I have been drinking Keemun (Qimen) teas a lot recently.  It is hard to believe that this variety of China Black teas are not often consumed by the Chinese.  All the stranger because as I learned from my copy of the New Tea Lover’s Treasury that is on of China’s Ten Most Famous Teas.  I guess this is good for those of us living in the west because there is more for export.

The sample that Cat and I have been drinking this week is wonderful with bright flavors.  I love watching the leaves slowly unfurl in the infuser imparting the liquor with a deep amber color.  The aroma is quite something too like toasted bread with an almost honeyed sweetness.  Our tea seller tells us that Keemun was one of the original bases for some of the original English breakfast blends.  Blending is fine, but this sample stands up all on its own.

Thanks to my fading cold, I don’t have the overwhelming need to constantly drink a hot watery liquid. And on the upside, I can now taste my tea again. This morning, I trying out a new organic Earl Grey. It’s from a mystery distributer, but it smells lovely.

Sadly, it’s just doesn’t taste that good.  While I’ve been having mixed luck with my tastebuds and Earl Grey tea, this one is a bit harsh in a more absolute sense.  Organic teas seem to be harsh in my limited experience.  But, boy does that bergamot smell good!

What’s in your cup? I started the day off with pot of Keemun Hao Ya from the folks at Rishi.  Most of their description is apt, but did not get the smoky taste they note.  Overall a robust cup to start the day and do the people’s work.

Special thanks today to  Cat, my loving wife, who has created this space for you and me to talk tea.