QIMEN HONG XIANG
BLACK KEEMUN IMPERIAL
RED (BLACK) TEA★ PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
Rongkou, Qimen, Anhui, China
Qi Men Hong Cha, also known as Keemun, is a classic Chinese red tea from Anhui Province, widely regarded as one of China’s most famous export teas. It is produced from local small-leaf cultivars using precise Gongfu-style processing that emphasizes controlled oxidation and careful leaf shaping. The infusion is smooth and refined, offering balanced sweetness, light fruit notes, and a subtle floral and slightly cocoa-like character. MORE
AROMA
Fruity, milky
TASTE
Milky, fruity
CULTIVAR: Zhu Ye Zhong
HARVEST: Spring, 2024
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
Qi Men Hong Cha, also known as Keemun, is a classic Chinese red tea produced in Qimen County in Anhui Province. It was developed in the late 19th century and quickly became one of China’s most recognized export teas, valued for its refined aromatic profile and consistent quality. Alongside other Gongfu red teas, Qi Men established a strong reputation on international markets, particularly in Europe.
The tea is made from local small-leaf cultivars, carefully harvested and processed using the Gongfu method. Production includes withering, rolling, full oxidation, and drying, with precise control over each stage to achieve a balanced and expressive profile. The processing is designed to enhance clarity and aromatic complexity while maintaining smoothness and structure.
Qi Men Hong Cha is known for its distinctive and elegant character, often described by experienced tea lovers as having a refined aromatic signature with subtle fruit and cocoa-like nuances. It represents a classical style of Chinese red tea, where technical precision and regional identity combine to produce a tea with both historical significance and enduring appeal.
TERROIR
Qi Men Hong Cha is produced in Qimen County in Anhui Province, a region characterized by a humid subtropical climate with frequent mist, high rainfall, and moderate temperatures. The tea gardens are located in hilly and mountainous terrain, where consistent moisture and diffused sunlight support slow and even leaf development. These conditions allow the leaves to accumulate a balanced composition of aromatic and structural compounds.
The soils in this area are fertile and well-drained, providing a stable environment for healthy root systems and clean plant growth. Local small-leaf cultivars are well adapted to these conditions, producing leaves that are particularly suitable for refined red tea processing. The moderate altitude and stable climate contribute to a softer and more controlled expression compared to higher mountain regions.
The combination of climate, soil, and cultivar results in a terroir that emphasizes clarity, elegance, and aromatic definition. The environment supports the development of the characteristic Qi Men profile, where gentle sweetness, subtle fruit notes, and a refined, slightly cocoa-like nuance are expressed with balance and precision.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf appearance is fine and well-shaped, with slender, tightly twisted leaves in dark brown to black tones and occasional lighter highlights. The aroma of the dry leaves is clean and refined, showing notes of light cocoa, dried fruit, and a subtle floral nuance. In a preheated teapot, the tea gradually opens, and the aroma becomes deeper and more layered, revealing soft caramel, gentle malt, and a characteristic floral-fruity note. After a brief rinse, the leaves fully awaken, and the aroma gains clarity and balance, combining mild sweetness with delicate fruit, cocoa, and a refined warm undertone.
The aroma of the liquor in the empty cup is elegant and persistent, with soft floral tones, light honey, and a faint cocoa trace. The taste is smooth and well-structured, with a medium body and a clean, balanced texture. From the first sips, gentle sweetness emerges, supported by light fruit and cocoa nuances, with very low astringency. The profile remains precise and harmonious across multiple infusions, offering clarity and consistency without heaviness. The aftertaste is clean and moderately long, leaving a soft sweetness and a slightly warming sensation. In the empty cup after drinking, delicate notes of cocoa, light caramel, and a subtle floral sweetness remain.
Qi Men Hong Cha, also known as Keemun, is a classic Chinese red tea produced in Qimen County in Anhui Province. It was developed in the late 19th century and quickly became one of China’s most recognized export teas, valued for its refined aromatic profile and consistent quality. Alongside other Gongfu red teas, Qi Men established a strong reputation on international markets, particularly in Europe.
The tea is made from local small-leaf cultivars, carefully harvested and processed using the Gongfu method. Production includes withering, rolling, full oxidation, and drying, with precise control over each stage to achieve a balanced and expressive profile. The processing is designed to enhance clarity and aromatic complexity while maintaining smoothness and structure.
Qi Men Hong Cha is known for its distinctive and elegant character, often described by experienced tea lovers as having a refined aromatic signature with subtle fruit and cocoa-like nuances. It represents a classical style of Chinese red tea, where technical precision and regional identity combine to produce a tea with both historical significance and enduring appeal.
TERROIR
Qi Men Hong Cha is produced in Qimen County in Anhui Province, a region characterized by a humid subtropical climate with frequent mist, high rainfall, and moderate temperatures. The tea gardens are located in hilly and mountainous terrain, where consistent moisture and diffused sunlight support slow and even leaf development. These conditions allow the leaves to accumulate a balanced composition of aromatic and structural compounds.
The soils in this area are fertile and well-drained, providing a stable environment for healthy root systems and clean plant growth. Local small-leaf cultivars are well adapted to these conditions, producing leaves that are particularly suitable for refined red tea processing. The moderate altitude and stable climate contribute to a softer and more controlled expression compared to higher mountain regions.
The combination of climate, soil, and cultivar results in a terroir that emphasizes clarity, elegance, and aromatic definition. The environment supports the development of the characteristic Qi Men profile, where gentle sweetness, subtle fruit notes, and a refined, slightly cocoa-like nuance are expressed with balance and precision.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf appearance is fine and well-shaped, with slender, tightly twisted leaves in dark brown to black tones and occasional lighter highlights. The aroma of the dry leaves is clean and refined, showing notes of light cocoa, dried fruit, and a subtle floral nuance. In a preheated teapot, the tea gradually opens, and the aroma becomes deeper and more layered, revealing soft caramel, gentle malt, and a characteristic floral-fruity note. After a brief rinse, the leaves fully awaken, and the aroma gains clarity and balance, combining mild sweetness with delicate fruit, cocoa, and a refined warm undertone.
The aroma of the liquor in the empty cup is elegant and persistent, with soft floral tones, light honey, and a faint cocoa trace. The taste is smooth and well-structured, with a medium body and a clean, balanced texture. From the first sips, gentle sweetness emerges, supported by light fruit and cocoa nuances, with very low astringency. The profile remains precise and harmonious across multiple infusions, offering clarity and consistency without heaviness. The aftertaste is clean and moderately long, leaving a soft sweetness and a slightly warming sensation. In the empty cup after drinking, delicate notes of cocoa, light caramel, and a subtle floral sweetness remain.
RED (BLACK) TEA
Explore more Red (Black) Teas from the AN SHIM TEA Collection.