Chinese Black Teas
Keemun
Keemun is a well-known and popular black tea from Anhui province in China. It is known for its unique floral aroma and fruity notes, often reminiscent of orchids and stone fruits. The leaves are tightly curled, resulting in a rich and full-bodied, deep amber infusion. Keemun tea is often enjoyed independently but can also be used as a base for various flavored blends.
Dian Hong/Yunnan
Dian Hong, also known as Yunnan black tea, hails from the Yunnan province in southwest China. This tea is made from the large-leafed variety of the Camellia sinensis plant, which is native to the region. Dian Hong has a signature malty and honey-like flavor profile with hints of chocolate and spice. The leaves are often golden or tippy, giving the tea a smooth and velvety texture. Dian Hong is highly regarded for its complexity and is often enjoyed without additives.
Lapsang Souchong
Lapsang Souchong is a unique and distinct black tea from the Wuyi Mountains in China’s Fujian province. What sets this tea apart is its smoky flavor and aroma, achieved through a unique smoking process. The leaves are traditionally dried over pinewood fires, infusing the tea with a distinctive campfire-like essence. Lapsang Souchong is often enjoyed as a standalone tea and is particularly favored by those who appreciate bold and smoky flavors.
Bai Lin Gong Fu
Bai Lin Gong Fu, also known as White Forest Gong Fu, is a high-quality black tea produced in Fujian province, China. It is crafted using young and tender leaves, which are hand-rolled into thin strips. This tea is characterized by its sweet and fruity flavor, with notes of caramel and honey. “Gong Fu” refers to the skilled craftsmanship in producing this tea. Bai Lin Gong Fu is a delightful choice for tea connoisseurs who appreciate a well-balanced and refined cup.
Golden Monkey
Golden Monkey, originating from the Fujian province in China, is a black tea that is highly prized for its exquisite appearance and flavor. The leaves of this tea are crafted from young tea buds, which are covered in fine golden hairs. When steeped, the infusion is golden, releasing a complex and inviting aroma. Golden Monkey is known for its smooth and slightly sweet taste, with cocoa and malt notes. This tea is often enjoyed alone or with a touch of milk.
Junshan Yinzhen
Junshan Yinzhen, or Junshan Silver Needle, is a unique black tea from Junshan Island in China’s Hunan province. It is crafted from early spring tea buds, which are harvested before they fully open. This tea features a delicate and sweet flavor, with notes of apricot and honeysuckle. The leaves are pale golden, which gives the tea its name. Junshan Yinzhen is a rare and sought-after tea with a delightful drinking experience.
Indian Black Teas
Assam
Assam black tea is renowned for its robust and malty flavor, making it a popular choice for breakfast teas and chai blends. It is grown in the famous Assam region of northeastern India, where the fertile soil and tropical climate contribute to its distinctive taste. Assam tea leaves are large and often contain golden tips, adding sweetness to the brew. This bold and flavorful tea is best enjoyed with a splash of milk and a sweetener.
Darjeeling
Darjeeling black tea often referred to as the “champagne of teas,” is grown in the picturesque Darjeeling district in West Bengal, India. It is known for its delicate and floral flavor profile, with hints of muscatel grape and astringency. Darjeeling tea leaves vary in color and can produce a range of infusion shades, from light golden to deep amber. This tea is often enjoyed without additives to appreciate its intricate taste and aroma fully.
Nilgiri
Nilgiri black tea comes from the Nilgiri Hills in southern India and is favored for its smooth and mellow character. The tea leaves from this region have a medium size and a dark appearance, resulting in a slightly brisk and aromatic cup. Nilgiri tea has a well-rounded flavor with subtle floral and fruity undertones. It pairs well with various foods and can be savored throughout the day for a refreshing and soothing experience.
Kangra
Kangra black tea is grown in the Kangra Valley in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. This tea is known for its bright infusion and lively flavor. Kangra tea leaves are carefully plucked and processed to retain their delicate aromas and taste. The liquor is light amber, and the flavor profile is often described as fruity with hints of muscatel and citrus. Kangra black tea is a delightful choice for those seeking a lighter, uplifting cup.
Sri Lankan (Ceylon) Black Teas
Dimbula
Dimbula black tea is one of the well-known types of Ceylon tea, named after the picturesque Dimbula region in Sri Lanka’s central highlands. The cool climate and elevation of Dimbula contribute to the tea’s distinctive flavor and character. This black tea is known for its bright and lively infusion, which boasts a combination of floral and fruity notes. Dimbula tea is often enjoyed alone or with a slice of lemon to enhance its citrusy undertones.
Uva
Uva black tea is another popular variety of Ceylon tea grown in the Uva region of Sri Lanka. The unique microclimate of Uva, with its intense monsoonal rainfall and misty mountains, lends a distinct flavor profile to this tea. Known for its aromatic and brisk qualities, Uva black tea offers a stimulating and vibrant cup. The liquor is bright and amber, with a rich aroma and a hint of spiciness. Uva tea is highly regarded among tea enthusiasts for its exceptional quality.
Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya black tea is cultivated in the picturesque Nuwara Eliya region, located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. This area’s cool and mountainous climate creates a unique growing environment for tea. Nuwara Eliya black tea is characterized by its delicate and fragrant bouquet, often reminiscent of fresh flowers and fruits. The infusion is light and golden with a crisp and bright taste. Nuwara Eliya tea is a favorite among lovers seeking a refreshing and revitalizing cup.
Ruhuna
Ruhuna black tea is grown in the southernmost region of Sri Lanka, known as Ruhuna or the Low Country. This region’s hot and tropical climate gives Ruhuna tea its unique and robust character. The leaves are typically darker in appearance and produce a deep amber infusion with a rich and full-bodied taste. Ruhuna tea has a delightful, malty flavor with hints of caramel and spice. This tea is often enjoyed with or without milk, depending on personal preference.
Taiwanese Black Teas
Sun Moon Lake
Sun Moon Lake black tea hails from Central Taiwan’s Sun Moon Lake region. This tea is cultivated at high altitudes, contributing to its exceptional quality and character. Sun Moon Lake black tea is known for its smooth and rich flavor, with cinnamon, honey, and sweet potato notes. The leaves are meticulously processed to bring out the tea’s sweetness and complexity. This Taiwanese black tea is highly regarded and offers a captivating drinking experience.
Ruby Black
Ruby Black tea is a relatively new variety from Taiwan, specifically developed and cultivated by tea experts. This tea is crafted using the Assamica tea cultivar, which is more commonly used for producing black teas in other regions. Ruby Black has a bold and full-bodied taste, often accompanied by molasses, honey, and fruit notes. The leaves are typically twisted and dark in appearance, yielding a vibrant red-infused liquor. Ruby Black is an exciting addition to black teas, offering a distinct Taiwan twist.
Nepali Black Teas
Dhankuta
Dhankuta black tea is grown in the Dhankuta district of eastern Nepal, known for its picturesque landscapes and ideal tea-growing conditions. This tea is crafted using young and tender leaves, which are carefully plucked and processed. Dhankuta black tea has a smooth and mellow flavor, with hints of muscatel and honey. The infusion showcases a bright, amber color, inviting tea lovers to savor its elegant and nuanced taste. Dhankuta tea is a true delight for those seeking an authentic Nepalese experience.
African Black Teas
Kenyan
Kenyan black tea is renowned for its bold and robust character, reflecting the country’s ideal climate and fertile soils. This tea is grown at high altitudes, which allows the leaves to develop unique flavors and profiles. Kenyan black tea is known for its bright and coppery infusion and rich and full-bodied taste. It often exhibits notes of malt, caramel, and a hint of citrus. Kenyan tea leaves are widely used in blends and enjoyed independently, offering a satisfying and refreshing cup.
Rwandan
Rwandan black tea is a rising star in African teas, known for its distinctive characteristics and flavors. The tea gardens in Rwanda benefit from high altitudes and volcanic soils, which contribute to the teas’ complexity. Rwandan black tea has a robust, full-bodied flavor with a deep reddish-brown infusion. The taste often showcases notes of molasses, dried fruit, and a hint of floral sweetness. Rwandan tea is gaining recognition for its exceptional quality and ability to captivate enthusiasts.
Malawian
Malawian black tea comes from the scenic tea estates of Malawi in southeastern Africa. The country’s warm climate and fertile soils provide the ideal tea-growing conditions. Malawian black tea is treasured for its bright and mellow taste, often accompanied by hints of citrus and floral undertones. The infusion is golden and refreshing, offering a delightful and stimulating drinking experience. Malawian tea leaves are highly regarded and are often used in various blends and specialty teas.
Black Tea Blends
English Breakfast
Discover the intriguing history and origin of English Breakfast Tea, from its humble beginnings to worldwide popularity. Explore cultivation, production, brewing techniques, and where to find the finest blends. Embark on a tea-filled adventure that will enlighten your taste buds and deepen your appreciation for this iconic morning brew.
Earl Grey Tea
Unlock the captivating history of Earl Grey tea – from its origin to cultivation, brewing techniques, health benefits, and cultural significance. Find your perfect cup now!
Irish Breakfast Tea
Discover the history and origins of Irish Breakfast Tea, from its humble beginnings in Ireland to its global popularity today. Learn about cultivation and production methods, brewing techniques, flavor profiles, health benefits, and cultural significance. Find out where to buy high-quality blends and what to look for in a delicious cup of Irish Breakfast Tea. Join us on a journey to explore the captivating world of this iconic tea.
Scottish Breakfast Tea
Explore the fascinating history and origin of Scottish Breakfast Tea. Uncover its secrets, cultivation process, and health benefits. Learn where to buy and how to brew it for a delightful experience.
