Keemun

Fully oxidized tea leaves for a robust cup.


User avatar
Aug 30th, '10, 00:23
Posts: 1591
Joined: Jul 21st, '10, 02:25
Location: Oz
Been thanked: 3 times

Keemun

by bagua7 » Aug 30th, '10, 00:23

OK let's discuss a bit about this fascinating tea. It's one of my favourites but the sample I had the other day, purchased at a local store, wasn't that great after the second brew. I would categorise it as a general Keemun as I am after better quality.

Produced in Qimen County and the neighboring areas close to Yellow Mountain in Anhui Province, China, Keemun black tea is one of China's finest teas. It produces a complex, subtle, mellow flavour which varies from orchid to chocolate, depending on the variety and processing method, and the so-called Chinese tea sweetness.

Let's discuss varieties and the best online suppliers of this great tea. if you are lucky to live in China, then no need to worry about this stuff. :lol:

Aug 30th, '10, 17:58
Posts: 364
Joined: Dec 29th, '09, 12:49
Location: Nor Cal

Re: Keemun

by NOESIS » Aug 30th, '10, 17:58

One of my favorite red teas, but finding a great one can be difficult. I had a Mao Feng from Jing (UK) earlier this year that was fantastic. Lightly smokey with loads of up-front fruit and dried cocoa notes with a long, sweet finish. I've also had good luck in the past with the Hao Ya from Jing Tea Shop. A little smokier and not quite as sweet as the Mao Feng.

http://jingtea.com/tea/black-tea/keemun ... g-hong-cha

User avatar
Aug 30th, '10, 19:35
Posts: 20891
Joined: Apr 22nd, '06, 20:52
Scrolling: scrolling
Location: Back in the TeaCave atop Mt. Fuji
Been thanked: 2 times

Re: Keemun

by Chip » Aug 30th, '10, 19:35

Keemun was my breakthrough tea as I recall. And it has been my fave black since then.

Unfortunately the name can mean a style it seems, much like Dong Ding is not always from that mountain but denotes a style. So many so called Keemun are not from any where near Qimen.

The search for a good Keemun can be frustrating as it is quite variable from year to year. A way around this, if you find a good one, you can buy a larger amount of it as it ages pretty well, I have some from 2005 that are better today than they were when bought.

Also there are good and not so good Keemun, so do not expect the 4$ per 4 ounces Keemun to bring you the same satisfaction as one costing 3, 4, 5 X as much.

User avatar
Aug 30th, '10, 21:09
Posts: 1591
Joined: Jul 21st, '10, 02:25
Location: Oz
Been thanked: 3 times

Re: Keemun

by bagua7 » Aug 30th, '10, 21:09

Yeh, can't wait to have the Mao Feng variety. I had a Hao Ya sample last week and it was very nice, a bit smokey though. However a friend of mine told me it was still a general tea; nothing to be compared to the gourmet style quality Keemun is renowned for.

Jing Tea Shop had Keemun tea available but all their different offerings are sold out.

I will try Jing's tea instead.

User avatar
Aug 30th, '10, 22:32
Posts: 468
Joined: Aug 6th, '10, 03:45
Location: Norway

Re: Keemun

by Nenugal » Aug 30th, '10, 22:32

My first and only Keemun so far is a Keemun Mao Feng from TeaSpring, and that one is really good.

Aug 31st, '10, 09:49
Posts: 3
Joined: Aug 6th, '10, 15:38

Re: Keemun

by wolfrb » Aug 31st, '10, 09:49

This isn't their top grade but still really nice.
and cheap
http://www.jingteashop.com/pd-red-tea-keemun-top.cfm

for the money this can't be beat as well when in stock
http://www.jingteashop.com/pd-jing-tea- ... -eddcm.cfm

User avatar
Aug 31st, '10, 20:32
Posts: 1591
Joined: Jul 21st, '10, 02:25
Location: Oz
Been thanked: 3 times

Re: Keemun

by bagua7 » Aug 31st, '10, 20:32

I am looking at JTS's Keemun offers:

1. Pre-Ming Keemun Hao Ya

is it nice?

2. Gift Grade Keemun Gong Fu

Sold out. Surely it's nice. :lol:

I guess I have to wait until the bring some more in, but I could try some of their Hao ya in the meantime.

Note: I love keemun with a hint of cocoa flavour. Yum!

User avatar
Sep 7th, '10, 20:31
Posts: 251
Joined: Mar 17th, '09, 22:23

Re: Keemun

by spot52 » Sep 7th, '10, 20:31

My observation on Keemun choice is,
a higher price does not always equate a good taste. Sometimes prices are just high and other times it is due to rarity. It has been an economic learning curve for me. There are a lot of variable I consider when buying a Keemun. I usually pay attention to seller reputation, tea drinker advice, price, previous experience, and probably more. Ok, I have lost my focus.

User avatar
Sep 8th, '10, 17:16
Posts: 1312
Joined: May 27th, '09, 16:55

Re: Keemun

by teaisme » Sep 8th, '10, 17:16

wolfrb wrote:This isn't their top grade but still really nice.
and cheap
http://www.jingteashop.com/pd-red-tea-keemun-top.cfm
agreed, gongfu's in a small yinxing rather well
have brewed it a few times in porcelain too but it seemed slightly muted when I did

Good tea for black tea blending too.

Oct 17th, '10, 02:51
Posts: 101
Joined: Oct 14th, '10, 00:06

Re: Keemun

by mbanu » Oct 17th, '10, 02:51

Any suggested tasting notes for identifying a Keemun? Say, compared with an Assam?

Oct 27th, '10, 17:02
Posts: 1
Joined: Jul 14th, '10, 11:16

Re: Keemun

by Kerry » Oct 27th, '10, 17:02

Does anyone like Adagio's English Breakfast tea besides me? It has become my overwhelming favorite in the mornings, but Adagio is out of stock. If anyone has tried any of Adagio's Keemun teas as well as their English Breakfast, can you tell me which is the closest in flavor.

+ Post Reply