Imperial Keemun Mao Feng Organic
This is one of my go-to black teas; it does not shout, and it does not need to. It has a quiet solidity to it: grounding, elegant and deep, with a gentle power and a satisfying richness where no single note is ever too loud. It is a confident tea, and it knows exactly what it is.
Keemun is a whole style of black tea, with a lot of variety within it, and "Imperial" is the top grade. I chose this one because it truly lives up to what a Keemun can be; lesser grades can be thin or harsh, and this is neither. It is smooth enough to enjoy without milk, though strong enough to take a splash if you prefer; one customer describes it as tough enough for milk at breakfast, yet fine to drink black in the afternoon. I would try it without milk first, since it is always easier to add than to take away. It has also, happily, recently been certified organic.
A quick word on where it comes from. Keemun is a surprisingly young black tea. It was first made in 1875, when a dismissed official named Yu Ganchen came home to Anhui, until then green-tea country, having learned to make black tea in Fujian, and set about it himself. This one grows in the Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) area, a misty, mineral-rich region among the most important in all of China. It comes from the same plant as the famous Huangshan Mao Feng green tea, and the Mao Feng grade uses long, slightly twisted leaves picked early in spring, which give a smoother, more refined cup than heavier Keemun styles.
Expect a woody, gently biscuity tea with a subtle sweetness and a hint of nuttiness; no fruit, no earthiness, no astringency. The leaves are jet-black and almost wiry, and brew to a lovely coppery, reddish-brown.
"Very black, well-twisted leaf. Well made, with a sweetness coming through. The liquor is good; porridge flavours, with a smoothness and gentle sweetness." - Great Taste Awards 2020 (2 Stars)
Brew at 100°C for 3 to 4 minutes.
Ingredients || Luxury Black Tea
Warning, packed in an environment that contains nuts
Caffeine || Yes
Tasting Notes || Powerful with nutty woody notes and a biscuity sweetness
Brewing Notes || 1 teaspoon per cup, 100ºC, brew for 3-4 minutes.