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JIN JUN MEI

GOLDEN EYEBROWS
RED (BLACK) TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING

Tongmuguan, Wuyishan, Fujian, China

Jin Jun Mei is a refined red tea from Tongmu village in the Wuyi Mountains of Fujian, crafted exclusively from early spring buds. It is known for its elegant sweetness, silky texture, and layered notes of honey, dried fruit, and delicate floral nuances, representing one of the most meticulous modern expressions of traditional Chinese red tea craftsmanship. MORE

AROMA
Caramel, chocolate
TASTE
Bread, nut, cacao

VARIETY: Cai Cha
HARVEST: Spring, 2024

JIN JUN MEI - GOLDEN EYEBROWS

ABOUT
Jin Jun Mei is a premium Chinese red tea developed in 2005 in Tongmu village, located within the protected area of the Wuyi Mountains in northern Fujian. It was created as a bud-only interpretation of traditional Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong techniques, focusing on precision harvesting and refined processing rather than smoke drying. Only tender spring buds are used, typically picked in early April, which explains both its limited production and higher market value.

The tea is fully oxidized but carefully controlled to preserve the natural sweetness and aromatic clarity of the buds. Withering, rolling, oxidation, and gentle drying are carried out in small batches. It expresses the pure character of high-mountain terroir and meticulous craftsmanship. Today, authentic Jin Jun Mei remains closely associated with Tongmu’s protected ecological environment and traditional small-scale production.

Originally, Jin Jun Mei was produced from local wild-type tea trees growing in Tongmu Guan, in the Wuyi Mountains of Fujian. These were native Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong populations, often referred to as “Cai Cha” or local small-leaf landrace varieties rather than a single registered clonal cultivar. In the earliest production period around 2005, producers selected fine spring buds from these indigenous Wuyi mountain bushes, many growing in semi-wild or forest-managed conditions. The focus was not on a specific modern cultivar but on the quality of the tender bud material from the protected Tongmu ecological zone. Today, the situation is more complex. Authentic Jin Jun Mei from Tongmu still uses local Wuyi populations, but outside the core area many producers use clonal cultivars such as Qimen-type small leaf varieties, Meizhan, or even Fuding Da Bai, depending on region and yield needs. As a result, cultivar identity has become one of the key factors distinguishing true Tongmu Jin Jun Mei from commercial imitations.

ORIGIN
Jin Jun Mei originates from Tongmu Guan, a village situated in the core scenic and ecological reserve of the Wuyi Mountains, Fujian Province, China. This region is historically recognized as the birthplace of black tea, including Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong. Tea gardens here are located at elevations of approximately 800 to 1,500 meters above sea level.

The environment is defined by misty conditions, mineral-rich rocky soils, dense forest coverage, and significant temperature variation between day and night. These factors slow leaf growth and enhance aromatic compound development. The protected status of the region restricts industrial agriculture, which contributes to the preservation of traditional cultivation methods and biodiversity. The combination of high altitude, clean ecosystem, and experienced local producers defines the identity and authenticity of Jin Jun Mei.

ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry buds are small, tightly twisted, and covered with fine golden hairs. Their color ranges from dark brown to golden amber. The initial aroma is delicate yet distinct, with notes of honey, dried longan, cocoa, and subtle floral sweetness. When placed into a preheated teapot, the fragrance becomes deeper and more expressive. Notes of caramelized sugar, warm malt, dark chocolate, and ripe fruit emerge, accompanied by a soft woody nuance typical of Wuyi terroir.

The liquor is bright amber to deep golden-red, clear and luminous. The aroma above the cup is elegant and layered, combining honeyed sweetness, dried fruit, light spice, and a gentle floral tone. The texture is smooth, rounded, and silky. The sweetness is natural and integrated, with flavors of honey, cocoa, baked fruit, and subtle malt. Acidity is minimal, and astringency is low, giving the tea a balanced and refined structure. The finish is long, clean, and warming. A lingering sweetness remains on the palate, accompanied by a soft mineral sensation and gentle floral echoes. The overall impression is harmonious, precise, and elegant, reflecting both the high-mountain environment and careful bud-only craftsmanship.

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