Osmanthus Jiuqu Hongmei

Osmanthus Jiuqu Hongmei is not naturally floral — it is a carefully planned encounter between autumn osmanthus and spring-picked black tea. Osmanthus, the official flower of Hangzhou since 1983, blooms for only a short window. Flowers must be picked at the moment when buds just open, before rain washes away their sweetness. The stems are meticulously removed to avoid bitterness, leaving only pure golden petals.

Fresh osmanthus is layered with Jiuqu Hongmei tea for multiple scenting rounds over several days. During this time, the tea slowly absorbs the floral essence while the petals release their fragrance — a gentle exchange where tea gains sweetness and flowers leave behind their signature perfume. This method preserves the fleeting scent of autumn, storing it softly within the leaves.

When brewed, the liquor glows bright and amber-gold. The first aroma is warm, sweet osmanthus like honey drizzled in the air, followed by the mellow fruitiness of Jiuqu Hongmei. A hint of plum rises beneath the floral top-note, grounding the tea with roundness and comfort. Smooth, sweet, and soothing — like walking from spring freshness into the richness of autumn.