Widely regarded as the best black tea in China, a high quality Keemun tea can be a rare find. In China, he is known as the "Tea of Prince" - hinting that this is a tea that belongs to the cup of an aristocrat.

Compared to Lapsang Souchong tea (the oldest black tea in the world), he has a relatively short history. This tea was invented by Yu Qianchen in 1875.

A civil servant in Fujian province, Yu witnessed the extraordinary success of Fujian black tea in the export market. When he returned home to Yellow Mountain - the tea paradise that gives birth to four of China's Famous Teas - he decided to experiment with "green turning red", and produced the first black tea of Anhui province.

It was an instant hit. This tea quickly gained popularity in England, and became the most prominent ingredient of high class English Breakfast tea.

Over the years, this tea continued to take the world by storm. A two-times gold medallist in World Exposition Fair, the unique aroma is said to rival any of the Darjeelings and Ceylon.

A tantalizing blend of fruit, honey and floral, the Keemun aroma is a charming experience. The taste, often described by foreigners as "Chinese sweetness", is well balanced and distinctive.

Back to Top of Keemun Tea

Back to Tea Shop Main Page