A Red Duck
A Red Duck
Imagine, for a moment, a serene morning in a quiet Taiwanese village. The mist clings to the mountains, and the scent of fresh tea leaves is carried on the breeze. Here, nestled in the heart of this tranquil setting, is a tea farm producing one of the most intriguing and lesser-known oolong teas: Hong Yu, also affectionately known as "Red Duck." This tea, with its delightful complexity and compelling backstory, beckons to be discovered.
Hong Yu, which translates to "Red Jade," is a speciality of Taiwan, known for its strikingly red liquor and uniquely bold flavor. Born from the fertile lands of Sun Moon Lake, this tea is the result of a careful blend of traditional Taiwanese techniques and innovative cultivation practices. The story of Red Duck is as intriguing as its taste. It was developed in the late 20th century by Taiwanese tea experts aiming to create a distinctive tea variety to stand proudly alongside the more famous black and oolong teas of the region.
The process of crafting Hong Yu begins with leaves from the TTES No. 18 cultivar, a hybrid of the Assam and native wild tea plants. The leaves undergo a meticulous oxidation process, which not only deepens their flavor but also contributes to the tea's signature color. The resulting flavor profile is an elegant dance of sweet honey notes, with whispers of malt and a smooth, full-bodied finish. Many who have experienced its taste describe it as a harmonious blend of the best attributes of black and oolong teas, a testament to Taiwan's rich tea-making heritage.
Brewing Hong Yu requires a gentle touch. The tea leaves unfurl best in water just off the boil, around 95°C, and a steep time of 3 to 5 minutes allows the flavors to fully develop. The resulting brew is not just a drink but a sensory experience, warming the palate and inviting reflections on its storied origin.
The appreciation of Red Duck is a journey into the heart of Taiwanese culture, celebrating a landscape where tea is both craft and tradition. For tea lovers in the United States and Europe, exploring this tea offers a chance to connect with a piece of Taiwan’s agricultural innovation and cultural expression. As you sip a cup of Hong Yu, you are not just tasting a beverage; you are part of a centuries-old narrative, woven through generations and across continents.
In the world of tea, where silence often says more than words, Red Duck quietly makes its mark, reminding us that sometimes, the most profound pleasures are found in the unexpected. So why not let a cup of this exquisite oolong become a part of your tea story today?
