi Luo Chun style, produced in Jiangsu Province. It is made from finely picked early spring material, where small leaves and buds are carefully rolled into tight spiral shapes and fully oxidized. The infusion is smooth and aromatic, offering gentle sweetness, light fruit notes, and a clean, refined finish. MORE
AROMA
Honey, Fruity
TASTE
Fruity, Floral
ALTITUDE: 1000 m
CULTIVAR: Fuding Xiao Ye
HARVEST: Spring, 2025
RED (BLACK) TEA is one of the most widely consumed and appreciated tea categories in the world. Due to its high level of oxidation and carefully controlled production process, this type of tea develops a rich concentration of aromatic compounds while preserving valuable polyphenols, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants that contribute to both its distinctive flavor and beneficial properties.
During oxidation, the chemical composition of the tea leaf changes significantly, creating the characteristic amber to deep red infusion, smooth texture, and complex aromatic profile associated with red (black) tea. It is believed that regular consumption of red tea may support cardiovascular health, improve blood circulation, contribute to the body's natural antioxidant protection, and promote mental alertness and concentration. Traditionally, red tea has also been appreciated for its warming qualities, its ability to support digestion, reduce fatigue, improve overall vitality, and provide a comforting sense of balance and well-being, especially during colder seasons.
During oxidation, the chemical composition of the tea leaf changes significantly, creating the characteristic amber to deep red infusion, smooth texture, and complex aromatic profile associated with red (black) tea. It is believed that regular consumption of red tea may support cardiovascular health, improve blood circulation, contribute to the body's natural antioxidant protection, and promote mental alertness and concentration. Traditionally, red tea has also been appreciated for its warming qualities, its ability to support digestion, reduce fatigue, improve overall vitality, and provide a comforting sense of balance and well-being, especially during colder seasons.
Learn more about the BIOCHEMISTRY OF A TEA LEAF
SEED-GROWN TEA PLANT
This tea refers to a Qunzi Zhong, a "seed-grown tea plant". Unlike cloned or asexually propagated cultivars, which are created by cuttings or grafting from a single "mother" plant, Qunzi Zhong tea trees are grown from seeds. This results in a genetically diverse population of plants. Each seed-grown tea tree is unique, with slightly different characteristics. This genetic variety helps improve the resilience of the tea garden, making it more resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental stress. Seed-grown trees usually develop stronger and deeper roots than cloned plants, allowing them to draw nutrients and minerals from deeper soil layers, often giving the tea a more complex and rich flavor profile. Qunzi Zhong represents the traditional way of tea cultivation. Because of the genetic diversity, teas made from Qunzi Zhong plants tend to offer more layered and nuanced flavors, reflecting a richer expression of the local terroir (soil, climate, and environment).
PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
Pesticide-free gardening refers to a cultivation method in which no synthetic chemical pesticides are used at any stage of plant growth. Instead, this approach relies on biodiversity, ecological balance, and cultural practices to manage pests and diseases. Unlike conventional farming, which often depends on chemical intervention to control infestations, pesticide-free gardening emphasizes prevention through healthy soil, companion planting, and natural predators. This method fosters a more resilient and adaptive garden ecosystem. Without chemical inputs, beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and native bees thrive, contributing to pollination and pest control. Untouched by harsh agents, the soil remains alive with microbial activity, supporting deeper root systems and more vigorous plant development. Over time, this results in produce with purer, more expressive flavors, reflecting the health of the environment and the grower's intention.
Learn more about Pesticide-Free Gardening
EASTERN (PIN CHA) ★
Temperature: 99 °C
Amount: 3-5 grams per 120 ml of water
Steeping: 10-30 sec x 7+
WESTERN (INFUSION)
Temperature: 99 °C
Amount: 2-3 grams per 250 ml of water
Steeping: 1-2 min x 3
Learn more about TEA BREWING METHODS
Tea absorbs surrounding aromas and moisture. This type of tea oxidizes when it comes into contact with oxygen and loses its properties, including taste and aroma. Store it in a dry and cool place in airtight packaging. Avoid direct exposure to the sun and high temperatures.
BEST BEFORE: 2 years since production date!
*Suitable for long-term aging. Under proper storage conditions, the tea may gradually develop increased depth, smoothness, and complexity.
BEST BEFORE: 2 years since production date!
*Suitable for long-term aging. Under proper storage conditions, the tea may gradually develop increased depth, smoothness, and complexity.
Learn more ABOUT TEA STORAGE
ABOUT
Hong Bi Luo is a Chinese red tea inspired by the traditional Bi Luo Chun style. While the original Bi Luo Chun is a green tea, this red tea version applies a similar approach to plucking and rolling, creating tightly curled, spiral-shaped leaves that reflect careful manual processing. This adaptation represents a modern interpretation of a classical style, combining familiar visual aesthetics with a fully oxidized profile.
The tea is made from early spring material, typically consisting of small leaves and buds selected for their tenderness and aromatic potential. Production follows the standard red tea method, including withering, rolling, full oxidation, and drying, with particular attention given to preserving the integrity of the spiral shape. The rolling process plays an important role in controlling oxidation and shaping the final aromatic profile.
Hong Bi Luo is valued for its balance and approachability, offering a refined expression of red tea that emphasizes softness and clarity. It stands as an example of how traditional techniques can be reinterpreted, resulting in a tea that appeals to both newcomers and experienced tea lovers seeking a clean and well-structured daily tea.
TERROIR
Hong Bi Luo is sourced from the mountainous area of Yuanling, located in Hunan Province, at an elevation of around 1000 meters. The region is characterized by a humid subtropical climate with frequent mist, abundant rainfall, and moderate temperature variation, creating stable conditions for slow and balanced leaf development. The altitude supports the accumulation of aromatic compounds while maintaining clarity and softness in the leaf.
The tea is produced from the Fuding Xiao Ye cultivar, a small-leaf variety known for its refined aromatic profile and clean structural expression. In this environment, the cultivar develops with a balanced composition of amino acids and polyphenols, contributing to both sweetness and a smooth texture in the final infusion. The soils in Yuanling are well-drained and rich in organic matter, supporting healthy plant growth and stable development.
The combination of altitude, climate, and cultivar results in a terroir that emphasizes elegance and aromatic precision. The leaves develop with a controlled and refined character, allowing the processing to highlight gentle sweetness, light fruit notes, and a clean, well-defined structure in the final tea.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf appearance is fine and tightly curled, with small spiral-shaped leaves in dark brown tones and occasional lighter buds. The aroma of the dry leaves is clean and delicate, showing notes of light honey, dried fruit, and a subtle floral nuance. In a preheated teapot, the tea gradually opens, and the aroma becomes warmer and more rounded, revealing soft caramel, gentle cocoa, and a light fruity sweetness. After a brief rinse, the leaves fully awaken, and the aroma gains clarity and balance, combining mild honeyed tones with delicate fruit and a refined, smooth warmth.
The aroma of the liquor in the empty cup is soft and transparent, with gentle sweetness and a faint floral-fruity trace. The taste is smooth and well-structured, with a medium-light body and a clean, balanced texture. From the first sips, a natural sweetness emerges, supported by light fruit notes and a mild cocoa nuance, with very low astringency. The profile remains consistent and harmonious across multiple infusions, offering clarity and elegance without heaviness. The aftertaste is clean and moderately persistent, leaving a light sweetness and a slightly warming sensation. In the empty cup after drinking, delicate notes of honey, light caramel, and a subtle fruity sweetness remain.
Hong Bi Luo is a Chinese red tea inspired by the traditional Bi Luo Chun style. While the original Bi Luo Chun is a green tea, this red tea version applies a similar approach to plucking and rolling, creating tightly curled, spiral-shaped leaves that reflect careful manual processing. This adaptation represents a modern interpretation of a classical style, combining familiar visual aesthetics with a fully oxidized profile.
The tea is made from early spring material, typically consisting of small leaves and buds selected for their tenderness and aromatic potential. Production follows the standard red tea method, including withering, rolling, full oxidation, and drying, with particular attention given to preserving the integrity of the spiral shape. The rolling process plays an important role in controlling oxidation and shaping the final aromatic profile.
Hong Bi Luo is valued for its balance and approachability, offering a refined expression of red tea that emphasizes softness and clarity. It stands as an example of how traditional techniques can be reinterpreted, resulting in a tea that appeals to both newcomers and experienced tea lovers seeking a clean and well-structured daily tea.
TERROIR
Hong Bi Luo is sourced from the mountainous area of Yuanling, located in Hunan Province, at an elevation of around 1000 meters. The region is characterized by a humid subtropical climate with frequent mist, abundant rainfall, and moderate temperature variation, creating stable conditions for slow and balanced leaf development. The altitude supports the accumulation of aromatic compounds while maintaining clarity and softness in the leaf.
The tea is produced from the Fuding Xiao Ye cultivar, a small-leaf variety known for its refined aromatic profile and clean structural expression. In this environment, the cultivar develops with a balanced composition of amino acids and polyphenols, contributing to both sweetness and a smooth texture in the final infusion. The soils in Yuanling are well-drained and rich in organic matter, supporting healthy plant growth and stable development.
The combination of altitude, climate, and cultivar results in a terroir that emphasizes elegance and aromatic precision. The leaves develop with a controlled and refined character, allowing the processing to highlight gentle sweetness, light fruit notes, and a clean, well-defined structure in the final tea.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf appearance is fine and tightly curled, with small spiral-shaped leaves in dark brown tones and occasional lighter buds. The aroma of the dry leaves is clean and delicate, showing notes of light honey, dried fruit, and a subtle floral nuance. In a preheated teapot, the tea gradually opens, and the aroma becomes warmer and more rounded, revealing soft caramel, gentle cocoa, and a light fruity sweetness. After a brief rinse, the leaves fully awaken, and the aroma gains clarity and balance, combining mild honeyed tones with delicate fruit and a refined, smooth warmth.
The aroma of the liquor in the empty cup is soft and transparent, with gentle sweetness and a faint floral-fruity trace. The taste is smooth and well-structured, with a medium-light body and a clean, balanced texture. From the first sips, a natural sweetness emerges, supported by light fruit notes and a mild cocoa nuance, with very low astringency. The profile remains consistent and harmonious across multiple infusions, offering clarity and elegance without heaviness. The aftertaste is clean and moderately persistent, leaving a light sweetness and a slightly warming sensation. In the empty cup after drinking, delicate notes of honey, light caramel, and a subtle fruity sweetness remain.
RED (BLACK) TEA
Explore more Red (Black) Teas from the AN SHIM TEA Collection.