HOU'S SECRET
HIGHEST MASTERY RED TEA
RED (BLACK) TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
Mộc Châu, Sơn La, Vietnam
HOU’S SECRET is an experimental Vietnamese red tea from Moc Châu in Sơn La Province, created as a limited master’s batch with a distinctive flavor profile. It is produced at high altitude from carefully selected material, processed with innovative adjustments to traditional red tea techniques. The infusion is complex and expressive, offering unique aromatic nuances, layered sweetness, and a smooth, memorable finish. MORE
AROMA
Floral, Woody
TASTE
Honey, Woody
ALTITUDE: 1000+ m
HARVEST: Spring, 2025
RED (BLACK) TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
Mộc Châu, Sơn La, Vietnam
HOU’S SECRET is an experimental Vietnamese red tea from Moc Châu in Sơn La Province, created as a limited master’s batch with a distinctive flavor profile. It is produced at high altitude from carefully selected material, processed with innovative adjustments to traditional red tea techniques. The infusion is complex and expressive, offering unique aromatic nuances, layered sweetness, and a smooth, memorable finish. MORE
AROMA
Floral, Woody
TASTE
Honey, Woody
ALTITUDE: 1000+ m
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
HOU’S SECRET is an experimental Vietnamese red tea produced in Moc Châu in Sơn La Province at elevations exceeding 1000 meters. The tea is made from a wulong cultivar, an uncommon choice for red tea production, selected specifically for its aromatic potential and structural versatility. This approach allows the tea to express characteristics that differ from traditional red tea material, resulting in a more complex and distinctive profile.
The production follows a master’s processing approach, where traditional red tea techniques are adapted through experimentation with oxidation, handling, and drying parameters. Each stage is carefully controlled to explore the full potential of the leaf, balancing innovation with precision. The result is a tea that reflects both technical skill and a willingness to move beyond conventional methods.
HOU’S SECRET is an extremely limited batch, produced only once, making it a unique and unrepeatable creation. The combination of high-altitude cultivation, unconventional raw material, and experimental processing defines its character. This tea is valued for its individuality and rarity, offering a distinctive experience appreciated by experienced tea lovers seeking something beyond classical profiles.
TERROIR
HOU’S SECRET is sourced from the highland area of Moc Châu in Sơn La Province, Vietnam, at elevations exceeding 1000 meters. This plateau region is characterized by a cool mountain climate, frequent mist, and significant day and night temperature variation, creating favorable conditions for slow and balanced leaf development. These factors contribute to the accumulation of aromatic compounds and structural complexity in the raw material.
The soils in Moc Châu are well-drained and rich in minerals, supporting healthy plant growth and stable root systems. The use of a wulong cultivar in this environment results in a distinctive expression, as the plant adapts to the cooler highland conditions and develops a nuanced chemical composition. This combination enhances both aromatic diversity and texture in the final tea.
The terroir emphasizes clarity, freshness, and layered aromatic expression. The high altitude and clean environment allow the leaves to develop with precision and depth, providing a strong foundation for experimental processing while maintaining balance and stability in the final infusion.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf appearance is expressive and slightly twisted, with medium-sized leaves in dark brown tones and occasional lighter highlights. The aroma of the dry leaves is distinctive and refined, showing notes of dried fruit, light cocoa, and a subtle floral nuance. In a preheated teapot, the tea gradually opens, and the aroma becomes deeper and more complex, revealing soft caramel, ripe fruit, and a characteristic plum blossom note that gives the tea its unique identity. After a brief rinse, the leaves fully awaken, and the aroma gains clarity and structure, combining gentle sweetness with delicate floral tones and a refined fruity depth.
The aroma of the liquor in the empty cup is elegant and persistent, with a clear plum blossom character supported by light honeyed sweetness. The taste is smooth and well-structured, with a medium body and a balanced, rounded texture. From the first sips, a natural sweetness emerges, accompanied by layered fruit notes and a distinctive plum blossom nuance, with very low astringency. The profile remains complex and harmonious across multiple infusions, offering both clarity and individuality. The aftertaste is long and refined, leaving a lingering floral-fruity sweetness with a soft cooling sensation. In the empty cup after drinking, delicate notes of plum blossom, honey, and a subtle fruity sweetness remain.
HOU’S SECRET is an experimental Vietnamese red tea produced in Moc Châu in Sơn La Province at elevations exceeding 1000 meters. The tea is made from a wulong cultivar, an uncommon choice for red tea production, selected specifically for its aromatic potential and structural versatility. This approach allows the tea to express characteristics that differ from traditional red tea material, resulting in a more complex and distinctive profile.
The production follows a master’s processing approach, where traditional red tea techniques are adapted through experimentation with oxidation, handling, and drying parameters. Each stage is carefully controlled to explore the full potential of the leaf, balancing innovation with precision. The result is a tea that reflects both technical skill and a willingness to move beyond conventional methods.
HOU’S SECRET is an extremely limited batch, produced only once, making it a unique and unrepeatable creation. The combination of high-altitude cultivation, unconventional raw material, and experimental processing defines its character. This tea is valued for its individuality and rarity, offering a distinctive experience appreciated by experienced tea lovers seeking something beyond classical profiles.
TERROIR
HOU’S SECRET is sourced from the highland area of Moc Châu in Sơn La Province, Vietnam, at elevations exceeding 1000 meters. This plateau region is characterized by a cool mountain climate, frequent mist, and significant day and night temperature variation, creating favorable conditions for slow and balanced leaf development. These factors contribute to the accumulation of aromatic compounds and structural complexity in the raw material.
The soils in Moc Châu are well-drained and rich in minerals, supporting healthy plant growth and stable root systems. The use of a wulong cultivar in this environment results in a distinctive expression, as the plant adapts to the cooler highland conditions and develops a nuanced chemical composition. This combination enhances both aromatic diversity and texture in the final tea.
The terroir emphasizes clarity, freshness, and layered aromatic expression. The high altitude and clean environment allow the leaves to develop with precision and depth, providing a strong foundation for experimental processing while maintaining balance and stability in the final infusion.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf appearance is expressive and slightly twisted, with medium-sized leaves in dark brown tones and occasional lighter highlights. The aroma of the dry leaves is distinctive and refined, showing notes of dried fruit, light cocoa, and a subtle floral nuance. In a preheated teapot, the tea gradually opens, and the aroma becomes deeper and more complex, revealing soft caramel, ripe fruit, and a characteristic plum blossom note that gives the tea its unique identity. After a brief rinse, the leaves fully awaken, and the aroma gains clarity and structure, combining gentle sweetness with delicate floral tones and a refined fruity depth.
The aroma of the liquor in the empty cup is elegant and persistent, with a clear plum blossom character supported by light honeyed sweetness. The taste is smooth and well-structured, with a medium body and a balanced, rounded texture. From the first sips, a natural sweetness emerges, accompanied by layered fruit notes and a distinctive plum blossom nuance, with very low astringency. The profile remains complex and harmonious across multiple infusions, offering both clarity and individuality. The aftertaste is long and refined, leaving a lingering floral-fruity sweetness with a soft cooling sensation. In the empty cup after drinking, delicate notes of plum blossom, honey, and a subtle fruity sweetness remain.
RED (BLACK) TEA
Explore more Red (Black) Teas from the AN SHIM TEA Collection.