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Imperial Tea Court
1 Ferry Plz
San Francisco, CA 94111
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Organic Tea
Organic Golden Tip Black Tea
organic golden tip is a delightfully fruity and flavorful new organic black tea that's so delicious you'll want to serve it to your most honored guests, yet affordable enough to drink every day. made from young leaves plus abundant furry tips oxidized to a brilliant gold, this handsome tea immediately impresses with its rich, fruity nose. it infuses to a deep amber liquor marked by notes of ripe fruit with tantalizing hints of smoke, and ends with a sweet, crisp finish.
Organic Lavender Green
responding to the growing awareness of the numerous health benefits associated with drinking green tea, we have created an especially aromatic and flavorful blend of certified organically produced green tea, natural bergamot essences and whole organic lavender flowers which has become one of our top sellers.
Organic Dragon Well
china's premiere green tea now available in our long-awaited first certified organic dragon well. beautiful deep green leaves, that famous dragon well aroma and a rich and full-bodied flavor with a crisp finish. vacuum packed for maximum freshness.
Organic Sencha
a unique and well-known style of green tea popularized in japan. sencha's deep green color and distinctively fresh, grassy flavor come from special steam processing during manufacture.
Organic Rooibos
customers asked for it so now we're carrying it! the south african herbal drink rooibos is gaining popularity as a caffeine-free substitute for black tea. like black tea, it can be enjoyed plain or with milk and sugar. our top-quality rooibos is organic and yields a rich, red infusion.
Organic Cloud Mist
another exciting new organic green tea we're proud to welcome to our green tea collection. attractively curled deep green leaves produce a sunny golden-yellow infusion with a strong green tea flavor and crisp refreshing finish.
Organic Tea Sampler
in response to tea drinkers' growing interest in organically grown products, we are pleased to offer this exclusive international collection of fine, certified organic teas from some of the world's most famous tea-producing regions. our organic tea sampler features a crisply unmistakable darjeeling, the robust, bright cup of gunpowder, a hearty english breakfast and an invigoratingly brisk and full-flavored ceylon.
Organic Yunnan Mao Feng
we discovered this special green tea during our quest for green puerh materials. this unique green tea features a delightful apricot-like fruitiness and a "just right" chewy viscosity that make it memorable. to double up on the bargain, the unique quality of yunnan's green tea makes possible extended aging in dry climates.
Organic Ceylon
an invigoratingly brisk and full-flavored certified organic ceylon tea from sri lanka. delicious on its own or served with milk and sugar.
Organic Gunpowder
gunpowder is one of the best known and widely drunk green teas in the world. also known as the green pearl for its pleasing shape and color, our certified organic gunpowder is produced in zhejiang province under strict imo supervision by rolling large, tender leaves into evenly sized little balls which "blossom" under hot water to produce a full, rich and smooth cup of refreshing green tea. excellent as a hearty breakfast or afternoon tea or served with food anytime.
Organic English Breakfast
a crisp and robust certified organic english breakfast style black tea blend. beautifully complemented by milk and sugar or honey and lemon. now available in non-organic "silk" pyramid teabags, enjoy full leaf tea with the teabag convenience.
White Tea
Superior White Peony
superior white peony hails from china's southeastern coastal province, fujian, which is famous for producing the world's finest white teas. our white peony is hand-picked, with harvesters meticulously selecting the uppermost trio of young shoots: one unopened bud, and two immediate young leaves. the tea is partially sun-dried prior to oxidation, and then lightly roasted to rid the leaves of any remaining moisture. great care is taken to ensure that each trio of leaves remains intact, and that the natural appearance of the tea plant is preserved.
Imperial White Peony And Rose Petals
classic white peony tea is made from downy buds that have two small leaves attached to their base (termed two leaves and a bud). the two leaves cradling the bud are said to resemble the shape of peony flower petals. our imperial white peony with rose is made from specially produced fujian white tea generously blended with the finest dried rose petals.
Imperial White Peony
to look at the dry leaves of the imperial white peony, you will only begin to imagine how difficult this tea is to make. although the name white peony" is used liberally, classic white peony is produced during an early spring harvest of "da ye" (big leaf) varietal of tea in china's fujian province. a typical white peony is produced as a leaf set containing two leaves and a bud. but the white tip is furry and the two green leaves still retain their early spring white down on the bottom of the leaves.
Imperial Silver Needle Jasmine
since we introduced this superior white jasmine tea several years ago, it has become one of our most popular teas. silver needles white tea is harvested in early spring with tips and a small amount of young, tender leaves. since white teas are mild in flavor, including a small amount of young leaves during harvesting ensures adequate tea flavor after scenting with jasmine flowers. white teas are excellent candidates for scenting, as their downy leaves attract and retain aromatics.
China White W/ Chrysanthemum
the smooth, distinctive taste of superior quality white tea from fujian province is beautifully combined with the full, sweet flavor of dried chrysanthemum blossoms. an attractive and unique treat for teatime anytime.
Imperial Silver Needles
enjoy the new imperial silver needles tea that has been slowly sun dried and hand sorted. it is produced in the early spring harvest by traditional methods. this fujian white tea is not easy to come by as only the unopened leaf or bud, is used. and to complicate matters, white tea production is down by 20% as there is currently a great demand for high quality fujian black teas. this causes the procurement of the highest quality silver needles to be even more difficult and pricey, especially if the demand for black tea should continue. the good news is that more growers are going back to the traditional methods, while more time and labor intensive, the tea produced is exquisite.
Yellow Tea
Jun Shan Yin Zhen
one of china's ten most famous teas, junshan yinzhen is classified as a yellow tea. it comes from hunan and was the favorite tea of chairman mao zedong, who also came from hunan. its name translates "silver needles from mount jun, " a good description of this tea's color, shape and origin. only five of the original yinzhen-producing trees remain near hunan's dongting lake, the only area where these small, perfectly formed buds are grown and manufactured.
Huoshan Huang Ya
large lovingly hand-crafted leaves and downy silver buds make up this attractive "yellow bud" tea of anhui province. a fascinating product notable for the deeply floral character of its infusion. rich, full and smooth, green tea drinkers will appreciate the opportunity to sample this rare treasure.
Loose-leaf Puerh
Yunnan Puerh
a smooth and hearty deep reddish brown tea with a full-bodied, yet pleasantly refreshing, light, earthy puerh taste. a great starter puerh tea for new comers as well as aficionados.
Special Reserve Puerh
for years, patrons of imperial tea court have enjoyed and learned to love this aged loose-leaf "finished" (puerh tea that has been allowed to ferment by introducing moisture to dried green puerh leaves) puerh in our stores. we are making this great tea available online so that puerh lovers who can't make the trek to our stores can still savor a bit of imperial tea court at home. the rich, velvety mouth-feel and lush clean earthiness that can only be found in well-aged puerh are experienced in abundance. the sweet, lingering aftertaste actually increases with each steeping. despite its big, full-bodied nature, this terrific puerh produces no bitter astringency.
Topaz Puerh
this special, supreme quality aged puerh brews to a deep golden red and has a rich, full, woodsy flavor which is hearty without ever being over-powering, it produces a pleasant, mellow after-taste. the flavor of this dark amber tea begins with the bright earthiness unique to aged puerhs and then smooths out into a long, mellow finish. pu-erh is considered best by most connoisseurs when it has been properly aged. the aging process often takes 50 years or more. however, the tea can be prepared and enjoyed at any time during that process. this exceptional pu-erh is a fine example of the remarkably smooth, balanced flavor that un-equaled by any lesser puehs.
Preferred Puerh
a rich, clean earthy aroma and smooth, full flavor combine with a great price to make our preferred puerh perfect for everyday drinking and an excellent introduction to the exotic pleasures of this famous tribute tea. the lovely, deep red infusion is rich, aromatic and and mellow tasting with a lingering, slightly sweet finish. delicious on its own or served as an accompaniment to heavier foods.
2012 Edition Superior Puerh
the small twisted leaves and abundance of bright golden tips which make up our superior puerh produce an exceptional connoisseur's tea whose distinctive dark amber liquor beautifully combines the lighter and darker sides of puerhs. here we find the sweetly crisp astringency characteristic of a younger puerh tea attractively balanced with the smoother mellowness brought out by careful aging.
Imperial Puerh
our unique, custom-produced imperial puerh consists entirely of painstakingly hand-crafted tiny, shimmering golden leaf buds, making it one of the world's rarest and most difficult teas to produce. when infused the liquor is a deep, golden amber with a rich, supremely full-bodied flavor that is smooth and savory with a hint of cocoa and a deliciously lingering creamy aftertaste.
Black Tea
Heritage Edition Lapsang Souchong (non Smoky)
a traditional twist on a western favorite: the black tea zheng shan xiao zhong (known in the west as lapsang souchong) comes from fujian province's wu yi mountains, the same origin as the great yan cha oolongs. while western tea drinkers associate this tea with the taste of tarry pine smoke favored for export production, the chinese original wasn't smoky - and we've gotten our hands on a heritage edition where the focus is on the tea's cocoa-like notes. hints of fruit emerge as the infusion cools. with the smoke removed a subtle palate can also detect the distinctive yan yun, or rock character, that zheng shan xiao zhong shares with yan cha. flavorful, accessible, and a great companion for hearty winter food, this tea will redefine your assumptions about lapsang souchong.
Aged Hong Mei Mao Feng
our aged hong mei mao feng is an uncommon black tea from zhejiang whose name loosely translates "red plum flower tip." mao feng is the style of leaf that looks like a pointy blade, and this is the most delicate mao feng possible, consisting exclusively of a tip that is jet black and beautifully twisted into a long, thin, springy strand.
Asian Paradise Blend
one of our most popular teas. an international blend of high quality black teas that's deliciously crisp and full of body. perfect sweetened with honey and a wedge of lemon or served with milk and sugar anytime.
Superior Yunnan Black
from the land of the southern clouds - yunnan, china's southwestern highlands called the homeland of tea and a major tea-producing region. yunnan is known for its world-famous green, puerh, and black teas. our superior yunnan black has lots of shimmering gold tips, bright, clear amber liquor, and deep, rich flavors of fruit and gentle spices with lusciously full-bodied mouthfeel. this year's edition is particularly sweet and well-rounded with an apricot note, an excellent value for everyday drinking.
Select Yunnan Black
from the land of the southern clouds - yunnan. this great southwestern highland is known as the homeland of tea and is a major tea-producing region with superb natural resources. yunnan is known for its excellent green, puerh, and, of course, world-famous black teas. yunnan blacks are blessed with lots of shimmering gold tips. the liquor is always brilliantly bright and amber, with deep, rich flavors of fruit and gentle spices. the lusciously full-bodied mouth-feel is always a pleasure. this select yunnan black tea is exceptionally sweet and well-rounded. an excellent value for everyday drinking.
Imperial Keemun Mao Feng
we've designated this keemun "imperial" our highest ranking. the quality of keemuns is steadily declining over the years but this imperial standard mao feng is one of the best we've offered in recent years; sweet, rich, and gently smoky like the great keemuns of yesteryear, with elegant fruit, hefty viscosity, and a bold red infusion. this beautiful mao feng leaf is exquisitely shaped and the flavor is pronounced without being overpowering: simply put, it is a keemun-lover's dream tea!
Imperial Chai
we've often been asked if we sell chai, and until now the answer has been: "not yet, but we're working on it." after several months of blending and tasting in our test kitchen and san francisco teahouse we're proud to announce the introduction of a chai we feel is good enough to call "imperial". our unique blend of indian and china teas and a variety of sweet and spicy roots, seeds and herbs is best served with milk and sugar or, for a change, try warm soy milk and honey. either way, we know you and your friends and family will love warming up with a festive cup of imperial chai. available in a specially priced steel canister or in bulk.
Organic Ceylon
an invigoratingly brisk and full-flavored certified organic ceylon tea from sri lanka. delicious on its own or served with milk and sugar.
Keemun Hao Ya Gift Tea
china's long tradition of "gift tea" is closely related to the age-old tradition of tribute tea for the imperial court. like tribute tea, li cha, or "gift tea, " must be of such extraordinary quality that it's quite literally priceless since nothing like it is available anywhere for sale. this fine keemun qualifies as gift tea in every respect with the added advantage that while it lasts you can buy some! most keemun is no longer produced in anhui's qimen county where this is from. it is an early spring tea with a tiny leaf such as is used for hao ya. it was fired with carefully selected charcoal that left it free of the excessive smokiness common to lower grades of keemun. its powerful aroma, nectar-like fruitiness, weighty mouth feel, and highly refined complexity embody the essence of this classic tea at its greatest. if you love black tea you'll never regret "gifting" yourself with this keemun!
Imperial Keemun Hao Ya
from the world-famous tea gardens of anhui province (eastern china), keemun's tea gardens are well known for producing world-class black teas. "hao ya"'meaning fur-covered tips'are harvested in the spring and carefully fermented (oxidized) into black tea. the tiny tips pack surprisingly strong flavors; they are well-balanced and complex, with lots of unique "keemun" flavors. keemun black teas are often compared to burgundy wines. always exceptional, these teas offer complexity and full flavor without any excessively aggressiveness behaviors.
Jin Hao Li Cha
as a native of hong kong, roy calls this uncommon black tea from guangdong province a taste of home. the handsome furry leaf tips, oxidized to a beautiful shade of gold, have a heady aroma that mixes exotic tropical scents of sugar cane and bamboo. we call this tea jin hao li cha (golden fur gift tea) because not only is it delicious enough to please the most discriminating black tea lover, but it also makes a stunning visual impression. in the cup it yields a rich amber liquor. familiar yet intriguing, flavorful but not overpowering, this tea is the equivalent of comfort food in a cup.
Organic English Breakfast
a crisp and robust certified organic english breakfast style black tea blend. beautifully complemented by milk and sugar or honey and lemon. now available in non-organic "silk" pyramid teabags, enjoy full leaf tea with the teabag convenience.
Keemun Black
this tea is everything a good keemun should be: sweetly fragrant, delicately floral, and deliciously refreshing at any time of the day.
Yunnan Gold Rings
the recent, phenomenal popularity of puerh tea has considerably slowed the production of black tea in yunnan province, as farmers and factories are all rushing to produce puerhs and black tea production has virtually been forgotten. however, as the puerh stampede has abated somewhat due to over-production and poor quality, black tea is beginning to make a comeback. we are very pleased to offer this true yunnan tea for your consideration. it consists of only fuzzy gold-colored tips that have been hand-fashioned into uniformly sized rings. the liquor is a deep ruby red and has a chocolate-like note that is hard to find in present-day yunnans.
Earl Grey
named for charles grey, the prime minister to king william iv in the early 19th century, earl grey's famous tea gets its distinctive flavor from the oil of bergamot, an acidic orange-like fruit. to enhance your experience, we are offering this classic tea with a slight floral essence of lavender. the result is an excellent daily drinking tea full of body and flavor. perfect for any occasion, earl grey with lavender is great with milk and sugar or on its own.
Lapsang Souchong
this well known and popular tea is a specialty of fujian province where, after the leaves are oxidized, they are cured over smoking pine log fires - from which they take on their distinctively rich, malty flavor. this special process for creating the unique flavor of lapsang souchong is believed to have originated when, in a rush finish production, tea makers lit fires of local pine wood to hurry the drying of their leaves. the fame of the captivating smoky tea which resulted quickly spread and today lapsang souchong is enjoyed around the world. imperial tea court's unique lapsang souchong is custom-produced to create a distinctively delicious balance of aroma, flavor, body and finish. a treat for lapsang drinkers and a revelation for those who aren't.
Organic Golden Tip Black Tea
organic golden tip is a delightfully fruity and flavorful new organic black tea that's so delicious you'll want to serve it to your most honored guests, yet affordable enough to drink every day. made from young leaves plus abundant furry tips oxidized to a brilliant gold, this handsome tea immediately impresses with its rich, fruity nose. it infuses to a deep amber liquor marked by notes of ripe fruit with tantalizing hints of smoke, and ends with a sweet, crisp finish.
Superior Muscatel Darjeeling
we just received our shipment of 2010 muscatel darjeeling, and we delighted with the results! this year roy blended tea from two high-mountain mirik valley estates, thurbo and soureneee, to produce a rich, full-bodied infusion with all the potent fruitiness that makes darjeeling a favorite among black tea aficionados.
Imperial Breakfast
a unique imperial blend of superior black teas balanced in the classic tradition of complex, full-flavored breakfast teas. beautifully colored in bright amber tones, imperial breakfast's spicy aroma and well-rounded taste refresh with hints of citrus and a whisper of smoke. best with a wedge of lemon or sugar, try this alternative start to the day or as a stimulating tea break.
Red Peony
before they are dried, tea leaves that are highly oxidized or in tea term, fermented, (as required for black teas) turn from green to red in color. accordingly fermented teas were originally known as red teas in china. black teas became known as such after tea production was introduced in india by the british.
Green Tea
Organic Purple Bamboo
one of our most popular green teas returns this spring in a new edition, and is as enticing as ever. china's eastern coastal province of zhejiang produces some of the finest green teas on earth, including this year's organic purple bamboo. originally a tribute to the imperial court during the tang dynasty, purple bamboo is still prized in its modern day form and often used as special gift to important people. we are pleased to have negotiated for a limited amount of this great gift tea to share with you. purple bamboo's flavors are elegant and easily accessible and its forgiving nature certainly makes it an easy choice for every tea occasion.
Osmanthus Dragon Well
the osmanthus flower (osmanthus fragrans) is native to southern china and highly prized for its uniquely fragrant, fruity-floral blossoms. it is used in the production of costly perfumes and here as a complement to one of china's best known and most popular green teas. the distinctive fragrance of osmanthus beautifully accents the rich, smooth flavor of dragon well for a deliciously full-bodied cup that is memorably sweet and floral. an excellent green tea for any time of day.
2012 Harvest Imperial Dragon Well
we're pleased to present the 2012 edition of imperial dragon well. all of our tea pickers and tea makers stood by and produced this fine tea during a brief three days of good weather. as demanded by tradition and good tea making sense, spring teas are not harvested during rainy days. the brief halt in rain gave us the window needed to pick and produce our imperial standard dragon well, according to our ultra high standards, completely hand-crafted by the same tea makers working for roy for the past 15 years. this year's harvest displays a uniquely thicker texture and viscosity, with a soft but insistent finish. due to the rain and cold weather, this year's harvest is extremely limited at less than half of last year's total production.
2009 Cui Feng
china's eastern coastal province of zhejiang produces some of the finest green teas on earth, including this year's beautiful and unique cui feng. this classic green tea is distinguished by the tufts of fur that jacket each leaf, providing a striking contrast of color and texture.
2011 Harvest Snow Water Dragon Tips
named dragon "tips" for its sharp and pointed leaves, snow water dragon tips is a treat for any tea lover: a rare find of complexity and body. this exceptionally energetic and complex green tea seems to combine the virtues of snow water, thousand lakes silver needles, and west lake dragon well: sweetness and full-bodied smoothness with nutty and buttery notes. the 2011 production is uniform and tippy with more of that unmistakable and delightfully thick silky viscosity. it's a one-of-a-kind tea full of deliciously complex spring flavors.
Organic Lavender Green
responding to the growing awareness of the numerous health benefits associated with drinking green tea, we have created an especially aromatic and flavorful blend of certified organically produced green tea, natural bergamot essences and whole organic lavender flowers which has become one of our top sellers.
Rose Garden Dragon Well
a combination of two of the world's favorite flavors: the rich chestnut-like taste and rounded mouth-feel of premium dragon well wedded to the floral aroma and pungent sweetness of rose petals. decadent or imperial? you decide! but not to be missed.
Dancing Blossoms
this beautiful work of art has been one of our top-selling teas since we introduced it. and this year's dancing blossoms has been improved and produced with high quality organically grown green tea! tippy, spring-harvested green tea is individually hand-tied into a jade treasure sphere. after infusion, the jade sphere slowly opens into an elegant flower which releases a floating string of beautiful white jasmine flowers to dance and sway in the water of your teapot, as if the flowers are gently swaying in a summer breeze. in this year's tea, the slowly swaying jasmine blossoms are now complimented with a lotus of red leaves. the visual presentation is unforgettable.
Mountaineer's Green Tea Chai
our imperial chai has been gaining popularity since its introduction and many of you have asked us to come up with a green tea chai. we heard you and we've done it! formulated with herbs and spices to resemble the spiced green tea used by china's southwestern highlanders, imperial tea court's mountaineer's green tea chai is strong and bold, perfectly suited to be enjoyed with milk and sugar or paired with strong or spicy foods.
Green Peony
named for the lucky flower of wealth it resembles, this truly unique and beautiful tea is carefully hand-made by experienced tea artisans who select and arrange the choicest large tea buds and tie them with a silk thread. the resulting intricate little buds "blossom" when covered with hot water and produce a sweet-smelling, pale gold infusion with a deliciously smooth and floral, full-bodied flavor which lasts through many infusions.
Lychee Blossoms
a new addition to our flower tea collection, this beauty features a red lychee flower waiting to blossom inside a surrounding flower of green tea. subtly scented with jasmine and flavored with lychee fruit, this stunning tea will display beautifully in a glass teapot (see below under "related tea products").
Fu Yang Sparrow Tongue Dragon Well
for several consecutive year, we offer dragon well from a farm in the fu yang area, approximately two hours away from the classic west lake dragon well district and, at 600 meters (about 2000 feet), of considerably higher elevation. by hiring our chosen tea pickers and artisans already accustomed to our requirements, the fu yang farm this year has succeeded in producing a hardy dragon well that has again exceeded expectations. it has all of the intensity and complexity expected of a great dragon well. this tea inspires high hopes that the fu yang farm may eventually produce our imperial dragon well.
Hunan Lotus Heart
grown and manufactured in hunan province, this is a true "lotus heart" tea that closely resembles the first-class dragon well from zhejiang but deserves to be appreciated on its own considerable merits. the blade-shaped leaf is amazingly uniform and consists exclusively of buds. this beautiful hunan lotus heart has a buttery mouth-feel and lightly vegetative and delicate yet powerful flavor and aroma.
Gunpowder
one of the best known and most widely consumed green teas in the world. also known as the green pearl for its pleasing shape and color, the best gunpowder is produced in zhejiang province by rolling large, tender leaves into evenly sized little balls which blossom under hot water to produce a full-flavored, refreshingly astringent infusion with a hint of smokiness. a stimulating "breakfast" tea in the morning or served as an accompaniment to food anytime. also popular in many parts of the world served with mint.
Valentine Rose
we've saved this special tea just for this special day of the heart. valentine rose is a perfect-sized and exquisitely hand-tied heart of green tea, representing the force of life. within the heart is a white chrysanthemum, representing purity, and enclosed within the heart of the chrysanthemum is a red rose, representing passion and romance. when infused in hot water, all three elements are revealed one by one. this tea is simply a marvel to the eyes and a unique and unequaled way to ask that special someone to be your valentine! your valentine will not only find the tea charming but delicious as well.
Genmai Cha
one of our most popular tea selections. the quality of imperial's genmai cha is evident in its dark green color, large, even leaf size, and perfect blend of lightly roasted and popped rice. the flavor of its bright yellow infusion is strong and savory with a pleasant aftertaste.
Dragon Well
high grown in zhejiang province, this year's dragon well is nutty and sweet and, as always, full bodied with just the right amount of complexity. due to weather conditions, this year's harvest is less than half of the usual production. dragon well lovers need to hurry!
2012 Harvest: Imperial Lotus Heart Dr
imperial tea court is pleased to present our 2012 lian rui (lotus heart) dragon well, a masterpiece that is truly the highest expression of the teamaster's art. the tiny leaf sets (the tea plant's first production of spring, during a brief break from foul weather), each consist of a single leaf and an unopened bud, and have been hand-sorted for breathtaking uniformity, giving the tea an exquisite visual presentation.
Organic Yunnan Mao Feng
we discovered this special green tea during our quest for green puerh materials. this unique green tea features a delightful apricot-like fruitiness and a "just right" chewy viscosity that make it memorable. to double up on the bargain, the unique quality of yunnan's green tea makes possible extended aging in dry climates.
Valentine Rose
we've saved this special tea just for this special day of the heart. valentine rose is a perfect-sized and exquisitely hand-tied heart of green tea, representing the force of life. within the heart is a white chrysanthemum, representing purity, and enclosed within the heart of the chrysanthemum is a red rose, representing passion and romance. when infused in hot water, all three elements are revealed one by one. this tea is simply a marvel to the eyes and a unique and unequaled way to ask that special someone to be your valentine! your valentine will not only find the tea charming but delicious as well.
Misty Mountain
though not widely known outside china, southwestern yunnan province produces some of the world's most unique and flavorful green teas. one of the most highly prized among them is the silvery, down-covered leaf of misty mountain. the taste is bright, crisp, and distinctively fruity, and the large, hearty buds last through many infusions.
Organic Dragon Well
china's premiere green tea now available in our long-awaited first certified organic dragon well. beautiful deep green leaves, that famous dragon well aroma and a rich and full-bodied flavor with a crisp finish. vacuum packed for maximum freshness.
Organic Cloud Mist
another exciting new organic green tea we're proud to welcome to our green tea collection. attractively curled deep green leaves produce a sunny golden-yellow infusion with a strong green tea flavor and crisp refreshing finish.
Yunnan Spring Tips
some of the most famous teas on earth come from yunnan, the world renowned yunnan black tea and yunnan puerh tea have long been prized by tea aficionados worldwide. however, most people do not know that yunnan produces great green tea too! this year, we have acquired a great one for your consideration. yunnan spring tips is selected from early spring harvest.
Organic Gunpowder
gunpowder is one of the best known and widely drunk green teas in the world. also known as the green pearl for its pleasing shape and color, our certified organic gunpowder is produced in zhejiang province under strict imo supervision by rolling large, tender leaves into evenly sized little balls which "blossom" under hot water to produce a full, rich and smooth cup of refreshing green tea. excellent as a hearty breakfast or afternoon tea or served with food anytime.
Organic Sencha
a unique and well-known style of green tea popularized in japan. sencha's deep green color and distinctively fresh, grassy flavor come from special steam processing during manufacture.
Longevity Green
we welcome the return of longevity green, one of our most popular green teas. this years is every bit as good as last year's harvest, lusciously green and full bodied, with a lingering finish and no astringency. this top quality green tea is hand-harvested, allowed to wither indoors for a short time to soften, and then steamed. the steaming arrests any further oxidization (applying heat to tea leaves helps to stop the leaves from oxidizing and turning red). moistened and softened by steaming, the leaves are then rolled into tightly curled "needles."
Flower Of Prosperity
gold and red are the colors of good fortune and prosperity, respectively. this exquisitely hand-tied green tea reveals a string of gold and red blossoms when brewed. a feast for the eye as well as the palate, and the perfect gift.
Imperial Ivory Green Tea
we're always excited when roy brings a rare and exotic tea specimen back from his travels in china. this year we've dubbed one of his finds imperial ivory because it's an uncommon albino version of our popular imperial green. don't be misled by this tea's yellowish appearance; it's the result of the tea genetically producing less chlorophyll. that means it's not as fresh and grassy as its jade-colored sibling, but instead it offers weighty texture and a sweet, full flavor that would pair delightfully with a meal. the leaves become even paler upon infusion, and the liquor is light yellow, belying its rich taste. a rewarding tea destined to become one of this year's favorites!
Sword Of The Emperor
those fortunate enough in the past to have savored sword of the emperor, yunnan's unforgettable premier green tea (from the "da ye" "big leaf" puerh varietal), will rejoice over this tea, while those drinking it for the first time will simply be amazed. the springy, long and tightly rolled leaf is beautiful and consists only of large, down-covered buds. its liquor has a light but distinct aroma and a flavor that combines fruity sweetness with a dry, vegetative character. together these set off a commotion on the palate that is somehow like drinking chinese preserved plums, and these exhilarating taste sensations taper off to a long finish. this tea is extremely forgiving and seems to yield endless infusions.
Green Tea Ginger Ginseng
we've added green tea to increase the healthful properties of our popular ginger ginseng tea. the green tea supplies antioxidants while the ginger and ginseng help support a healthy immune system. other fine herbs add depth and balance to this healthful herbal tonic. it is stimulating and delicious morning or afternoon, hot or iced and sweetened with honey.
Oolong Tea
2011 Spring Harvest Imperial Green Oolong
our spring harvest imperial green oolong is always a customer favorite! the 2011 edition is a special treat. we've sourced our top grade of green oolong from the renowned high-mountain region fu shou shan, the home of the finest tea reserved for taiwan's leaders. our selection features potent florals that never overwhelm, but work in harmony with the fresh green flavor and hint of firing that make it uncommonly smooth and balanced. you know it will be a special experience as soon as you see the bright, almost egg-yellow liquor and get a whiff of the exquisite, multidimensional aroma. rich with a mouth-filling texture and pleasantly floral finish, this tea is packed with flavor and delivers many satisfying infusions.
Monkey Picked Tie Guan Yin
monkey-picked tie guan yin has been imperial tea court's signature tea ever since we opened our doors back in the summer of 1993. the tea that was wild grown in the wuyi mountains was once so rare and difficult to harvest that it was said only monkeys could gather leaves from such inaccessible mountainsides. therefore, south china tea merchants traditionally called their best tea "monkey-picked" to signify its rarity. a proprietor's monkey-picked tea is like his calling card, representing his personality and tea philosophy. no traditional tea merchant calls a tea monkey-picked lightly! our monkey-picked tie guan yin is nothing less than exceptional.
Aged Oolong
traditionally, tea merchants keep all of their oolongs for aging, firing the tea yearly to remove unwanted moisture and further heighten and seal in flavors. after years of gentle firing, the tea develops a smooth, rich texture that's unequaled by newer oolong tea. the dark ruby color and its thick, chewy mouth feel are sorely missing in "new age" oolong teas. the chinese also use aged oolongs to help regulate digestive ailments. if you've forgotten, or you have not tasted a highly oxidized and high-fired oolong tea, this aged old oolong is your chance to discover the past again.
Fancy Tieguanyin
the large, bold leaves, and rich, roasted, slightly nutty flavor of this excellent oolong make it a good introduction to imperial tea court's world famous collection of tieguanyin teas.
Winter Harvest Phoenix Oolong (huang Zhi Xiang)
known for its golden color in the cup and fresh floral aromatics, yellow gold oolong is a step between the floral characteristics of the "green" style and the more bold and nutty flavors of the "dark" style oolongs. the thinner and smaller leaves require less rolling and pressing, and this same quality produces a bouquet of well-rounded and mature floral flavors, yielding a smooth mouth feel and gentle soothing finish. this tea is suitable for any occasion and brews well as gung fu style tea or in gaiwans. brew at higher temperatures for fuller flavor or lower temperature for more floral aromatics. a steal at an extremely reasonable price, it will also make your summer days a breeze when made into an iced tea!
Jasmine Oolong
we are pleased to welcome back this popular jasmine-scented oolong, produced with a fragrant fall-harvested tie guan yin from fujian province. this year's jasmine oolong combines the gentle, sweet scent of fresh summer jasmine blossoms with tie guan yin's own unique floral fragrances to yield full-bodied richness and spirit-lifting aromas.
Bai Ye Phoenix Oolong
bai ye is famed for its intense florals, and once you taste it you'll be astonished that this extraordinary oolong from guangdong province's legendary feng huang shan (phoenix mountain) is produced without any additional scenting. the "flowers" are all in the leaf itself, a powerful reminder of tea's heritage in the camellia family. unlike floral green oolongs, bai ye is dark roasted, adding more complexity. anyone who appreciates floral oolongs must try this remarkable tea!
2011 Edition Bai Ji Guan
along with da hong pao, bai ji guan (white cock's comb) is among the four most famous yan cha from the wu yi shan region. this uncommon tea makes a striking visual impression with its pale yellow-green leaves fringed in chestnut that instantly set it apart from any other tea. the liquor is yellow-gold. the infusion has a strongly fruity aroma; there's an almost chocolate and candy-like sweetness in the fragrance. on the palate, more florals come into play.
2009 Harvest Yan Ru
this uncommon yan cha, reputed to be an ancient variety, attracted roy's attention on a visit to wu yi shan because of its "distinctive kind of floral." the infusion smells strikingly sweet and fruity, almost plum-like. in the cup it infuses to a rich amber color, with the orange tone that reveals a moderate level of oxidization and firing. on the palate you immediately notice sweetness and the creamy, mouth-coating vicosity that gives the tea its name. there's a distinct floral undernote, held in check by yan cha's signature mineral element.
Gui Fei Cha
gui fei cha ("concubine tea") is an uncommon oolong from taiwan. it's produced by a unique method: it briefly attacked by insects, tea green leaf hoppers. the plant's natural defense to the invasion changes the flavor of the leaf and unexpectedly yields a distinctive floral almost honey-like aroma and taste to the tea. you'll notice that gui fei cha is made with a smaller leaf set than most oolongs, and includes tips.
2011 Edition Da Hong Pao
we've finally found a da hong pao that we feel is worthy of this storied variety's famous name! this is an attractive tea with greenish black leaves and red-brown leaf edges. it infuses to an orange-red liquor. in the cup it has a sweet, floral aroma with caramelized notes that develop when abundant sap in the leaves is exposed to the direct heat of firing.
Orchid Oolong
back in stock in this newly refined version, our long-popular orchid oolong is now made using premium quality tie guan yin that has been fired before being scented with chinese "magnolia" (yulan orchid) blossoms. the result is a gentle yet rich and intensely floral tea with the ti kuan yin varietal's unmistakable aroma and taste. the almost fruity orchid flavor becomes apricot- and peach-like as the liquor cools. a superb tea you will find hard to forget.
Superior Yellow Gold Oolong
known for its golden color in the cup and fresh floral aromatics, yellow gold oolong is a step between the floral characteristics of the "green" style and the more bold and nutty flavors of the "dark" style oolongs. the thinner and smaller leaves require less rolling and pressing, and this same quality produces a bouquet of well-rounded and mature floral flavors, yielding a smooth mouth feel and gentle soothing finish. this tea is suitable for any occasion and brews well as gung fu style tea or in gaiwans. brew at higher temperatures for fuller flavor or lower temperature for more floral aromatics. a steal at an extremely reasonable price, it will also make your summer days a breeze when made into an iced tea!
Superior Four Season Spring Oolong
a superior lightly oxidized green oolong tea from taiwan - whose famous high mountain gardens provide the perfect environment in which to cultivate its large, distinctively fragrant leaves. under hot water they unfurl to produce a delicate infusion whose smooth, well-rounded flavor is uniquely sweet and floral, with a refreshing, long-lasting aftertaste. a sophisticated tea priced for everyday drinking.
Wuyi Tie Luo Han
tie luo han, all but unknown abroad, is the cultivar responsible for one of the four most famous yan cha, the great "rock teas" grown on cliffs in the wuyi shan area of northern fujian, the chinese province on the southeastern coast facing taiwan. tie luo han might be fancifully translated "iron apostle" or "iron guardian of god" (luo han being the chinese for "arhat" or "bodhisattva, ")and "iron" describing the tea's darkish appearance. it is full-bodied and supple, with gentle floral notes and the traditional long-lasting finish of oolongs from the wuyi region.
Old Bush Shui Xian Tea Cake
since the qing dynasty, the aging value of wuyi's "old bush" (tea bushes that are one hundred years old or more) has been prized by true wuyi tea connoisseurs. a few years of aging will smooth off the harshness, bring deeper colors to the liquor and give more build to the body. wuyi tea famers typically age some part of their yearly harvest, re-firing this leaf every year or so to remove unwanted moisture and staleness and to seal in flavors. these slow and gentle firings continue to build up the character of the tea.
High Mountain Green Oolong
lovers of floral oolongs will enjoy this lightly-oxidized classic green oolong, which displays rare characteristics of well defined floral bouquet without bitterness or harshness. this tea has been gently roasted to preserve its floral aromatics and attractive bright green color. the forgiving nature of this wonderful everyday tea makes it very suitable for gung fun tea presentation.
Imperial Wuyi Yan Cha
like most mountain folks, the people of wuyi shan are straight-forward and no-nonsens, they like their foods and teas to be strong and full spirited. their attitude in life is not unlike their food: no beating around the bush for these great southern mountaineers.