China Black Gunpowder (ZK31)

This tea looks like green gunpowder tea only black and glossy. It has its own flavor and scent…nutmeg. This is my first tea that had notes of nutmeg in it. Its also in the smell. The tea has a light astringency and a full mouthfeel. No bitterness and smooth, it really has a taste all its own. Not a tea I want to drink all the time, but nice once in a while.

Liking green gunpowder, I tried this black and was bowled over. It is currently one of my favourite teas. Unfortunately it has sold out and I don’t know when I’ll be able to get it again.

This has woody notes all over – from the first smell of the dry leaves to the steeped tea. The leaves seem pretty all curled up inside, but they did not fully open when steeped in hot water. Will try next time with boiling water.
Perhaps my palate is not well trained yet – but I could not detect any memorable quality to this tea. Not bad, certainly, but I think it could be better as part of a blend.