As a black tea enthusiast, I believe that black tea is truly a beverage suitable for all ages, especially ideal for beginners. Whether for entertaining guests or personal enjoyment, black tea always brings warmth and pleasure. Moreover, black tea generally has a mild taste, which is easily accepted by the public and has become the first choice for many women and the elderly. As a follower of black tea, I have tasted many varieties, and here I summarize these experiences.
Basic Techniques for Brewing Black Tea: The tea-to-water ratio is crucial when brewing black tea. Generally, for a 120ml lidded bowl, about 5-6 grams of tea leaves are used. It is important to note that the amount of tea leaves for small-leaf varieties should be more than that for large-leaf varieties, and the amount for high-quality black tea should be higher than that for bulk black tea. This allows the full release of the tea’s aroma and flavor.
Water Temperature: The choice of water temperature is also very particular. For high-grade delicate black tea made from small to medium-sized leaves, it is recommended to brew with water at around 90°C to better preserve the tea’s aroma. Bulk black tea is suitable for brewing with water at 90-95°C or even 100°C to stimulate its rich taste. Otherwise, sometimes, if the water temperature is too high and the tea is not quickly poured out, the taste can become sour.
Teaware: Lidded bowls or glass cups are suitable for brewing black tea. Although purple clay pots have strong adsorption properties, they may take away some of the aroma for black tea. Therefore, using porcelain aromatic cups to drink tea can better experience the aroma of black tea and enhance the tea-drinking experience.
Recommended Classic Black Teas for Beginners: If you want to drink black tea systematically, I suggest starting with the following three classic types of black tea: Lapsang Souchong, Keemun, and Dian Hong. These three types of black tea hold an important historical position in the black tea system, each representing different flavors of black tea.
1. Lapsang Souchong: Lapsang Souchong is the ancestor of black tea, originating from Mount Wuyi in Fujian. Its aroma is unique, with a distinct pine smoke fragrance, and the tea soup is mellow, with a sweet aftertaste. For beginners, the flavor of Lapsang Souchong is very suitable for entry-level, and taking a sip feels like experiencing the breath of nature.
2. Keemun: Known as the ‘King of Black Tea’, Keemun has a fresh aroma with floral and fruity notes, which we call ‘Keemun fragrance’; its tea soup is bright in color and has a mellow taste. The uniqueness of Keemun lies in the layering of its aroma, making it suitable for tea friends who prefer a delicate taste.
3. Dian Hong: Dian Hong is a large-leaf black tea from Yunnan, popular for its strong taste and rich aroma. Dian Hong has a rich classification, divided into ancient tree Dian Hong, wild Dian Hong, and regular Dian Hong according to the tea tree varieties; and into sun-dried black tea and traditional black tea according to the processing methods. Each type of Dian Hong has its unique flavor, suitable for tea friends with different tastes.
After becoming familiar with the three classic types of black tea, you can delve further into other regional black teas such as Ning Hong, Chuan Hong, Yi Hong, and Yue Hong. Each region’s black tea boasts a unique flavor profile and production techniques, offering a diverse tea-drinking experience.
In the market for special-grade black teas, you’ll find prestigious varieties such as Jin Jun Mei, Zunyi Hong, Xinyang Hong, Guzhang Hong, Jiu Qu Hong Mei, and Lichuan Hong. These teas are relatively more expensive and are recommended for those who have high standards for tea quality.
These renowned teas often have strict control over their production processes and raw materials, providing a more sophisticated drinking experience. Drinking black tea is not only a pleasure but also a reflection of one’s lifestyle. From the classic Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong and Keemun to the rich Yunnan Hong, each variety of black tea has its unique charm.
Whether you are a novice or an experienced tea enthusiast, mastering these basic knowledge points will allow you to navigate the vast ocean of black tea freely. By trying and exploring more, you will find the perfect black tea that suits you best.
