Tan Yang Kungfu Black Tea from Chinese Tea-Shop

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Black

Where to Buy:  Chinese Tea-Shop

Product Description:

Tan Yang is named after the village in south Fujian province during the Qing dynasty. Boasting well over 100 years of production, Tan Yang Kung Fu tea was the number one export through the docks in Guangzhou. Exports were mainly to The United Kingdom where it was served as a specialty tea for royalty. In 1915 Tan Yang Kung Fu tea won a gold medal in the Panama International Exposition. 

Taster’s Review:

I want to start out by saying I was relieved when I went to the Chinese Tea-Shop website and it was back up and functional.  When I write the review for the Golden Ring Jasmine Tea, the website was down (maintenance, perhaps?)  I am glad to see that the website is back up and running.

This tea is very much what I’d expect from a good quality Fujian black tea.  The Fujian Black teas are some of my favorite black teas because they boast an incredibly smooth quality.

This is very rich and full-bodied.  Wonderful notes of cocoa throughout the sip, like a bittersweet, powdery cocoa.  Delicious!  There are some malty undertones and a black currant-like flavor in the distance.  It has a mild astringency that doesn’t disrupt from the smooth delivery.  It finishes sweet and that sweetness lingers in the aftertaste.

An absolute delight to sip.  It is a nice tea to start the day with, however, it doesn’t have that same “kick-in-the-pants” as an Assam might offer – so it would be a better tea for the weekend when you can start slowly and really enjoy a cup of tea.  It is also mellow enough for an afternoon tea.

Two thumbs up on this one!