At a glance: Tai Ping Hou Kui Superior BIO, a rare Chinese grand cru from Anhui with long, flat leaves. Brew at 75-80°C for 2 minutes, 12-15 g/L. Notes of orchid, sweet chestnut and a silky finish.
Tai Ping Hou Kui ranks among the most singular green teas in China. Its appearance is immediately striking: two whole leaves, sometimes six to seven centimetres long, gently hand-pressed into that unmistakable flat shape.
We chose it because it belongs to a precious lineage, the rare teas and grand crus of China that Julien Huot selects directly from small producers committed to organic farming. A goldsmith's tea, to be savoured slowly.
The Aromatic Profile of Tai Ping Hou Kui Superior
The moment you open the pouch, the leaves release a refined vegetal scent, faintly floral, with orchid already hinting at what is to come. The liquor, clear and golden, unfolds a bouquet of rare delicacy.
On the first sip, the cup opens with a gentle, almost crystalline herbaceous freshness. No bitterness, no astringency: this grand cru expresses itself with quiet restraint and understated elegance.
At its heart, the tea's characteristic aromatic signature reveals itself. The Chinese call it Hou Yun, literally "the monkey's charm": a lingering floral orchid quality paired with the sweetness of fresh chestnut, followed by a faint milky note.
On the finish, the liquor leaves a silky, subtly sweet sensation in the mouth, almost honeyed. This length is the hallmark of truly great teas: it lingers for several minutes after the last sip, inviting a second, contemplative cup.
This pure profile, with no pronounced roasting, makes it a refined alternative to more familiar green teas like sencha or matcha. If you love rare and complex teas, explore our Mao Feng Hua Hai green tea, another Chinese grand cru of remarkable finesse.
The Origin: Mount Huangshan, Shiyan Terroir
Our Tai Ping Hou Kui Superior grows on the mist-covered slopes of Mount Huangshan, in Anhui province, at the heart of China's high-altitude tea gardens. More precisely, it comes from the Shiyan terroir near Tunxi, the historic birthplace of this cultivar.
The region's climate, defined by constant humidity, morning mists and rich granitic soils, gives the leaves a unique aromatic concentration. The tea bushes, grown using organic farming methods, are harvested in spring once the buds have reached full maturity.
Each leaf is then picked individually and hand-pressed between two fine meshes to achieve the famous flat, veined shape. Patient, painstaking work, which explains the rarity and value of this tea.
How to Brew Tai Ping Hou Kui Superior
Brewing a Chinese grand cru calls for a little care. Here are our parameters for bringing out the full nobility of this liquor:
- Water: low in minerals, such as Volvic or Mont Roucous, so as not to mask the delicate aromas.
- Temperature: 75 to 80°C. Water that is too hot will scorch the tender leaves and release bitterness.
- Quantity: 12 to 15 g per litre, roughly one generous tablespoon per 500 ml.
- Steeping time: 2 minutes for the first infusion.
- Vessel: a large transparent glass or a wide-spouted teapot allows the long leaves to unfurl freely.
Place the leaves in your vessel, pour the water once it has been brought to the boil and allowed to cool slightly, then steep without stirring. Watch the leaves slowly rise toward the surface: one of the quiet pleasures this tea offers.
The leaves can be re-steeped three to four times, increasing the steeping time slightly with each cup. Each infusion reveals a different facet: more floral on the first, sweeter by the third.
To continue exploring Chinese grand crus, you may also enjoy our White Monkey 1st Grade Deluxe green tea, another rare signature from our house.
Storage
Keep your Tai Ping Hou Kui away from light, moisture and strong odours, in an airtight, opaque container. Once opened, consume it within six months to preserve its full floral signature.
Avoid the refrigerator, which creates condensation when the container is opened. A dry, cool and stable shelf is more than sufficient to protect this grand cru.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tai Ping Hou Kui?
Tai Ping Hou Kui is a Chinese grand cru green tea, recognisable by its long, flat leaves hand-pressed into shape. From Anhui province, it is celebrated for its Hou Yun aromatic signature: a blend of orchid, sweet chestnut and a silky finish.
How do I brew Tai Ping Hou Kui?
Use low-mineral water at 75-80°C, measure 12 to 15 g per litre and steep for 2 minutes. A transparent glass or wide-spouted teapot allows the long leaves to open fully. Three to four successive infusions are possible.
Where does Tai Ping Hou Kui come from?
Our tea comes from Mount Huangshan in Anhui province, China, more specifically from the Shiyan terroir near Tunxi. This historic site offers a misty climate and granitic soils that give the leaves an exceptional aromatic concentration.
What does the Superior grade mean?
The Superior grade denotes a higher quality within the Tai Ping Hou Kui hierarchy. It guarantees whole, long and uniform leaves, hand-harvested and hand-formed in spring. Our version is also certified organic.
To explore more grand crus from our house, take a look at our Darjeeling SFTGFOP1 Phuguri first flush organic black tea, and if you enjoy warming drinks as the cooler seasons arrive, have a read of our article on autumn herbal infusions.
