The leaf appearance is jet black, with a high gloss, a sign of a very high grade Hao ya Keemun. I see very little twig debris here. The leaves were whole, and even in size, and the leaves appeared to a light brownish red after brewing. A wonderfully toasty nose, fruity notes and a subtle, playful pine smell. The tea itself is a reddish brown, very bright and luster-y. This tea was very full bodied, with a complex taste incorporating a bit of a fruity, smokey, sweet flavour. I store mine in a wooden container, which gives the tea a woody aftertaste.
