Description
Keemun Mao Feng (祁门毛峰) is produced in Qimen County of Anhui Province, China. This tea is a high grade ‘Mao Feng’ type that has a classic aromatic Keemun profile that is fruity and smooth. This particular lot is from the spring 2023 harvest.
The origin of Qimen Hong Cha (祁门红茶) or ‘Keemun Red Tea’ only dates back to the late 19th century. The Keemun name comes from an older Western spelling of the town of Qimen. Keemun, or Qimen, tea has quickly become a popular and famous Chinese black tea due to an appealing, fragrantly sweet and fruity character that this tea develops. Many other sub-types of this tea exist: Mao Feng, Hao Ya and Congou being the most common and popular ones. Lower grade Keemun black teas are also commonly used in tea blends. We also stock two high grade tippy versions: Keemun Jin Zhen Golden Needle and Keemun Xiang Luo Aromatic Snail.
Keemun Mao Feng is one of the better known and higher grade varieties of Keemun black tea. It is said to be the favourite tea of Queen Elizabeth II. Mao Feng refers to the type of tea and literally means ‘fur peak’. Similarly to the famous Huang Shan Mao Feng green tea, this refers to the hairs found on buds when it is harvested. As Keemun Mao Feng consists of full unbroken buds and young tender leaves, it is much lighter and sweeter than other types of Keemun black tea. By comparison, Keemun Congou tends to be made up of broken leaves, thus producing a fuller and heavier cup.
This Keemun Mao Feng has long dark thin leaves that are lightly twisted, which is a typical appearance for this type of tea. When the leaves are brewed you can clearly see that this Keemun Mao Feng consists of buds and small tender leaves. The liquor produced has a dark amber colour with a spicy, lightly woody and fruity aroma. The smooth fruity profile has mineral notes with a lightly woody edge. There is a deep flavour of stewed red stone fruits. Lightly tangy, stony aftertaste completes the tasting on a particularly satisfying note.
We suggest brewing at 90°C for 3-4 minutes according to your taste, brewing multiple times.
This Keemun Mao Feng black tea was first featured in our July 2019 Curious Tea Subscription Boxes.