Lion Mountain Keemun

I got this today on my way to the dentist this morning. I did like it at first, seemed smooth and rich with a slightly floral and piney flavor. As the cup cooled off, all the bitter and tobacco type notes came out… then it was definitely less enjoyable. At one point I accidentally choked on it and spit it out all over my raincoat. I’ll need to try this again someday.

Friends I was with stopped at Peet’s after lunch today. I wanted to try this Keemun and took the opportunity. The person preparing it for you puts the leaves into a T-Sac and adds the hot water and hands it to you, telling you to remove the leaves after 5 minutes. Ha! I thought to myself. I steep most if not all black teas no more than 3 minutes to avoid bitterness, if a tea is to have any. So I removed the T-Sac after about 3. The brew has a mild version of the “keemun” flavoring, the hint of smokiness and pine, but is not very distinct. I found this to be an ok tea but I’m not sure I’d ever spend the money for a can of this tea. If you like the “keemun” flavoring like I do, there are some fantastic Keemuns out there.

KLM is certainly one of the better teas available through Peets. The leaves have a very pleasant aroma, slightly smoky aroma — reminiscent of a church sanctuary infused with years of liturgical incense. The first steeping is a little harsher than ideal for my taste, needing a touch of honey to counterbalance it. The second steeping is much mellower and pleasant to drink straight.

This tea, although an Orange Pekoe, (The tea type that ruled western brewers for a very long time, who also made it terribly) Lion Mountain Keemun can be made anew! Since it is a small leaf bud-set tea, only 1 teaspoon is needed per 6 ounces of water. 1 steep is all that can be done to ensure the best flavor though. so double the amount of tea and water when you brew. Rinse, then infuse all of the tea,after 3 minutes, pour 6 oz out, then after 5 minutes, poor the rest out. This ensures the best from this black tea!

I just don’t like smoky pine tasting teas; even though this is mellower that Lapsang Souchong, it still just isn’t my cup of tea.