JIN MAO HOU
GOLDEN MONKEY
RED (BLACK) TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE
Tongren, Guizhou, China
Jin Mao Hou is a traditional Chinese red tea, known for its distinctive twisted leaf shape and balanced character. It is produced from carefully selected leaves and buds, processed with controlled oxidation to achieve clarity and smoothness. The infusion is soft and well-rounded, offering gentle sweetness, light fruit notes, and a clean, refined finish. MORE
AROMA
Honey, fruity
TASTE
Fruity
ALTITUDE: 800-1000 m
CULTIVAR: Fuding Xiao Ye
HARVEST: Spring, 2025
RED (BLACK) TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE
Tongren, Guizhou, China
Jin Mao Hou is a traditional Chinese red tea, known for its distinctive twisted leaf shape and balanced character. It is produced from carefully selected leaves and buds, processed with controlled oxidation to achieve clarity and smoothness. The infusion is soft and well-rounded, offering gentle sweetness, light fruit notes, and a clean, refined finish. MORE
AROMA
Honey, fruity
TASTE
Fruity
ALTITUDE: 800-1000 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
Jin Mao Hou is a Chinese red tea produced in the Tongren area of Guizhou Province, where tea gardens are located at elevations of approximately 800 to 1000 meters. This altitude provides a stable growing environment with moderate temperatures and consistent humidity, supporting balanced leaf development. The region is less widely known for red tea compared to coastal provinces, but it has developed a reputation for producing clean and well-structured teas.
The tea is made from the Fuding Xiao Ye cultivar, a small-leaf variety valued for its refined aromatic profile and smooth texture. In this environment, the cultivar expresses a balanced composition of amino acids and polyphenols, contributing to both sweetness and clarity in the final infusion. Careful plucking and selection of material ensure consistency and preserve the delicate characteristics of the leaf.
Production follows the traditional red tea method, including withering, rolling, full oxidation, and drying, with attention to achieving a stable and well-defined profile. The result is a tea that reflects both the suitability of the cultivar and the conditions of the Tongren region, offering a refined and approachable expression appreciated by experienced tea lovers.
TERROIR
Jin Mao Hou is sourced from the mountainous area of Tongren in Guizhou Province, at elevations ranging from approximately 800 to 1000 meters. The region is characterized by a humid subtropical climate with frequent cloud cover, abundant rainfall, and moderate temperature variation. These conditions support steady and balanced leaf development, allowing the plants to accumulate a stable composition of aromatic and structural compounds.
The soils in Tongren are well-drained and rich in organic matter, supporting healthy root systems and clean plant growth. The Fuding Xiao Ye cultivar, adapted to these conditions, produces smaller leaves with a refined chemical balance, contributing to a smooth and controlled expression in red tea processing. The moderate altitude and consistent humidity help preserve freshness while allowing sufficient development of sweetness and body.
The combination of climate, soil, and cultivar results in a terroir that emphasizes clarity, softness, and balance. The leaves develop with a controlled intensity, allowing the processing to highlight gentle sweetness, subtle fruit notes, and a clean, well-structured profile in the final tea.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf appearance is slightly twisted and moderately tight, with medium-sized leaves in dark brown tones and occasional lighter accents. The aroma of the dry leaves is clean and balanced, showing notes of light honey, dried fruit, and a subtle cocoa nuance. In a preheated teapot, the tea gradually opens, and the aroma becomes warmer and more rounded, revealing soft caramel, gentle malt, and a light fruity sweetness. After a brief rinse, the leaves fully awaken, and the aroma gains clarity and structure, combining mild honeyed tones with delicate fruit and a refined, smooth warmth.
The aroma of the liquor in the empty cup is soft and stable, with gentle sweetness and a faint fruity trace. The taste is smooth and well-structured, with a medium body and a clean, balanced texture. From the first sips, a natural sweetness emerges, supported by light cocoa and soft fruit nuances, with very low astringency. The profile remains consistent and harmonious across multiple infusions, offering clarity and a calm, controlled character. 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 dried fruit nuance remain.
Jin Mao Hou is a Chinese red tea produced in the Tongren area of Guizhou Province, where tea gardens are located at elevations of approximately 800 to 1000 meters. This altitude provides a stable growing environment with moderate temperatures and consistent humidity, supporting balanced leaf development. The region is less widely known for red tea compared to coastal provinces, but it has developed a reputation for producing clean and well-structured teas.
The tea is made from the Fuding Xiao Ye cultivar, a small-leaf variety valued for its refined aromatic profile and smooth texture. In this environment, the cultivar expresses a balanced composition of amino acids and polyphenols, contributing to both sweetness and clarity in the final infusion. Careful plucking and selection of material ensure consistency and preserve the delicate characteristics of the leaf.
Production follows the traditional red tea method, including withering, rolling, full oxidation, and drying, with attention to achieving a stable and well-defined profile. The result is a tea that reflects both the suitability of the cultivar and the conditions of the Tongren region, offering a refined and approachable expression appreciated by experienced tea lovers.
TERROIR
Jin Mao Hou is sourced from the mountainous area of Tongren in Guizhou Province, at elevations ranging from approximately 800 to 1000 meters. The region is characterized by a humid subtropical climate with frequent cloud cover, abundant rainfall, and moderate temperature variation. These conditions support steady and balanced leaf development, allowing the plants to accumulate a stable composition of aromatic and structural compounds.
The soils in Tongren are well-drained and rich in organic matter, supporting healthy root systems and clean plant growth. The Fuding Xiao Ye cultivar, adapted to these conditions, produces smaller leaves with a refined chemical balance, contributing to a smooth and controlled expression in red tea processing. The moderate altitude and consistent humidity help preserve freshness while allowing sufficient development of sweetness and body.
The combination of climate, soil, and cultivar results in a terroir that emphasizes clarity, softness, and balance. The leaves develop with a controlled intensity, allowing the processing to highlight gentle sweetness, subtle fruit notes, and a clean, well-structured profile in the final tea.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf appearance is slightly twisted and moderately tight, with medium-sized leaves in dark brown tones and occasional lighter accents. The aroma of the dry leaves is clean and balanced, showing notes of light honey, dried fruit, and a subtle cocoa nuance. In a preheated teapot, the tea gradually opens, and the aroma becomes warmer and more rounded, revealing soft caramel, gentle malt, and a light fruity sweetness. After a brief rinse, the leaves fully awaken, and the aroma gains clarity and structure, combining mild honeyed tones with delicate fruit and a refined, smooth warmth.
The aroma of the liquor in the empty cup is soft and stable, with gentle sweetness and a faint fruity trace. The taste is smooth and well-structured, with a medium body and a clean, balanced texture. From the first sips, a natural sweetness emerges, supported by light cocoa and soft fruit nuances, with very low astringency. The profile remains consistent and harmonious across multiple infusions, offering clarity and a calm, controlled character. 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 dried fruit nuance remain.
RED (BLACK) TEA
Explore more Red (Black) Teas from the AN SHIM TEA Collection.