Guide

Chinese Black Tea: Keemun, Dianhong and Jin Jun Mei

China is regarded as the birthplace of black tea, and it still produces some of the most distinctive examples.

Keemun from Anhui is counted among the world's three great teas. Dianhong from Yunnan is full of golden tips, and Jin Jun Mei from Fujian is made from young buds alone. Lapsang Souchong, with its smoky pine character, belongs in any account of Chinese black tea.

All of these reward being drunk straight, where the aroma has room to show.

Teas of China

Keemun

Origin: Anhui Province, China
Liquor color: Light Orange
How to enjoy: Best enjoyed as straight tea or milk tea

Features an orchid-like smoky flavor. Known as the Burgundy of Chinese tea.

Dianhong / Yunnan

Origin: Yunnan Province, China
Liquor color: Shimmering Golden Red
How to enjoy: Best enjoyed as straight or milk tea

Rich in golden tips, sweet and mellow.

Jin Jun Mei

Origin: Fujian Province, China
Liquor color: Clear golden orange
How to enjoy: Best enjoyed straight (infuse multiple times with a small amount)

A premium Chinese black tea made exclusively from new buds, featuring a honey-like sweet aroma.

Lapsang Souchong

Leaf: Fujian Province, China
Liquor color: Deep Orange
How to enjoy: Best enjoyed as iced tea or milk tea

Features a smoky flavor with a pine aroma and an oriental scent.

See all teas in the encyclopedia →