A cultivar grown in the mountains of the FuAn area long known to produce a aromatic & fine tasting Golden Monkey. This lot certainly meets this descriptor. The terroir of Fujian's mountainous coastline - its soils, rain, elevation, & temperature - has proven ideal for cultivation of sweet, fruity "Congou" style black teas. Once plucked, the farm oxidizes these golden leaves to create one of the finest of the world's black teas. Our monkey offers refreshing and enlivening flavors!
- Lot Notes. Our lot was harvested April 2025. This lot is one of the teas we found in Fuzhou early in the harvest. We found this lot offered plentiful golden buds and rich black leaves. The leaves are long and thin, full of spring flavors. Leaves are consistent in shape and size. Steeped it offers a brilliant red color liquor.
- Tea Facts. Golden Monkey is a specialty black grown only in Fujian Province. GM is made from the Dao Hao cultivar. Farm standard is fine pluck. Tea was grown at an elevation of 800 meters.
- Taste Profile. Wicker basket firing emphasizes the cultivar's sweet flavor side. This lot offers a complex and multi-layered, fruity aroma. In tasting, we are reminded of fresh Longan fruit and, of course, malt!
- Brewing suggestions. Use a rounded tablespoon or 2.5 to 3 grams per 6-8 ounces of water at 195-205 F, right up to boiling. Steep for 2-2.5 minutes and taste. More body, steep for 3 minutes. The leaves will yield 3 steeps.
SKU: B-GM-5-3
Black Tea
Add 30 seconds for each successive steep — flavors evolve.
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.