Keemun Black Tea (祁门红茶)
I
Origin
Qimen County, Anhui Province — developed 1875
II
Description
China's most celebrated black tea (called 'red tea' in Chinese — hong cha — for the red liquor colour), from Qimen County in Anhui Province. Keemun has a distinctive 'orchid honey' fragrance unlike any other black tea — known as the 'Burgundy of black teas' for its complexity. It is one of the world's ten greatest teas and the secret ingredient in many English Breakfast blends. The finest grade, Keemun Hao Ya, is rolled into tight curly leaves.
III
The Thread
—Darjeeling first flush (similarly complex black tea)
—French Pinot Noir (Burgundy reference)
—Single origin Ethiopian coffee (floral-fruit complexity)
IV
Flavour Context
Orchid, honey, wine-like finish, subtle smoke — the complexity rivals any oolong in a fully oxidised format; the 'Burgundy of black teas' classification is apt
Pillars V — VII
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