Introduction:Dive deep into the Dian Hong Jinzhen (Golden Needles) black tea produced in Dasì Township, Fengqing, Yunnan. From the characteristics of the Feng 7 tea cultivar, to the high-altitude tea garden environment, and through the dry tea appearance, layered aroma, and taste evolution across multiple infusions — this guide will help you fully grasp the unique charm and brewing essentials of this honey-sweet, high-mountain black tea.
As a premium offering among Yunnan black teas, the captivating flavor of Dian Hong Jinzhen stems from the exquisite combination of tea cultivar, cultivation environment, and production craftsmanship. This article focuses on Dian Hong Jinzhen from Dasì Township, Fengqing County, analyzing the characteristics of the locally predominant Feng 7 tea cultivar. Through a detailed tasting record — covering dry tea appearance, aroma expression, liquor color, and the evolving taste across infusions — we guide readers through the layered richness of this high-altitude black tea. We’ll also introduce the geographical and microclimatic conditions of the tea gardens that nurture this tea, uncovering the key reasons behind its signature floral-honey aroma and sweet sweet potato-like notes.
This Dian Hong Jinzhen is sourced from tea gardens at an altitude of around 2,200 meters in Dasì, situated in the core production area of Dasì Township, Fengqing County. The area lies on the southern bank of the Lancang River, with elevations ranging between 1,000 to 2,679.8 meters. The gardens are often shrouded in mist, experience significant day-night temperature variations, and receive abundant annual rainfall of about 1,200 to 1,700 millimeters. The soil is primarily composed of red and yellow earths rich in humus, providing an ideal growing environment for the tea trees. The dual influence of high altitude and unique microclimate slows the tea leaf growth, allowing for ample accumulation of internal compounds — laying the foundation for the rich and layered taste profile of Dian Hong Jinzhen.
The tea cultivar used for this Dian Hong Jinzhen is the Feng 7, an elite strain independently selected and cultivated in the Fengqing region, which has only been gradually promoted in recent years. Most tea trees in the garden are around 50 years old — the prime age for producing high-quality tea buds. Compared to traditional Yunnan large-leaf varieties, the Feng 7 tea buds are larger and plumper, densely covered with white pekoe. The resulting black tea is not only dazzlingly golden in appearance, but the liquor also shows a bright orange-yellow hue. Its flavor is sweeter and more mellow, while still retaining the characteristic depth of black tea. Its brewing endurance is also excellent.
Observing the dry tea, the buds are tightly rolled, uniform in shape, and needle-like, with fat, golden buds covered in abundant golden pekoe that give off a natural glossy sheen. A light sniff of the dry tea reveals a distinct white pekoe aroma, accompanied by subtle sweet floral notes and faint floral scents, hinting at the layered aromas to come after brewing.
After brewing, the liquor presents a clear, bright orange-yellow color, visually indicative of high-quality black tea. The first infusion is soft and smooth on the palate, with a fresh sweetness where delicate floral notes subtly bloom in the mouth. The second infusion unfolds further, with floral aromas becoming clearer, the tea liquor fine and the aftertaste lingering. By the third infusion, sweet potato-like sweetness and the gentle sweetness of honey begin to emerge, interwoven with floral notes, making the taste richer and fuller. After the fourth infusion, the body of the liquor significantly increases, with a strong sweet aftertaste and a pleasant refreshing sensation, marking the peak of its performance. Subsequent infusions gradually return to a mellow sweet tone, yet still maintain good layers and aftertaste, with overall brewing endurance that is highly satisfying.
This Dian Hong Jinzhen contains relatively low caffeine — about less than 40% of a typical coffee beverage — making it suitable for those who are sensitive to caffeine but still want to enjoy the warmth and aroma of black tea. For storage, it’s recommended to keep the tea in a sealed, opaque package and store it in a cool, dry place to maintain optimal quality. The product can usually be stored for up to 36 months.
In summary, the Dian Hong Jinzhen from Dasì Township, Fengqing, showcases a rich flavor profile where floral-honey aromas blend seamlessly with sweet potato-like sweetness, all thanks to the unique advantages of the Feng 7 tea cultivar and the natural nurturing of high-altitude tea gardens. Each infusion brings different layers of surprise, making it well worth savoring for both black tea enthusiasts and consumers seeking a high-quality tea drinking experience.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
