I have seen this tea sold under several different spellings, but this is the only one of this type I have tried. It is one of the first fine loose leaf teas I ever purchased, and I haven’t outgrown it. When I am in the town where they sell it, I get a bit for the shelf.
My husband only likes his black tea with milk and sugar, and since he tries to cut back on sugar where he can he prefers that we drink green, white, oolong or puerh together. I had a hunch that he would like this one plain, and it paid off. That tells you a good bit about this special tea from the Yunnan Province. It tells you that it doesn’t taste like a breakfast tea, it isn’t malty, and it isn’t very brisk. So let’s talk about what it IS.
This lovely black tea steeps up a little light in color, but it is far from light in flavor. There are layers of goodness in each cup. This is smooth, slightly savory, and has hints of golden raisin and honey, a hint of sweet pastry, and a little fruit. High notes and middle notes abound, with just a little bit of bass.
It resteeps wonderfully, so even though this is a regional shop with only a few locations, they do ship, and it is worth a try. Or perhaps you can try a Zhen Qu from other sources and let us know how it compares to this description!
Want to Know More About This Tea?
Leaf Type: Black Tea
Where to Buy: A Southern Season
Description
A black tea from Yunnan province, a big bodied, deep rich brew that is a mix of dry savory notes balanced by pervasive sweetness and a hint of fruit
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Yunnan Black from The Little Red Cup Tea Co. . . . .
It’s been a while since I have tried a tea from The Little Red Cup Tea Co. and today I thought I would share their Yunnan Black with you!
Their Yunnan Black comes from Lincang which is just a stone’s throw from Burma and home to some of the oldest cultivated tea in the world – according to The Little Red Cup Tea Co. website and product description. The Yunnan Black Tea we are reviewing today is hand picked and tightly rolled but not rolled into balls or pearls but more of a rolled pressed leaf of sorts. The golden tipped leaves produce a deep amber hue in the cup and give off light scented notes of raisins, cocoa, and honey.
As for the taste…it’s delightful!
Not only in the aroma but in the taste I could pick up on the natural raisin flavors and cocoa powder – especially if brewed dark – double the loose leaf at half the time. When double brewed I found this to be pretty hefty. It was a stronger Yunnan Black and I really liked it. I also brewed as suggested and found it just as tasty but not as brassy or brashy as the double brewed. Both attempted were successful and made me an instant fan!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black Tea
Where to Buy: The Little Red Cup Tea Co.
Description
Our Yunnan Black (滇紅茶) hails from Lincang, a stone’s throw from Burma and home to some of the oldest cultivated tea in the world. Hand picked and tightly rolled, the golden tipped leaves produce a deep amber brew — with light notes of grapes and honey. An instant classic.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
