This tea has a slightly smokey flavor which complements the underlying chocolate and wet leaf tones. For those adverse to the liquid smoke like taste and smell of Lapsang Souchong, this tea is a pleasant balance between smokiness, earthen leaf, and more floral qualities.
Among Keemun’s this is a good to great one, but not fantastic. It is more smokey/floral and less chocolatey than the Keemun 1110 from The Republic of Tea. A subtle sweetness lingers after each sip.
Good with milk, given it’s smokey flavor, especially when brewed for 3-5 minutes. Milk enhances the smoke and earthen leaf tones, diminishing floral and chocolate notes. I personally avoid milk with this tea, unless I happen to over-brew.
VALUE
At $3.72-3.26/oz (1.7oz/1.1lb respectively) this tea is moderately priced and a very good value, especially considering it’s multi-brew capacity and the price The Republic of Tea’s Keemun 1110 Full Leaf at $3.71-2.8/oz (3.5oz to 1lb respectively).
THE BREW
Best when brewed between 195-205ºF and for 2-3 minutes. Short 2-3 minute brews produce a delicate mouth feel while longer 4-5 minute brews enhance the astringency and bitterness.
