Details
Country of Origin: ChinaRegion: Anhui Province
Grade: Panda #1
Altitude: below 5000? ft. above sea level
Manufacture Type: Orthodox
Cup Characteristics: Lovely burgundy depth with light hints of an oak cask. A tea to savor during hectic or quite times.
Infusion: Bright tending reddish
Information:
Of all the China black teas available Keemun Panda #1 is probably one of the best known. Keemun is one of the congou-type teas; meaning it requires a great deal of gongfu, (disciplined skill) to make into fine taut strips without breaking the leaves. Interestingly the characters in the written Chinese script for time and labor are the same as those used for gongfu. It is often said that a properly produced Keemun such as Panda #1 is on of the finest teas in the world with a complex aromatic and penetrating character often compared to burgundy wines. Traditionally keemuns were used in English Breakfast tea.
Keemun is one the best-keeping black teas. Fine specimens will keep for years if stored properly and take on a mellow winey character.
Milk and a dash of sugar help capture the complex nature of this tea, but it is also perfectly acceptable to consume this tea straight-up.