2018 Hei Zhuan "Black Brick" - Anhua Dark Tea

Hei Zhuan (黑砖), or "Black Brick" tea, is a relatively modern innovation within Anhua dark tea, first developed in 1939 as a durable, tightly compressed tea for long-term aging and transport. Hei Zhuan undergoes deep fermentation, resulting in a mellow, full-bodied flavor with earthy, woody undertones. This tea was favored in northwestern China and Mongolia, where its bold, warming character complemented high-fat diets. The difference between Fu Zhuan and Hei Zhuan is that Hei Zhuan does not have “golden flowers”.

This 2018 Hei Zhuan, sourced from Muyangjie, Anhua County, was harvested in spring 2018 from wild-growing Yuntai Da Ye Qun Ti Zhong tea bushes. The leaves, consisting of two to three leaves with stems, were compressed into bricks at the end of 2018, allowing for natural aging before final shaping. The tea was dried using the traditional Qixing stove, where slow-burning pinewood contributes to its distinctive depth and richness.

Tea from Muyangjie, one of Anhua’s core producing regions, is known for its thick leaves and deep complexity. The environment—forested mountains, rocky soils, and high humidity—enhances the transformation of the tea during aging. Over time, this Hei Zhuan develops smooth, layered flavors with notes of aged wood, culminating in a thick, slightly syrupy texture with a persistent sweetness.