Golden Monkey

$18.00 USD

Sale Sold out

Once reserved for royalty, Golden Monkey (Jin Jun Mei) is a highly prized Fujian black tea crafted from tender leaves and buds, handpicked for their stunning sweetness and smooth texture.

Leaf Info

Ingredients: 100% whole leaf tea

Region 💬The region where tea is grown influences its flavor, aroma, and quality. Different climates, altitudes, and soil types contribute to unique characteristics specific to each area.	Wuyishan, Fujian, China
Harvest 💬The season when the tea is harvested affects its flavor profile. Early spring teas, known as first flush, are often lighter and more delicate, while later harvests can be bolder and more robust.	Early spring 2024
Cultivar 💬Cultivar refers to the specific variety of tea plant used. Different cultivars have distinct flavor profiles, growth patterns, and adaptability to environmental conditions.	Camellia sinensis var. sinensis
Pluck set 💬The pluck set describes the combination of leaves and buds that are harvested. For example, 'one bud and two leaves' is a common standard that can impact the tea's flavor, texture, and quality."	1 bud with 1 leaf
Caffeine 💬Caffeine levels vary between tea types and can be influenced by factors like leaf size, processing methods, and steeping time.	strong
Roast 💬Roast level refers to how much heat has been applied to the leaves during processing. A higher roast imparts deeper, toasty notes, while lighter roasts preserve the tea’s natural floral or vegetal character.	N/A
Oxidation 💬Oxidation is the process of exposing tea leaves to air, which changes their color and flavor. Higher oxidation levels result in darker, more robust teas, while lower levels maintain lighter, more delicate flavors.	100%
Fermentation 💬Fermentation is a microbial process used in certain teas like Pu'er to develop complex flavors over time. Higher fermentation levels often produce richer, earthier notes and darker liquor.	N/A

Grade info: We offer 3 different grades of tea: ZL Everyday (premium), ZL Select (ultra premium), and ZL Artisan (luxury).

Learn more about how we grade our teas.

Brewing Tips

Suggested water temperature

90-95°C
(194-203°F)

Allow kettle to cool for 2 minutes before pouring

Simple brewing method

	+		+		+
2g (1 tsp)		tea infuser		240ml (1 cup)		4-5 mins

To learn more about how to brew Golden Monkey tea, refer to our Universal Tea Brewing Guide.

Serving info

Sample (5 cups)
2 oz | 56.7 g (28 cups)
4 oz | 113.4 g (56 cups)
8 oz | 226.8 g (112 cups)
3.17 oz | 90 g (45 cups)

1 cup = 2 grams of tea (about 2 tsp) using simple brewing

Shipping & Returns

Free shipping on orders of $35 or more within the United States. No-questions-asked returns within 30 days of purchase on any unopened, unused products.

Quantity

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golden monkey tea being served with the dried leaves presented

Taste & Aroma

Golden Monkey tea (Jin Jun Mei — 金骏眉) captivates with its silky smoothness and subtle floral undertones, harmonizing the depth of dark wood with the lively sweetness of dried fruits. Its warm, lingering finish evokes the delicate balance of chrysanthemum's soft fragrance and the richness of sun-dried raisin.

a mountain crevice in Wuyi, Fujian, China, showing a tea field and walking path.

Terroir

Golden Monkey tea flourishes in the fertile, red clay soil of Fujian’s coastal lowlands, where the proximity to the ocean lends a faint salinity to its character. The area's distinctive climate—marked by warm days and brisk, dew-laden mornings—creates the ideal conditions for developing the tea's signature depth and natural sweetness.

a golden lion tamarin, resembling the color of golden monkey tea leaves

History

Golden Monkey tea, originating in Fujian during the Qing Dynasty, was meticulously crafted as a tribute to Chinese royalty, celebrated for its exceptionally sweet and smooth taste. Its name, inspired by the golden tips of its leaves resembling the gleaming fur of a golden monkey, symbolizes prosperity and the tea’s esteemed status in Chinese culture.

1 bud and 1 leaf being plucked from a tea plant, the signature plucking standard for golden monkey (jin jun mei) tea

Production

Golden Monkey tea is meticulously hand-picked during the early morning hours, selecting only the top bud and single adjoining leaf to preserve its delicate flavor. The leaves undergo a slow withering process followed by gentle rolling, which enhances their signature golden tips and locks in the tea’s natural sweetness and rich texture.

an immense rock cliff behind a river with boats in Wuyi, China.

Geography

The Wuyi Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Fujian, are famed for their dramatic sandstone cliffs and labyrinthine river valleys, carved over millions of years. Unique to the region are the "Danxia" landforms, with sheer red rock faces and fertile crevices that create microclimates supporting an extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna, many found nowhere else on Earth.

tea lover’s delight

From the moment I opened the package, I knew this tea would be special. The leaves are beautiful, long, and wiry, with a rich golden hue. The brew is fragrant, slightly malty, and so smooth. If you appreciate high-quality black tea, this one is a must-try.