TONG MU GUAN XIAO CHI GAN
WUYI TRADITIONAL RED TEA
RED (BLACK) TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
Tongmuguan, Wuyishan, Fujian, China
Tong Mu Guan Xiao Chi Gan is a refined Chinese red tea from Tongmu Guan in the Wuyi Mountains of Fujian Province, produced from local small-leaf material. It is crafted using traditional processing methods with careful oxidation and precise leaf shaping to preserve clarity and aromatic definition. The infusion is smooth and elegant, offering gentle sweetness, subtle fruit notes, and a clean, well-balanced finish. MORE
AROMA
Floral, honey
TASTE
Honey, woody
CULTIVAR: Blend
HARVEST: Spring, 2025
RED (BLACK) TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
Tongmuguan, Wuyishan, Fujian, China
Tong Mu Guan Xiao Chi Gan is a refined Chinese red tea from Tongmu Guan in the Wuyi Mountains of Fujian Province, produced from local small-leaf material. It is crafted using traditional processing methods with careful oxidation and precise leaf shaping to preserve clarity and aromatic definition. The infusion is smooth and elegant, offering gentle sweetness, subtle fruit notes, and a clean, well-balanced finish. MORE
AROMA
Floral, honey
TASTE
Honey, woody
CULTIVAR: Blend
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
Tong Mu Guan Xiao Chi Gan is a traditional Chinese red tea produced in Tongmu Guan in the Wuyi Mountains of Fujian Province, an area historically associated with the origin of Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong. This tea represents a refined, non-smoked interpretation of local red tea production, focusing on clarity, balance, and precise expression of the raw material. Production in this region remains relatively limited and is often carried out on a small scale with attention to traditional methods.
The tea is made from the Meizhan cultivar, a local variety known for its aromatic potential and ability to produce a smooth and well-structured infusion. Leaves are carefully harvested and processed using the classical red tea method, including withering, rolling, full oxidation, and drying. Particular attention is given to controlling oxidation in order to preserve the natural sweetness and aromatic clarity of the cultivar.
Tong Mu Guan Xiao Chi Gan is valued for its clean and refined character, reflecting both the specific qualities of the Meizhan cultivar and the craftsmanship of the producer. It offers a precise and balanced profile appreciated by experienced tea lovers seeking a clear expression of Wuyi red tea without additional processing influences.
TERROIR
Tong Mu Guan Xiao Chi Gan is sourced from Tongmu Guan within the Wuyi Mountain area of Fujian Province. This terroir is defined by a humid subtropical climate with frequent mist, abundant rainfall, and stable temperatures, creating ideal conditions for slow and balanced leaf development. The mountainous environment, with dense forest cover and protected valleys, provides clean air and filtered sunlight, supporting high-quality raw material.
The soils in Tongmu Guan are mineral-rich and well-drained, often composed of rocky formations that contribute to the structure and clarity of the tea. Tea plants grown in this environment develop a balanced chemical composition, with good levels of both aromatic compounds and structural elements. The Meizhan cultivar expresses itself distinctly in these conditions, producing leaves with refined aromatic definition and a smooth, stable profile.
The combination of altitude, climate, and soil results in a terroir that emphasizes precision, balance, and natural sweetness. Without additional processing influences such as smoking, the characteristics of the environment are clearly reflected in the final tea, offering a clean and well-defined expression of the Wuyi region.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf appearance is neat and slightly twisted, with medium-sized leaves in dark brown tones and occasional lighter highlights. The aroma of the dry leaves is clean and refined, showing notes of dried fruit, light honey, and a subtle floral nuance. In a preheated teapot, the tea gradually opens, and the aroma becomes deeper and more rounded, revealing soft caramel, ripe fruit, and a gentle warm sweetness. After a brief rinse, the leaves fully awaken, and the aroma gains clarity and structure, combining honeyed tones with delicate fruit notes and a smooth, refined warmth.
The aroma of the liquor in the empty cup is soft and elegant, with gentle sweetness and a faint floral-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 fruit and mild cocoa nuances, with very low astringency. The profile remains stable and harmonious across multiple infusions, offering clarity and precision 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 honey, light caramel, and a subtle fruity sweetness remain.
Tong Mu Guan Xiao Chi Gan is a traditional Chinese red tea produced in Tongmu Guan in the Wuyi Mountains of Fujian Province, an area historically associated with the origin of Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong. This tea represents a refined, non-smoked interpretation of local red tea production, focusing on clarity, balance, and precise expression of the raw material. Production in this region remains relatively limited and is often carried out on a small scale with attention to traditional methods.
The tea is made from the Meizhan cultivar, a local variety known for its aromatic potential and ability to produce a smooth and well-structured infusion. Leaves are carefully harvested and processed using the classical red tea method, including withering, rolling, full oxidation, and drying. Particular attention is given to controlling oxidation in order to preserve the natural sweetness and aromatic clarity of the cultivar.
Tong Mu Guan Xiao Chi Gan is valued for its clean and refined character, reflecting both the specific qualities of the Meizhan cultivar and the craftsmanship of the producer. It offers a precise and balanced profile appreciated by experienced tea lovers seeking a clear expression of Wuyi red tea without additional processing influences.
TERROIR
Tong Mu Guan Xiao Chi Gan is sourced from Tongmu Guan within the Wuyi Mountain area of Fujian Province. This terroir is defined by a humid subtropical climate with frequent mist, abundant rainfall, and stable temperatures, creating ideal conditions for slow and balanced leaf development. The mountainous environment, with dense forest cover and protected valleys, provides clean air and filtered sunlight, supporting high-quality raw material.
The soils in Tongmu Guan are mineral-rich and well-drained, often composed of rocky formations that contribute to the structure and clarity of the tea. Tea plants grown in this environment develop a balanced chemical composition, with good levels of both aromatic compounds and structural elements. The Meizhan cultivar expresses itself distinctly in these conditions, producing leaves with refined aromatic definition and a smooth, stable profile.
The combination of altitude, climate, and soil results in a terroir that emphasizes precision, balance, and natural sweetness. Without additional processing influences such as smoking, the characteristics of the environment are clearly reflected in the final tea, offering a clean and well-defined expression of the Wuyi region.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf appearance is neat and slightly twisted, with medium-sized leaves in dark brown tones and occasional lighter highlights. The aroma of the dry leaves is clean and refined, showing notes of dried fruit, light honey, and a subtle floral nuance. In a preheated teapot, the tea gradually opens, and the aroma becomes deeper and more rounded, revealing soft caramel, ripe fruit, and a gentle warm sweetness. After a brief rinse, the leaves fully awaken, and the aroma gains clarity and structure, combining honeyed tones with delicate fruit notes and a smooth, refined warmth.
The aroma of the liquor in the empty cup is soft and elegant, with gentle sweetness and a faint floral-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 fruit and mild cocoa nuances, with very low astringency. The profile remains stable and harmonious across multiple infusions, offering clarity and precision 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 honey, light caramel, and a subtle fruity sweetness remain.
RED (BLACK) TEA
Explore more Red (Black) Teas from the AN SHIM TEA Collection.