teacup
RateTea.net | News | About
Styles | Brands | Regions | People | Contact
Rating: (Help: how to rate a tea)

Rate this tea:

Aroma:
Flavor:
Value:
Overall:
Total:? / 30

Your review:

ZK14: Organic China Congou Hong Tao #1 - Organic

Picture of ZK14: Organic China Congou Hong Tao #1
Brand:Upton Tea Imports
Style:Black Tea
Caffeine:Caffeinated
Region:China
Loose/teabag:Loose
Official product page:ZK14: Organic China Congou Hong Tao #1

Commercial Description:

A mellow tea in the style of an An Hui Keemun. Produced in small quantities by a group of farmers dedicated to organic farming.

Brewing Instructions: (from Upton Tea Imports)

Leaf Quantity: 2¼ g/cup
Water Temp: 212° (boiling)
Steep Time: 5 min.


Ratings & Reviews:

Review by Alex Zorach on Sep. 4th, 2009
Total: 22/30 : Aroma: 7/10, Flavor: 4/5, Value: 4/5, Overall: 7/10
Interesting and atypical among black teas: more mellow and earthy. The leaves have an aroma very similar to the brewed tea.

When brewed as instructed, the tea is is a dark brown with a slight greenish hue, and less opaque than some black teas. I like to brew it with slightly more leaves than recommended, which yields a slightly more opaque and reddish-brown color. Do not brew this one for less time or at a lower temperature than instructed: it will be too bland.

The aroma is lighter and more vegetal than is typical among black teas, with a hint of olives. There are some nutty tones that are also somewhat unusual for a black tea. The flavor is very smooth--there is very little bitterness, even when brewing for 5 minutes or longer.

As a final note, I find this tea goes very well with spicy foods and foods with a bold flavor: in spite of its mellowness, it is not easily overpowered, and some of the complexities come out.
Sign up or log in to mark reviews you like. | Twitter t Share on Twitter Share on Facebook