Ruby Red #18 Tea
Hong Yu · Red Jade · Taiwan Tea #18
Ruby #18 — sold as Hong Yu or 'Red Jade' — is a Taiwanese black tea cultivar from Sun Moon Lake, bred from a Burmese assamica parent crossed with a native Taiwanese wild variety.
Flavor Profile
What does Ruby Red #18 taste like?
Ruby #18 — sold as Hong Yu or 'Red Jade' — is a Taiwanese black tea cultivar from Sun Moon Lake, bred from a Burmese assamica parent crossed with a native Taiwanese wild variety. The cup is unmistakable: cinnamon spice and wintergreen mint over a thick, malty body with a long, cooling finish. It is one of the most distinctive black teas in the world and a flagship of modern Taiwanese tea, winning international recognition since its release.
Bar length reflects the relative prominence of each flavor note (dominant first), not a laboratory measurement.
Origin
Sun Moon Lake (Nantou), Taiwan
Ruby #18 was developed by Taiwan's Tea Research and Extension Station and thrives around Sun Moon Lake.
Island origin celebrated for high-mountain and roasted oolongs.
Brewing Guide
How to Brew Ruby Red #18
Brewing parameters are a starting point and can be adjusted to taste.
Caffeine
Caffeine in Ruby Red #18
Typical brewed serving
Ruby Red #18 is a high-caffeine black tea. A typical brewed serving contains about 40–70 mg of caffeine.
Values can vary depending on quantity, brewing time, serving size, and preparation method.
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FAQ
Ruby Red #18 Tea FAQ
Quick answers about Ruby Red #18 tea, drawn from its flavor, origin, caffeine, and brewing profile.
What is Ruby Red #18 tea?
Ruby #18 — sold as Hong Yu or 'Red Jade' — is a Taiwanese black tea cultivar from Sun Moon Lake, bred from a Burmese assamica parent crossed with a native Taiwanese wild variety. It is also known as Hong Yu, Red Jade, and Taiwan Tea #18.
Does Ruby Red #18 tea have caffeine?
Yes. Ruby Red #18 is a high-caffeine tea, typically 40–70 mg per brewed serving.
What does Ruby Red #18 tea taste like?
Ruby Red #18 is known for a profile led by Spicy, Malty, and Fresh, with a strong body.
How do you brew Ruby Red #18 tea?
Use about 3 g of tea per 250 ml of water at 95–100°C, steeping for 3–5 minutes. It can be re-steeped 1–2 times.
Is Ruby Red #18 tea bitter?
Bitterness is not a defining note of Ruby Red #18; its profile centers on Spicy, Malty, and Fresh.