Yun Nan Dian Hong Black Tea – Golden Tip

I have, “A definitely good hongcha, this one is,” written in my tea journal for one session with this Dian hong. While I can’t comment on my Yoda-esque prose I seem to have adopted that day, it adequately sums up this tea. It’s a mid-grade Dian hong, possessing fair amounts of both black leaves and golden budsets, and it certainly shows in the cup. While I prefer the all-buds Dian hongs, I both enjoy and respect the qualities brought out with the blend. That Yunnan “peppery” flavor often becomes lost with the higher grades or mutates uncontrollably with the lower grades, shows up in just the right amounts in this tea to blend nicely with the strong sweetness and dark, fruity aromatics. For the last session, I used the remainder of my sample, which took up between a third and a half of the gaiwan. It produced a far more complex brew, but most notably intensified the pepper-fruit interaction. I was excited about this, because I am usually unable to receive decent results with a large amount of leaf when it comes to Dian hongs. The texture usually ends up being too thick and muddles the more subtle tones somehow.

The aftertaste and mouthfeel are thick and starchy, giving rise to that “yam-like” perception often received from this type of tea. It’s always something I look for with Dian hongs, and this one does it fairly well. The aftertaste in this one, however, often becomes a bit salty and it if overbrewed at all, it is difficult to get past the maltiness, especially in later steeps when many of the initially interesting flavors have considerably declined in intensity. The liquor is also noticeably murky, but seems to clear up after the first few steeps.

A delicious black tea; the dry leaves are beautiful, and the steeped tea is very malty and deep in flavor. It’s slightly chocolaty but not nearly as much so as Black Dragon Pearls or the like; overall it seems more balanced but comparably delicious.

Okay I bought this on steepster reviews alone. The warm honeyed tones of the long, fluffy, dry leaves reflect the delicious flavor of the steeped tea. A dark gold liquor with a smooth, satiny honey flavor that fills the mouth and remains on the tongue. Truly a memorable tea. Full-bodied with no bitterness. Definitely no sugar or milk needed. Some reviewers mention sweet-potato or maple references (which I get), but without smokiness or chocolate tones. Overall a lovely ‘black’ to always have in the larder. I’m glad I took a chance with this one. It’s definitely one not to miss.

Ugh… this is horrible >_< Teavivre’s teas are mostly a miss for me, but this one is so disgusting I cannot even smell it much less drink.

Some completely alien flavor is strongly present in the smell of this tea and, after tasting it, it immediately becomes apparent that it smells like that for a reason.

Just a few brief thoughts, as I sadly ran out of this tea. This was part of a large sampler purchase from Teavivre. We are making our way through our selections. I must say this tea stands out. It is tastes almost honey-like with a dark coppery look to it. Delicious through at least two steeps. Needs no sweetener but is very good with a little honey. So good my husband pilfered into my sample!! We will certainly be buying this tea, likely in bulk. My new favorite black.

Chocolate, honey, sweet potato.. This is good tea.

From the moment I cut open the bag and caught a whiff of the strikingly golden brown tea leaves, I knew this one would be special… and it did not disappoint! I used numerous 30 second Gongfu style steepings. The first steeping was mild in flavour, but not without aroma. Perhaps I didn’t wait quite a full 30 seconds, as an immediate pronounced rich colour developed. The second steeping was much more pronounced in flavour, aroma and colour, yet it still defied description. My nose perceived a floral, perfumey sweetness; my tongue perceived a malty tartness. Even at the fifth steeping — or was it the sixth, it was no longer possible to keep track — the liquor remained a deep golden brown. I will make it somewhat stronger next time to see if I can more precisely define the tastes.

This tea is amazing, I haven’t tasted so unusual black tea with such a delicate taste. It is a little bit sweet, a little bit fruity and very pleasant for drinking in the morning to make your day. And it ends so quickly, I should order some more. I think everyone should give it a try.

Thanks again to Teavivre for sending me this awesome sample!

Once again, I find myself trying a black tea. This one was actually better than the other, with an even smoother flavor. It also had the bonus of not getting bitter or astringent when I accidentally let it sit and cool for half an hour. Unfortunately, I have a busy evening ahead, and don’t have time to talk about every single cup I had, but expect a more detailed review next time (and there WILL be a next time.).