How do you brew Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe)?

Brew Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe) at 205°F (95°C). For gongfu style, steep 30-50 seconds; Western style, 3-5 minutes. Use Yixing clay pot or gaiwan with 5g per 100ml (gongfu). Expect 6-10+ infusions.

Where is Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe) from?

Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe) is produced in Wuyi Mountains, Fujian. Spring (late April to May). The rocky terroir of Wuyi is inseparable from the tea's character.

How much does Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe) cost?

Entry-level Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe) costs $15-30 / 100g (modern clone/cutting). Premium grades run $80-300+ / 100g (Wuyi core area, high roast, aged).

How do you brew Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe)?

Brew Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe) at 205°F (95°C). For gongfu style, steep 30-50 seconds; Western style, 3-5 minutes. Use Yixing clay pot or gaiwan with 5g per 100ml (gongfu). Expect 6-10+ infusions.

Where is Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe) from?

Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe) is produced in Wuyi Mountains, Fujian. Spring (late April to May). The rocky terroir of Wuyi is inseparable from the tea's character.

How much does Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe) cost?

Entry-level Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe) costs $15-30 / 100g (modern clone/cutting). Premium grades run $80-300+ / 100g (Wuyi core area, high roast, aged).

Oolong Tea ← All famous teas

Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe) 大红袍

Roasted, mineral, dark chocolate, rock rhythm

Wuyi Mountains, FujianCaffeine: MediumBeginner: ★★★☆☆

Water Temp

205°F (95°C)

Infusions

6-10+

Harvest

Spring (late April to May). The rocky terroir of Wuyi is inseparable from the tea's character.

Entry Price

$15-30 / 100g (modern clone/cutting)

Flavor Profile

Taste & Aroma

AromaDeep roast, charcoal, mineral, warm stone fruit

TasteBold mineral entry (yan yun or rock rhythm), dark chocolate, dried longan, lingering sweet and cooling aftertaste

ColorDeep amber to dark copper

BodyFull, structured, warming

Brewing Guide

How to Brew It

Water

205°F (95°C)

Vessel

Yixing clay pot or gaiwan

Gongfu Time

30-50 seconds

Western Time

3-5 minutes

Ratio

5g per 100ml (gongfu)

Infusions

6-10+

Read the general brewing guide →

Buying Guide

How to Buy Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe) Without Getting Scammed

The Chinese tea market is vast and unregulated. Here's exactly what to look for — and what to run from.

Entry Level

$15-30 / 100g (modern clone/cutting)

Premium / Collector

$80-300+ / 100g (Wuyi core area, high roast, aged)

Quality Check

Dark, twisted, rope-like leaves. True Da Hong Pao has yan yun, a distinctive mineral-rock character from Wuyi's unique terroir. The original mother bushes no longer produce commercially.

Common Scams

The original 6 mother bushes on Wuyi Mountain are protected and no longer harvested. All Da Hong Pao today is from clones/cuttings. Cheap Da Hong Pao may be blended with non-Wuyi teas. Authentic yancha has mineral depth that imitations lack.

Search keywords that find the real thing

Da Hong PaoBig Red RobeWuyi rock teaWuyi yanchaChinese oolong tea

For the general principles behind every one of these checks — harvest dates, origin specificity, red flags — read our complete buying guide.

History

Where It Comes From

China's most legendary tea. Story goes that a Ming Dynasty scholar was cured of illness by tea from Wuyi's cliffs. When he later became a high official, he draped his red robe over the tea bushes in gratitude, hence Big Red Robe. The original mother bushes are over 350 years old and tourists pay to see them. A true connoisseur's tea.

Ideal For

Adventurous drinkers who enjoy whiskey, dark chocolate, or roasted coffee. A winter tea that warms from within. The tea to graduate to after Tie Guan Yin.