Dian Hong Gold vs Jin Jun Mei

Dian Hong Gold

Dian Hong Gold is a premium Yunnan black made largely from golden buds, often described as a 'golden tip' grade. The cup is intensely sweet and honeyed: sweet potato, caramelized sugar, and a thick, velvety texture with almost no astringency. The high proportion of golden tips gives the dry leaf a shimmering appearance and the liquor a deep amber color. It is sweeter and softer than standard Dian Hong, and its bud-heavy pick shows in every sip.

Jin Jun Mei

Jin Jun Mei is a modern luxury black tea from the Wuyi mountains, made only from tiny spring buds. The cup is exceptionally refined: honey and sweet potato up front, a clear floral lift, and a silky, lingering finish with almost no astringency. It is sweeter and more delicate than most Chinese black teas, and its bud-only picking makes it one of the most expensive everyday-drinking black teas in China. Created in 2005, it quickly became a benchmark for high-end red tea.

Dian Hong Gold

Water temperature

90–95°C

Leaf to water

3g / 250ml

Steep time

3–5 min

Re-steep

1–2 times

Jin Jun Mei

Water temperature

90–95°C

Leaf to water

3g / 250ml

Steep time

3–4 min

Re-steep

1–2 times

Dian Hong Gold

High caffeine — roughly 40–70 mg per brewed serving

A noticeable lift — best earlier in the day.

Jin Jun Mei

Medium caffeine — roughly 30–55 mg per brewed serving

A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.

Dian Hong Gold

China · Yunnan

Golden-tip Dian Hong is produced in Yunnan from assamica buds picked in early spring.

Jin Jun Mei

China · Fujian (Wuyi)

Jin Jun Mei originated in Tongmu village, Wuyi mountains, Fujian.