Keemun Rhapsody

Tea: Keemun Rhapsody
Vendor: Adagio
Price: $ 18.00 / 4 oz.
Source:Anhui, China
Vendor Description: Black tea from the Anhui region of China. Keemun tea, perhaps the most famous of Chinese varieties, is prized for its rich chocolate-like flavor, and sumptuous aroma. Our 'Keemun Rhapsody' is a hand-made, limited production 'superior mao feng' grade tea. It is a rare embodiment of this tea's wonderful potential, with taste bud entrancing cocoa notes, biscuity nuances, a whispering fruitiness and a flickering shadow of classic Keemun smokiness.

Leaf: The leaf is long and wiry for a black tea. The leaves are twisted and contorted. There are a few small brown colored hairs on the inside of the container like there would be with a silver needle, although brown instead of white. The aromoa is not strong nor weak, but is very hard to place.

1st Infusion Parameters: 3g, 5oz, 208F, 5 min

1st Infusion: The tea has a light red/brown color to it. The color is surprisingly light for a 5 min steep. There is a heavy and rich bouquet to the aroma. The flavor is very smooth and characteristic black tea. The flavor is mild with no bitterness or astringency. It is very smooth and full bodied, and a bit sweet for a black tea.

Rating: 9/10

Conclusion: This is a very good black tea. It's not overpowering or harsh. It's not overly floral or bland. It is smooth and slightly sweet. I can imagine this would make a very enjoyable iced tea or serve well with milk and sugar if that is your preference. Albeit I don't think this would be a standard in my cabinet.