XIXICHA Red Jade Ruby Sun Moon Lake Tea

Not quite—and that's what makes it interesting. This Red Jade has a unique character that leans toward oolong territory with grassy, floral notes rather than the fruity or malty flavors you might expect from a standard black tea. Several drinkers mention it's 'very different from typical black tea,' so if you're looking for something familiar, this might surprise you. But if you're curious about exploring new flavor profiles, it's a great educational experience.

This is where Red Jade really shines—reviewers consistently praise its smoothness and minimal bitterness. Even if you accidentally oversteep it, the tea stays forgiving and mellow. The lack of astringency means you get a clean, pleasant finish without that harsh, puckering sensation. It's one of the most beginner-friendly aspects of this tea.

Think rich and complex with beautiful floral aromatics—almost perfumy in a good way. You'll notice toasted notes, a slight sweetness, and that distinctive grassy character that some find surprising. The flavor has real depth and body, though it's moderate in strength rather than bold. Multiple reviewers describe it as something you want to savor slowly, not just gulp down.

Definitely good for multiple infusions—the large leaf pieces hold up well to re-steeping. This AAA grade quality is substantial enough to reward gong fu brewing if you want to go that route, though it works fine in a basic infuser too. You don't need much leaf per cup, so the tea goes further than you might expect.

The storage container gets mixed reviews—some arrive dented in shipping, and the design has sharp edges and isn't truly airtight. You might want to transfer it to a better container when it arrives. Also, if you're specifically craving fruity black tea notes, this isn't that tea. The grassy, oolong-like character is either a feature or a bug depending on your expectations.

Actually, yes. Despite being a specialty AAA grade tea, it's surprisingly forgiving for beginners. You only need a small amount per cup, it filters easily even in basic infusers, and it won't punish you with bitterness if your timing isn't perfect. Plus, trying something this different from typical black tea is a great way to expand your palate and understand what's possible in the tea world.