Dark TeaChina

Hei Zhuan Tea

Dark Brick · Hei Zhuan Cha

EarthyWoodySmooth

Hei Zhuan, or Dark Brick, is a dense pressed dark tea from Anhua, Hunan, made from coarser leaves pressed into standardized bricks.

Hei Zhuan tea — loose leaves
Dark TeaRich · Aged · Complex
Strong body
Tea TypeDark TeaRich · Aged · Complex
OriginHunan (Anhua), China
OxidationHighRoast: Medium
BodyStrong
CaffeineMedium25–50 mg / cup

Flavor Profile

What does Hei Zhuan taste like?

Hei Zhuan, or Dark Brick, is a dense pressed dark tea from Anhua, Hunan, made from coarser leaves pressed into standardized bricks. The cup is straightforward and grounding: smooth earthy depth, old wood, and a mild natural sweetness with very little bitterness. It was historically produced for trade along the Tea Horse Road, and its compact form made it easy to transport. Brewing is forgiving — rinse, then steep or simmer.

Flavor NotesStrongest first
Earthy5 / 5
Woody4 / 5
Smooth3 / 5
Bold2 / 5

Bar length reflects the relative prominence of each flavor note (dominant first), not a laboratory measurement.

Origin

Hunan (Anhua), China

Hei Zhuan is one of the classic Anhua dark tea bricks traded from Hunan into Tibet and Mongolia.

The birthplace of tea, producing every major tea style from green to dark.

Hunan (Anhua), China

Brewing Guide

How to Brew Hei Zhuan

Tea Amount5 g
Water250 ml
Temperature95–100°C
Steep0.5–1 min
Re-steep5–8 times

Brewing parameters are a starting point and can be adjusted to taste.

Caffeine

Caffeine in Hei Zhuan

Medium

Typical brewed serving

25–50mg per cup

Hei Zhuan is a medium-caffeine dark tea. A typical brewed serving contains about 25–50 mg of caffeine.

Values can vary depending on quantity, brewing time, serving size, and preparation method.

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Side by Side

Want to see how Hei Zhuan compares?

Put Hei Zhuan next to Fu Zhuan and compare flavor, origin, caffeine, and brewing side by side.

FAQ

Hei Zhuan Tea FAQ

Quick answers about Hei Zhuan tea, drawn from its flavor, origin, caffeine, and brewing profile.

What is Hei Zhuan tea?

Hei Zhuan, or Dark Brick, is a dense pressed dark tea from Anhua, Hunan, made from coarser leaves pressed into standardized bricks. It is also known as Dark Brick and Hei Zhuan Cha.

Does Hei Zhuan tea have caffeine?

Yes. Hei Zhuan is a medium-caffeine tea, typically 25–50 mg per brewed serving.

What does Hei Zhuan tea taste like?

Hei Zhuan is known for a profile led by Earthy, Woody, and Smooth, with a strong body.

How do you brew Hei Zhuan tea?

Use about 5 g of tea per 250 ml of water at 95–100°C, steeping for 0.5–1 minutes. It can be re-steeped 5–8 times.

Is Hei Zhuan tea bitter?

Bitterness is not a defining note of Hei Zhuan; its profile centers on Earthy, Woody, and Smooth.