The beauty of black tea is like the beauty of a woman - standing out from the crowd, and once seen, it lingers in your heart. China is renowned for its eight famous black teas, each with unique characteristics and regional charm.
Jin Jun Mei (金骏眉)
Handmade from wild tea buds at 1200-1800 meters elevation in Tongmu Pass. Each 500g requires 60,000-80,000 bud tips. The dry tea shows distinctive black, red, and yellow colors. The brewed tea is golden yellow and crystal clear with a luminous ring. A single sip brings immediate sweet sensation.
Keemun Gongfu (祁门工夫)
Features tight, fine, even strips with beautiful tips and shiny dark color. The aroma combines honey and sugar notes with orchid fragrance (known as 'Keemun Aroma'). The soup is bright crimson with sweet, fresh, mellow taste. Even with fresh milk, the aroma remains.
Yunnan Gongfu (滇红工夫)
Has plump, complete bud leaves with prominent golden fuzz and shiny black-oily color. The soup is red, thick, and transparent with rich, fresh, persistent high aroma. High-grade tea shows a golden ring where soup meets the cup.
Tanyang Gongfu (坦洋工夫)
Known as the 'Queen of Elegance,' famous for elegant shape and prominent golden fuzz. Made from Fuding Da Bai tea. Features tight, fine, slender strips with yellow-black color and abundant fuzz. The aroma is fresh and pure with sweet taste.
Hunan Gongfu (湖红工夫)
Represented by Anhua Gongfu, with tight, plump strips, high aroma, mellow taste, and dark soup. Unlike other famous teas, Hunan Gongfu is like a quiet, elegant woman - serene and content.
Ninggang Gongfu (宁红工夫)
Features tight, straight, round strips with upright tips and shiny slightly-red black color. The aroma is persistent like Keemun tea. Premium 'Ninggang Golden Fuzz' has tight, beautiful strips with prominent golden fuzz.
Sichuan Gongfu (川红工夫)
Has plump, round, tight strips with prominent golden fuzz and shiny black-oily color. Features fresh orange blossom aroma with mellow, fresh, crisp taste.
Yingde Black Tea (英德红茶)
Has plump, heavy, evenly arranged particles with oily sheen. The aroma is fresh, pure, and rich with obvious floral notes. After adding milk, the tea becomes brownish-red and gorgeous with rich, fresh taste.