Keemun Hao Ya A

The Anhui province of China grows a black tea branded as Keemun and it is the tea that was partially the cause of the Opium War as both sides wanted it as their breakfast tea. Keemun is a satisfying and balanced black tea, in the sense that it is not overly delicate, but not overly hearty. It is rich and luxuriant, mostly smooth, with a subtle cocoa taste. Many who work in the tea business drink a high quality Keemun as their "every day black tea."

The Hao Ya A grade is scarce, expensive, and highly sought after. Most keemuns are very nice black teas, but the Hao Ya A grade is unforgettable.

So smooth, so lovely in the mouth, so complex, tastes of rose and pine and citrus and cocoa and honey entertaining your tastebuds, some muscatel Darjeeling and floral traits, a hint of peaches, a clean sweet aftertaste reminding you what a great tea you just drank. And each year you have all of China, UK, Arabia lining up with their mugs and pleading for a sip. "Can you spare a taste of Hao Ya A for me?" asks the world. But there's just not enough to go around.

Adding a small amount of honey or other sweetener is acceptable but not necessary.

Tasting Notes: Thick mouthfeel, Aromatic, Rose, Honey, Slight Mineral, Slight orange

Steep: 1 tsp of tea for 8oz water. Water temperature: 205. Steep time 3-4 minutes. Sweetener: Optional

Approximately 18 tsp in a 1 ounce package.