Product Description
Taiwan Sun Moon Lake Ruby Black Tea is a loose leaf black tea made from TTES No. 18, the celebrated Ruby Black Tea cultivar. Grown in Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan, it brews a deep red liquor with a full-bodied yet smooth and refreshing character.
Look for natural mint and warm cinnamon aromas, honeyed and fruity accents, and a clean, mellow sweetness that lingers after each sip. Enjoy it hot or cold when you want a richly aromatic cup with a satisfying finish.
Tea Story
In 2025, the BestLeafTea team traveled to Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan, one of the island’s most renowned black tea regions and the home of Ruby Black Tea. We visited local tea farmers and tasted through their teas in search of something truly special. This was the tea that stood out to us most.
One farmer shared a story from decades ago: local tea seekers once crossed the mountains around Shuishe Dashan in search of precious native Taiwanese wild tea plants. It was said that finding just two plants could earn them a full day’s wages. That sense of rarity, patience, and respect for the land remains deeply connected to Sun Moon Lake tea culture today.
For us, this tea is a small memory of a journey through Taiwan’s tea country, and one we are pleased to share with you.
Key Features
- Loose leaf Taiwan black tea from the Sun Moon Lake region
- Made from TTES No. 18, also known as Ruby Black Tea
- Full-bodied, smooth, and naturally sweet with a clean, lingering finish
- Distinctive aroma with natural mint, warm cinnamon, honeyed, and fruity notes
- Hand harvested to a traditional one bud and two leaves standard and SGS multi-residue pesticide tested after seasonal production
TTES No. 18 was developed from a cross between a native Taiwanese wild tea variety and a Burmese large-leaf tea cultivar. The tea is processed through hand picking, withering, rolling, oxidation, and drying, with temperature and humidity carefully managed during oxidation to develop its aroma, color, and depth.
Flavor Profile
- Aroma: Natural mint, warm cinnamon, honeyed and fruity notes
- Taste: Rich, smooth, refreshing, and naturally sweet
- Finish: Clean, mellow, and lingering
Who This Tea Is For
- Black tea drinkers who enjoy a full-bodied cup with a smooth finish
- Tea lovers curious about Taiwan’s distinctive Ruby Black Tea cultivar
- Anyone who appreciates naturally aromatic teas with mint and cinnamon-like notes
- Hot tea and iced tea drinkers looking for a richly flavored loose leaf tea
Q&A
What is Taiwan Sun Moon Lake Ruby Black Tea (TTES No. 18) 150g?
This is a loose leaf black tea from Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan, made from TTES No. 18, also called Ruby Black Tea. It is known for its aromatic character, deep red liquor, and full-bodied yet smooth cup.
What does this tea taste like?
The cup is rich and full-bodied, with a smooth, refreshing texture and natural sweetness. Its aroma brings together fresh mint, warm cinnamon, honeyed, and fruity notes, followed by a clean, lingering finish.
Does this tea contain caffeine?
Yes. As a black tea, Ruby Black Tea naturally contains caffeine. The strength of the cup can vary with the amount of leaf used and the steeping time.
Is this tea bitter?
It is described as smooth, clean, and naturally sweet rather than bitter. Use the recommended water temperature and steeping times, and adjust to your preferred strength, for a balanced cup.
How many times can I steep this tea?
You can enjoy up to four infusions using the recommended steeping schedule. Later steeps become lighter while continuing to show the tea’s aromatic sweetness.
What's the difference between loose leaf and tea bags?
Loose leaf tea gives the leaves more room to open during brewing, which can bring out fuller aroma and flavor. Tea bags are convenient, while loose leaf tea offers more control over leaf amount and steep time.
How long does shipping take?
Orders usually ship within 1-3 business days.
Where do you ship from?
We ship from California, USA.