Da Jin Zhen Wang Great Golden Needle King — 2026

An Exceptional Golden Bud Red Tea from Jinggu Da Jin Zhen Wang (大金针王), “Great Golden Needle King,” is an exquisite premium Yunnan Red Tea from Jinggu. Its name reflects both the distinctive needle-like appearance of its large golden buds and the exceptionally high grade of the raw material. Harvested in Spring 2026, this tea is produced exclusively from carefully selected buds picked from 40–70-year-old tea trees growing in an old high-mountain garden in Jinggu, Yunnan. The trees belong to the local Jinggu Da Bai Cha cultivar — the same remarkable tea variety traditionally used to produce the famous Yunnan white tea Yue Guang Bai (Moonlight White). Here, however, the leaves undergo full oxidation, transforming this exceptional material into a luxurious, aromatic, and remarkably smooth Chinese Red Tea. Appearance and tasting notes The dry tea consists almost entirely of large, elongated golden buds covered with fine golden down. Their elegant needle-like shape gives Da Jin Zhen Wang its characteristic appearance and name. The dry leaves have a deep yet refined fragrance with pronounced notes of honey, caramel, dried fruit, and warm pastry, complemented by subtle floral and spicy nuances. Once brewed, the aromatic profile becomes richer and more expressive. Honeyed sweetness forms the foundation, gradually revealing notes of caramel, ripe fruit, dried apricot, sweet spices, and freshly baked pastry. The liquor is smooth, velvety, rounded, and naturally sweet. The abundance of tender buds gives the tea a particularly soft texture, while full oxidation provides depth and warmth without excessive bitterness or astringency. The finish is long and enveloping, leaving lingering notes of honey, dried fruit, and gentle caramel sweetness. Character and Experience Da Jin Zhen Wang is a refined expression of premium Yunnan Red Tea, combining aromatic richness with exceptional softness and elegance. Despite its full and warming character, the tea remains beautifully balanced and easy to drink. It is particularly enjoyable in the morning or during an afternoon tea session, providing a pleasant sense of warmth, focus, and gentle energy. Its unusual Jinggu Da Bai Cha material also makes it particularly interesting for experienced tea drinkers. The same cultivar known for producing delicate Yunnan white teas reveals an entirely different character when processed as Red Tea — deeper, warmer, sweeter, and more intense. An excellent choice for anyone looking to explore premium Chinese Red Tea with distinctive raw material, beautiful golden buds, and an elegant, naturally sweet profile. How to brew Gongfu Style • Porcelain gaiwan or clay teapot suitable for Red Tea • Water temperature: 90–95°C (194–203°F) • Tea-to-water ratio: 3–4 g per 100 ml • Begin with short infusions of approximately 10–15 seconds • Gradually increase the steeping time with each subsequent infusion • Enjoy approximately 6–7 infusions, following the gradual development of sweetness and aroma. Western Style • Glass or porcelain teapot • Water temperature: 90–95°C (194–203°F) • Tea-to-water ratio: 4–5 g per 500 ml • Warm the teapot with hot water before adding the tea • Pour in water at the recommended temperature • Steep for approximately 4–5 minutes before serving. Origin • Tea: Da Jin Zhen Wang (大金针王) • English Name: Great Golden Needle King • Type: Chinese Red Tea (Hong Cha) • Origin: Jinggu, Yunnan Province, China • Harvest: Spring 2026 • Tea Trees: 40–70 years old • Cultivar: Jinggu Da Bai Cha • Growing Environment: Old high-mountain tea garden • Leaf Grade: Premium whole golden buds • Profile: Honey • Caramel • Dried Fruit • Sweet Pastry • Processing: Fully oxidized Yunnan Red Tea