Yet another foil-wrapped paper teabag of uncertain age, from the loose-ends bin of a local tea shoppe. Note that this is the classic 100% Chinese keemun version of EB, and not the “HT” or “royal” blends, which contain different base teas. This version is presently also available as silken sachets, loose in tins, or in bulk bags. Also note that Harney sells higher grades of Keemun (see “Mao Feng” and “Hao Ya” offerings).
I steeped as directed: 1 teabag (about 2.2 g leaf) in 8 oz. boiling spring water for 5 min. The dry leaf had a soft aroma of keemun black tea, which became more pronounced when steeped. In the dark amber-colored liquor, I found the particular malty keemun flavor to be gently present, albeit not as fruity or spicy as other premium keemuns I enjoy. This was a strong, thick black tea with a nice long finish, a caffeine punch, and a refreshing astringency. While I might choose this in a pinch, from of an offering of straight black teabags for teatime, I would not again choose a teahouse where this was the best black tea offered. It was free of major defects and certainly an improvement over plain hot water, but only in the same class as Lipton’s “orange pekoe and pekoe cut” black teabags. Not worthy of a silken sachet. I would rate this as 60 and neither recommend nor condemn, but not buy again.
Woo-hoo! This is my 200th tea note!
Flavors: Astringent, Malty, Tea
Agreed!