| Country of Origin | China | | Region | Qimen County, Anhui Province (home of the original keemun) | | Altitude | 2000 - 3000 feet above sea level | | Shipping Port | Shanghai | | Grade | Keemun congou - whole leaf style | | Manufacture Type | Special Keemun orthodox | | Cup Characteristics | A complex and subtle flavor. Aromatic and penetrating without being lush or floral. It is said you can compare this to a fine burgundy wine because of it s superb bouquet. The flavor is best brought out with the use of milk. | | Infusion | Bright tending reddish | Of all the Chinese black teas the ones most familiar to the West are commonly called congou teas. The two principal divisions are north China congou and south China congou. The north China congous - from the provinces of Kiangsu, Anhui and Hunan were all typical English breakfast style teas. The most famous of these congou teas are the Keemun teas. The 3 Monkey Keemun is noted for its excellent value and deep rich flavor. The Chinese say that the bouquet of 3 Monkey is like the perfume of an orchid and the less poetic will say that it is like toast hot from the oven. It has been suggested that the reason 3 Monkey is a classic English breakfast tea is that its fragrance is brought out by the addition of milk. In any event the thick reddish liquor from the fine, tightly rolled leaves of this superb tea have a deep, rich concentrated flavor, reminiscent of the fine qualities of Burgundy wine. Keemun is the best-keeping of China black teas and will keep for years and if well stored take on a mellow winy character. |
