Tasting Notes: plum, sweet potato, honey, caramel

Description:  Black Leaf Gongfu is a medium-bodied unflavored black tea that is satisfying with a rounded mouthfeel with no astringency and sweet aroma.  A smooth tea with soft notes of plum and raisin blending with subtle hints of honey, caramel, and sweet potato.  It's hard to believe this tea is not flavored. The flavor notes are entirely created from the special technique of producing this tea. This tea is recommend to those that enjoy a black tea with subtle and complex flavor notes. 

This special tea is a ‘Gongfu’ (or Congou) type of black tea, meaning that it is made with skill and effort.  The name 'Gongfu' in the specific context of tea leaves, refers to the time consuming production of skillfully crafting a tea made entirely of whole leaf black tea leaves.

The processing of this tea involves a lengthy withering and oxidation process designed to bring out the most in the leaf.  After a full oxidation, this tea is twisted into thin and tight strips without being broken. The result of this skillful tea production is an exquisite whole leaf tea that is completely oxidized with rich and deep flavor.

Gongfu black tea is a style of black tea that originated in northern Fujian Province, China.  With the ongoing popularity of black tea throughout China, this processing method has spread to most tea producing provinces of China.  We source this lovely tea from Yunnan Province, China where it grows at an elevation of 2,000-3,000 feet above sea level. 

While its history is short compared to other black teas, Black Leaf Gongfu has become very popular for its full bodied flavor and sweet aroma.  It is a must-try tea for any tea enthusiast.  If you enjoy our Oriental Beauty, Black Gunpowder, Keemun, or Yunnan Gold then we think you'll love this tea too. 

Ingredients: black tea from Yunnan province China

Steep Directions: steep 1 heaping teaspoon of tea per 8 oz boiling water, 205-212°F, for 2-3 minutes