Loose Leaf Chinese Keemun

Form: Loose Leaf from the local Tea Emporium

Much like Oolong tea, Keemun has been one my 'to try' list for some time now, or rather, it had been on said list for some time. I originally had a pot of it a few weeks ago, yet I had another today and was reminded of it's flavour and thought it best to post a review. This tea is known as 'red tea' in Chine, it's place of origin' and upon pouring, it is clear why. The colour is a more distinct red than rooibos, which comes from the 'red bush' of South Africa. It should be clear to you know that this is a very red tea. It is still technically a 'black tea' in the way it is produced, and it is one of the major components in many English Breakfast and all Russian Caravan teas. Oddly, I have not found it anywhere besides the local tea house, which is a real pity seeing how much I love this tea.

The flavour has been described as smoked, yet I feel this is misleading as the smoked texture of this tea is most definately a minor attribute. More powerful is the delicious fruity aroma and undertones of pine and flowers. The tea is relatively sweet considering its subdued smoky attributes and could be described, albiet awkwardly, as being red wine-like in consistency. As the tea leaves were left in the pot, naturally, the flavour became more pronounced and stronger as the pot went down. This definately worked to it's advantage as the temperature cooling was balanced perfectly with the increase of flavour; as compared to many other teas which end up being too bitter by the end of the pot. Even with no sugar, Keemun is not at all too bitter and one could even stand to use less sugar than usual. However, other sources say that this tea wavers in terms of bitterness and smokiness depending on where it's grown/produced, which makes sense of course. Overall, Keemun tea is a very very nice tea which I've found goes well at anytime of the day and is very versatile with it's sweetness. I've also heard that it makes a terrific iced tea and goes well with milk. I would reccomend this tea to anyone who enjoys English and Irish Breakfast or Russian Caravan tea.

"Where there's tea there's hope" - Arthur W. Pinero, English Dramatist