This Meizhan cultivar is made to customs of processing known in China as "fresh tea" denoting it is made to local timing of harvest, processing and flavor profile. Not made to a standard and certainly varied in its taste each season, this tea well exemplifies China's small farm tea culture. Our lot was grown on a farm that practices organic, traditional farming methods. The farm is located at an elevation of approximately 400-600 meters in the mountains of the Fuding area, Fujian Province. Lot #W6.
Lot Notes. This lot is single-origin, handcrafted offering a high aroma with notes that are varied - sweet and malty to fruity. Hand crafted to preserve and develop the natural flavors of the cultivar, a deft hand in firing has clarified the taste notes and deepened the body of the tea. Tasting this lot, we think this one brings unusual flavors and aromas of the harvest to your cup. Lot was harvested April, 2024.
Tea Facts. Black Cloud is made from a slow-growing, high-mountain cultivar known in Pinyin as Mei Zhan. It is a slow growing tea bush. It is a prized black variety commanding high prices whether processed as a green or a black tea. The leaves are strong and will yield multiple steeps.
Tasting Notes. The leaf is distinct in its aroma – think semi-sweet chocolate. The leaves are oxidized with a focus to creating flavors that linger. Opens to a clear amber liquor with flavors of malt and chocolate, molasses and stone fruit combining to leave a sweetness long after drinking.
Brewing Suggestions. We suggest 3 grams per 6-8 ounces of water. A round tablespoon of leaf will brew up to 12 ounces of tea. Use water at 195-205 F right up to boiling; steep the leaves for 2 minutes and taste. For more flavor, steep with added time. Drain the leaves between steeps and the leaves will yield multiple infusions.
BLACK TEA
3 grams/1 teaspoon per 6 ounces of water
195° - 205° F
2 Minutes
Black tea is a leaf that has been fully oxidized. This rigorous oxidization produces a tea of hearty rich flavors while reducing its astringency and bringing out a natural sweetness.
Flavors will range from bright, brisk, peppery, clean, and smoky to aromatic, bold, malty, nutty, spicy, and sweet. Blacks are known for long, delicately aromatic, and comforting aftertastes. Note, they are often enjoyed with milk or sweetener.
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Delicious!
most delicious
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My favorite Black!
Let me start by saying, Black tea has never really excited me...until now! The aroma on this tea is worth opening the bag alone! I guess what I love about this tea is the rich maltiness resulting in an unlikely sweetness for a black tea. In fact, I'd go as far as to say, I would not pair this tea with anything sweet, as it stands well on its own., almost like a dessert. This is a "must try' tea and it will be one that I always have in stock. Thank you Silk Road Teas!
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Excellent!
Silk Road consistently offers the best teas around and this one is exceptional. Lovely earth flavor with no bitterness, this is one of my favorites.
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AWESOME !!
I think this is the favorite of the ones I have tried. It needs no sweetener at all and is really really pleasant on the taste buds. I think this could almost be an after dinner / dessert tea. It will be added to my list of "Must Buy Again Tea".
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One of my favorites!
This is one of the best black teas I've tasted, with a very unique flavor. The aroma is very sweet, with a note of smokiness. A two minute brew leaves a very sweet and chocolatey liquor, with a lingering warmth that remains long after drinking. Great tea to start the day, or to enjoy with a cookie on the side. Re-steeps very well, retaining the same flavors for multiple infusions. Definitely worth trying. I am stocking-up on this tea.
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A sophisticated start to the day!
Just finished my first cup of black cloud tea. I feel like I am enjoying a fine wine when sipping my different teas from Silk Road. Fun, sophisticated, and so enjoyable. Even the black cloud silver packaging adds to the enjoyment. I display my varieties in a pretty bowl, knowing the pleasure inside each package awaiting me.