Sipdown! (24 | 154)
For some reason, Keemun seems to be the Chinese black tea that I have the least amount of experience with, and very little idea of what it “should” taste like. I’m not sure if that’s because Yunnan and Fujian teas are/were more popular here on Steepster back when some lovely tea friends introduced me to straight teas? Anyway, for some reason I have this idea that Keemun teas are dark and smoky.
Clearly not the case, as this is the lowest-grade Keemun that Teavivre carries and it is neither dark nor smoky in character. Actually, it’s fairly light, with a soft bready quality and notes of hay. There is a light earthy undertone, but nothing close to lower-grade Yunnan teas, which can be very earthy. There’s also a soft fruitiness, like dried cherries perhaps? Something with a bit of tartness to it. I think I’ve heard Keemun described as “winey” before, so maybe that’s what it is.
Anyway, it’s lovely. It actually reminds me quite a bit of wakocha, or maybe a second-flush Darjeeling a bit? Light, aromatic, with bread and hay notes. This does have quite a bit more fruitiness to it though. Either way, I like it!
Flavors: Anise, Bread, Cherry, Dried Fruit, Earth, Hay, Musty, Red Wine, Smooth, Tart
This one sounds really tasty. And I really enjoy a good second flush Darjeeling.
I always associate good Keemuns with hay and burlap. Like playing in Grandma’s barn (a good sensory memory)!
I definitely get the hay!