Jin Junmei

Jin Junmei

　　Jin Junmei is positioned as a top-tier black tea, originating from Tongmuguan in the Wuyishan National Nature Reserve. The area features weathered, semi-rocky, semi-sandy soil, along with a unique and favorable ecosystem and climate, producing tea buds of unparalleled quality compared to other regions.

　　“Since the highest grade of Zhengshan Xiaozhong black tea is limited to special grade, is there a Zhengshan Xiaozhong that’s even better than special grade?” Inspired by a casual remark from a friend, Liang Junde, then the manager of the technical department at Zhengshan Tea Industry Co., Ltd., and his colleagues successfully produced the first batch of “Jin Junmei” in the summer of 2005 using single buds. Because Jin Junmei improved upon the traditional production process of Zhengshan Xiaozhong—eliminating the smoky flavor and enhancing the taste—it gained immense popularity upon its market release.

　　An innovative take on Zhengshan Xiaozhong black tea gave rise to an entirely new tea brand: its liquor is golden-yellow, with light, sweet floral and honey aromas, leaving a smooth, sweet aftertaste. The leaves are small, tight, and slender. As the newly developed product uses only the bud of Xiaozhong tea trees growing in the remote mountains as its raw material—making it extremely precious—the name also incorporates the “Jun” character from tea master Liang Junde’s name, while the shape of the tea leaves resembles eyebrows. The word “mei” (eyebrow) also carries connotations of longevity and endurance, hence the name “Jin Junmei.”

　　Liang Junde’s Junde Tea Industry is located in Tongmu Village within the Wuyishan National Nature Reserve in Fujian. It produces traditional-process Zhengshan Xiaozhong black tea as its foundation, supplemented by a series of innovatively processed varieties under the “Junmei Liang” series—including Jin Junmei, Yin Junmei, Xiao Chigan, Xiaozhong Hongpao, and Golden Rose. It is a renowned tea supply enterprise integrating production, processing, and sales. In 2008, it won the gold award in the black tea category at the “Aroma of Tea, World of Culture” tea competition held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, and earned the honor of being named the “First Tea of the Olympic Bid.” In 2009, it became the sole representative enterprise of Fujian Province’s “Top Spring Tea Tasting Event” for Zhengshan Xiaozhong black tea (Jin Junmei).

　　Jin Junmei is a high-end,改良型 (refined/innovative) black tea made from the buds of wild, eco-friendly, original small-leaf tea plants grown at altitudes of 1,500–1,800 meters in Tongmuguan within the Wuyishan National Nature Reserve. Extremely precious and boasting outstanding ecological and organic qualities, it commands a higher price. Here are some ways to identify authentic Jin Junmei:

　　1. Observe the shape: Most Tongmu Zhengshan Jin Junmei comes from mixed varieties, and the buds are relatively small, resulting in slender, tightly rolled dry tea leaves. As the tea is entirely hand-rolled, the dry leaves are slightly curled. The color of the dry tea features a blend of golden yellow, brown, silver, and black.

　　2. Check the liquor color: It should be amber. Bright, clear orange-yellow is considered top quality; red, murky, or dark hues are inferior.

　　3. Smell the aroma: The dry tea has a sweet, fresh floral and fruity fragrance. Once brewed, it releases a rich, intoxicating honey aroma.

　　4. Taste the flavor: Authentic Tongmu Jin Junmei has a rich, mellow, full-bodied, and smooth liquor, without any bitterness or astringency. It can withstand multiple infusions and embodies vitality, offering benefits such as refreshing the mind, soothing the spirit, and promoting wellness.

　　5. Evaluate the leaf base: The best leaf bases are bright, vivid bronze-colored; reddish-brown is considered secondary.