Ruby 18 Sun Moon Lake

Ruby 18 Sun Moon Lake – Black Tea

Origin: Taiwan

Infusion Temperature: 85°-90° Celsius

Infusion Time: 3-4 minutes

Serving Size: 1 grams/100 ml

Brewing Recommendations: Multiple infusions are encouraged to experience the full spectrum of this tea’s complex aroma and taste.

Ruby 18 Sun Moon Lake is a distinguished black tea cultivar originating from the picturesque region of Sun Moon Lake, situated in the heart of Taiwan. This exceptional tea is the result of a carefully crafted hybridization between a Burmese Assamica Camellia and a native Taiwanese tea plant, combining the best characteristics of both lineages.

Since its introduction in 1999, Ruby 18 has rapidly gained international acclaim for its unique and captivating flavor profile, marked by aromatic notes of cinnamon, refreshing mint, and rich dark chocolate. This distinctive taste is the culmination of decades of dedicated research and cultivation by Taiwan’s renowned Tea Research Center Station, which invested nearly 40 years in developing this cultivar. The goal was to diversify Taiwan’s celebrated tea offerings beyond its famous oolongs by introducing a high-quality black tea with remarkable complexity.

The tea leaves of Ruby 18 are notably long and elegantly shaped, often likened to the sinuous form of a Chinese dragon similar in appearance to some prized oolong teas. This distinctive morphology reflects the meticulous care taken throughout its cultivation and processing.

Cultivating and processing Ruby 18 is a highly demanding endeavor, contributing to its exclusivity. Coupled with its growing international demand, this tea commands a premium position in the market, appreciated by tea connoisseurs and collectors alike.

For the best extraction of Ruby 18’s nuanced flavors, it is recommended to use soft water with low mineral content. The tea can be prepared using the traditional Gong Fu Cha method in a gaiwan at approximately 90°C, or via a Western-style infusion with water at the same temperature steeped for 3 to 4 minutes. Multiple infusions are encouraged to experience the full spectrum of this tea’s complex aroma and taste.

Ruby 18 stands as a testament to Taiwanese tea innovation, combining tradition, science, and artistry to produce a black tea of extraordinary elegance and richness-a must-try for those seeking an exceptional tea experience.