tea (n.) \ˈtē\ 1. shrub (Camellia sinensis of the family Theaceae, the tea family) cultivated especially in China, Japan, and the East Indies 2. an aromatic beverage prepared from tea leaves by infusion with boiling water.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Copper Knot Hongcha Black Tea

A complicated brew indeed.  Although a member of the Teavana lineup, I was impressed by its muscatel-like nuances and spicy aftertaste.  A little on the expensive side, but enjoyable nonetheless.  Tastes great iced or hot with a little bit of rock sugar or honey.  Teavana describes the tea as, “Hand-curled in an artful, spiraling knot, this golden and black tippy tea brews to a rich coppery-colored cup. Grown in the famed Yunnan Province of China at a 2,000 foot elevation, this exquisite tea is comprised of delicate pairings of single buds and leaf pairs. The taste is complex and full; this is a tea not to miss. Excellent as a morning or afternoon tea, it contains 20% of the caffeine in a cup of coffee. Good for multiple infusions.”  This infusion has many flavor similarities to Congou teas I've tried in the past- especially considering the muscatel and spicy notes.  I wish Teavana gave a little bit more background on the origin and style of preparation.  Unfortunately I think they focus purely on marketing strategies. 

Copper Knot Hongcha Black Tea
Steeping Suggestions
Leaf Quantity: 1 tsp/8 oz cup
Water Temp: 195º
Steep Time: 2-3 min.

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