In my experience, Keemun teas fall into two categories:  flowery or  chocolaty.  These leaves were neither.   They were so smoky,   I would put them in the Lap-sang Souchong category.   Hayes Tea's website, though, didn't say anything about pine or smoking.  Instead, it described  this tea as having a rich "floral" aroma.  I didn't find that to be so.

Though I brewed it as Hayes Tea (HT) recommended (one teaspoon per 8 ounces of boiling water for 3 minutes,) I didn't get anything like what HT promised:  "The tea has a rich flavor and strong floral aroma. It has been called "The Queen of Fragrance." Keemun is the ideal high-quality traditional black tea to stock in your kitchen."

The only thing that HT said that I agree with is that this tea is STRONG.  It's even strong for me, and I love hearty, black teas.  Though it is peppery, and thick, and dark, I wouldn't stock it in my kitchen...but you might.  In fact, many people must love it, since as I write this, HT is sold out of the stuff!

If you love smoked teas or  think bacon-flavored tea is a revelation, this would be a great addition to your collection.    I found it bitter and quite unworthy of the name Keemun.  I rate it a 5.

 

— To purchase Hayes Tea Keemun Black, or for more specific information on ingredients or the story behind this particular tea, click here to go directly to the manufacturer's web site.

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