Qi but hong cha (祁门功夫红茶)

Qimen Hong Cha, also known as Keemun Black Tea, is an exclusive Chinese tea with a rich flavor of brown sugar, caramel, tobacco and oak. Grown in Qimen, Huangshan, it brews a beautiful red beverage. Perfect for tea ceremonies and a favorite among Chinese and international tea lovers.

Qimen Hong Cha, also known as Keemun black tea, is one of China's most famous black teas. With its small leaves, this tea brews a beautiful amber-red drink with a rich and smooth flavor of brown sugar, caramel, tobacco and oak. Originally from Qimen in the Huangshan region, this tea is known as "Qimen Hongcha" in China, where "Hongcha" means red tea, reflecting the color of the tea rather than the dry leaves.

Keemun tea, also known as "Keemun Congou", is excellent for Chinese kungfu-style tea ceremonies, reflecting its traditional artisanal production. The history of the tea begins in 1875 when Yu Gan Chen, a former official from Wuyishan, introduced the knowledge of producing fine black tea to his hometown of Qimen. With the favorable climate and skilled tea growers already producing high-quality green tea, Qimen quickly became known for its black tea, which later became an integral part of the English breakfast tea blend.

Keemun tea is made through carefully monitored production steps. The leaves are picked in the spring when they are at their most tender, with a harvest requirement of one bud and 2-3 leaves. After picking, the leaves undergo an oxidation process where the color changes from fresh green to dark brown. Once the desired level of oxidation is reached, the leaves are rolled to press out the juices that give the tea its flavor. Oxidation is then stopped by heating and drying.

The result is a tea with a bright red color and complex notes of fruit, flowers and a subtle smokiness. The taste is soft and smooth. Originally used as a tea blending ingredient in the West, Keemun has now become a popular standalone treat in China, where it is appreciated for its delicate flavors and aromas. The region where this tea is grown, between the beautiful Yellow Mountains and the Yangtze River, is known for its scenic beauty and cultural significance.

Keemun tea has undergone a transformation from its strong and smoky beginnings to today being a delicate tea loved by Chinese tea lovers and international enthusiasts.