C. sinensis ‘unknown’; Zhangzhou Tianfu Tea Co., Panduo Town, Zhangpu County, Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province, elev. unknown; Autumn, 2017, medium oxidation, oolong tea process; #TodaysTea, #今天的茶, #JīnTiāndeChá, #Tea, #茶, #Chá.

The dry leaf is elongated, twisted and very darkly oxidised with some reddish-brown (saffron) tints. The aroma is initially strong suggesting cold embers followed by hints of raisin, and chocolate. The wet leaves equally twisted and rigid and do not easily unfurl. Their aroma is woody, earthy, and suggestive of damp charcoal.

10g of dry leaf was infused in 200ml of water for 15-25sec.@90-100deg. C., producing a brewed tea liquor with a red-ochre colour. Its aroma is slightly acrid, suggestive of burnt pipe tobacco, with subtle butter, and black cardamom hints.

In the mouth it is moderately syrupy, and stimulating, mouthwatering, with a sweet finish. It has a dominant smokey and mineral character, with vaguely floral aftertaste suggestive of rose, followed by a long, lingering, presence and aftertaste, with a mild spiced chocolate note.

If I had to pick a tea that was reminiscent of “Russian Caravan” Tea, as I remember it, it would have to be this tea.

I found out:
In 1993, Mr. Li Ruihe, President of Tianfu Group , went to Pantuo, and set out to develop the plan to develop tea cultivation. The town planted 8000 acres of high-quality tea trees m. The main tea plant varieties planted were Tieguanyin, Dangui, Taiwan Jinxuan, and Cuiyu.

In 2000 Tianfu Group established the Tianfu Tea Museum which opened in2002 and is currently the largest Tea Museum in the World.

Tianfu Tea Museum

http://www.bytravel.cn/landscape/13/tianfuchabowuyuan.html