Sun Moon Lake's Award-Winning Tea Producer: Zhuang Ji Tea Co. Premium Ruby Black Tea (TTES No. 18)

Mr. Rong-Pu Zhuang of Zhuang Ji Tea Co. is one of the most renowned tea masters in the Sun Moon Lake tea region and is highly respected throughout Taiwan. For eight consecutive years, he has achieved the remarkable record of winning the **Grand Prize (First Place)** in all four cultivar categories of the Sun Moon Lake Black Tea Competition:
 
1. Ruby Black Tea (TTES No. 18)
 
2. Honyun Black Tea (TTES No. 21)
 
3. Assam Black Tea
 
4. Taiwan Wild Tea
 
Because of his consistent championship-winning performances in tea competitions, he has earned the prestigious nickname **"The Tea King of Sun Moon Lake."** (As shown in the photos, the interior of his tea factory is surrounded by displays honoring his numerous Grand Prize awards.)
 

 
The Unique Terroir of Sun Moon Lake Black Tea
 
Located at an elevation of approximately **800 meters**, Yuchi Township benefits from diverse terrain, rich natural conditions, an ideal annual average temperature, and stable humidity. These unique environmental factors have created the perfect foundation for black tea cultivation. Over the years, the Yuchi Branch of the Tea and Beverage Research Station under Taiwan's Ministry of Agriculture has continuously worked on tea cultivar selection and improvement, leading to the development of the renowned **Yuchi Black Tea**. The subtle variations in terroir throughout the Sun Moon Lake tea region create a distinctive character that sets Sun Moon Lake Black Tea apart from black teas produced in other regions.
 

 
Premium Ruby Black Tea — A Signature Creation by Mr. Zhuang
 
Premium Ruby Black Tea is Mr. Zhuang's signature Ruby No. 18 black tea and the tea that has received the most awards in competitions. Compared with Ruby No. 18 teas from other regions, this tea is crafted from younger and more delicate tea leaves, resulting in an exceptionally refined and elegant flavor profile rarely found in Ruby Black Tea. With its limited production, this is a rare Taiwanese tea that every tea lover should have the opportunity to experience.
 
Aroma & Flavor: Mint • Cinnamon • Woody Notes • Almond • Chocolate
 
Processing: Withering → Full Oxidation → Rolling → Drying
 
Origin / Cultivar: Sun Moon Lake, Nantou / Ruby No. 18 (TTES No. 18)
 
Tea Master: Sun Moon Lake Tea King (Rong-Pu Zhuang)
 
Elevation: 800m
 
Oxidation: ★★★★★
 
Roasting: ☆☆☆☆☆
 
Harvest Season: Summer
 
Storage: After opening, store in a cool place away from direct sunlight and humidity.
 

 
Tea Leaves : Water (5g : 150ml)
 
Water Temperature: 98°C
 
Steeping Time
 
1st Infusion: 40 sec
 
2nd Infusion: 40 sec
 
3rd Infusion: 1 min
 
To fully appreciate the tea's aroma, the use of a traditional Taiwanese aroma cup set is recommended.
 

 
Cold Brew
 
Use **5 g** of tea leaves with **600 ml** of cold water, then refrigerate for **6–8 hours**.