Sunday, December 7, 2014

Tea Review: Hunan Hei Cha Cubes (Phoenix Tea)

Advent Tea Calendar Day 8

Hunan Hei Cha Cubes
Phoenix Tea
Type: Heicha
Origin: China, Hunan Province
Product Description: 
Hei Cha (黑茶) is the family of fermented, usually compressed and formed teas which includes the better known Puer teas, which are made in Yunnan Province. Hunan Hei Cha is a sub-category of these teas, made in Hunan Province.
This particular Hunan Hei Cha is loose, and formed into fairly small cubes. An ounce of tea is about 3 cubes. The tea can easily be pried apart for brewing. The brewed liquor is very sweet and satisfying and the tea yields at least 6 very good infusions.
Temperature: 202° F
Amount: 3 grams
Steeping Time: 3 minutes

The dry leaves have an aroma of cured wood and green hay.

The golden amber infusion has an aroma of wood, moss, and earth with a hint of smoke.  The taste is earthy and savory with a clean finish.

The tea became more complex by the second and third infusions, including a slight hint of fruit in aroma by the second cup, and I would expect it to continue to produce several more interesting infusions.  

This tea was purchased by me.




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