IRIKA Ruby

A pan-fired black tea. IRIKA Ruby is a kamairi (pan-fired) black tea, a category Royal Blue Tea classifies under its bottled black tea (紅茶) range in the Imperial tier. Its defining production choice is the use of the pan-firing (釜炒り/手炒り) technique to halt fermentation, rather than steaming, following a sequence of slow withering, hand-rolling, machine rolling, and natural fermentation. The finished bottled tea is produced by a non-heated cold extraction lasting three days, keeping the leaf's aromatic development intact through to the bottle.^[1],[2]

Withering. After picking, the new buds are spread thinly on bamboo baskets or trays in a well-ventilated location and slowly withered, promoting mild fermentation via the leaf's internal enzymes and developing a fruity aroma.^[2]

Rolling and Natural Fermentation. Once properly withered, the leaves are first hand-rolled gently and then carefully machine-rolled (揉捻). They then undergo natural fermentation, monitored for changes in aroma.^[3]

Nose. IRIKA Ruby carries floral notes with a refreshing aroma reminiscent of mango and green apple.^[2]

Palate. The palate shows notes of mango and green apple.^[2]

IRIKA Ruby pairs well with oily dishes and Western-style confections.^[2]

Specifications. IRIKA Ruby is classified as a black tea (紅茶), specifically a kamairi (pan-fired) black tea (釜炒り紅茶). It is offered as a bottled tea in the Imperial tier and is presented in a wooden box (木箱入り).^[4]

• Classification: kamairi (pan-fired) black tea (釜炒り紅茶)
• Tier: Imperial
• Packaging: wooden box (木箱入り)