Tea Review: Hong Cha South Korean Red Tea (Roots and Rituals)

Hong Cha South Korean Red Tea

Roots and Rituals
Type: Black
Origin: South Korea, Boseong
Product Description:

Hong Cha, South Korea’s exquisite interpretation of black tea, is produced in small batches from handpicked summer leaves. This premium tea undergoes an oxidation process that deepens its color and develops its rich, complex flavor. Grown on a sustainable farm in Boseong, Hong Cha embodies a unique terroir influenced by misty mountains and ancient tea trees. The result is a smooth, full-bodied tea with layered notes of dark fruit, cocoa, and warm spices.

Temperature: 194° F

Amount: 3 grams
Steeping Time: 2 minutes

The dry leaf aroma has notes of fruit, nut shell, aged wood, and dark bread.

The liquor is copper red with a baked fruit aroma and a taste of baked fruit with a hint of honey and no astringency.  

The best and fullest flavor is in the first two infusions with aroma notes that reminded me of dark fruit cake.  While I was delighted by the results from 2 minute infusions in 194° F water, this is a flexible black tea and handles higher water temperatures nicely for those who prefer something stronger.  

This tea was purchased by me.