Black Tea

chinese vs. rwandan black tea

While both are fully oxidised, the terroir and cultivars create very different experiences.

Chinese Black Teas: These often lean towards the mellow and sweet side. Varieties like our Dianhong or Wuyi teas are famous for their notes of malt, honey, and dark chocolate, with a smooth finish that never feels harsh.

Rwandan Black Teas: Grown in volcanic soil at high altitudes, our Gorilla Hermit tea is exceptionally punchy and bright. It offers a crisp, refreshing briskness and a deep amber colour that stands up beautifully on its own or with a splash of milk.

what does black tea taste like?

Forget the “dust” found in tea bags; loose leaf black tea is incredibly nuanced.

You can expect a range of flavours from the jammy, sun-dried sweetness of Yunnan “Golden Tips” to the pine-smoked depth of traditional Lapsang Souchong or the floral, mineral notes of Wild Mountain Wuyi.

As we expand our collection to include Indian varieties like Darjeeling and Assam in the future, you can look forward to even more diversity, from muscatel grape notes to bold, malty richness.

how to brew black tea

Black tea is the most robust of all tea types and requires high heat to extract its full character.

Water temperature: 95-100°C (Boiling)

Amount: 5g per 150ml (Gongfu) or 3g per 350ml (Western)

Steep time: 30-60 seconds (Gongfu) or 3-5 minutes (Western)

Infusions: Unlike tea bags, our premium whole-leaf black teas can be infused 2-4 times.

is black tea high in caffeine?

Black tea typically contains the highest caffeine content of all tea categories, ranging from 40-70mg per cup.

This makes it the perfect morning ritual or an ideal afternoon pick-me-up for those looking for a steady energy boost without the coffee crash.

what are the health benefits of black tea?

Black tea is packed with theaflavins and thearubigins, unique antioxidants that support heart health and help lower “bad” LDL cholesterol.

It is also known for its gut-health benefits, promoting a healthy balance of bacteria in the digestive system and improving overall metabolism.

black tea varieties at a glance

Explore the distinct origins in our current collection:

Gorilla Hermit (Rwanda): A bold, bright, and powerful brew from the heart of Africa. Perfect for those who love a “strong” tea.

Dianhong Pagoda (Yunnan): Hand-tied cones of golden-tipped leaves that bloom as they steep, releasing a silky, honey-sweet flavour.

Wild Mountain Wuyi: A rare find from the Wuyi mountains, offering a complex, mineral-rich profile with hints of wild honey and stone fruit.

can you drink black tea with milk?

Absolutely. While many of our Chinese black teas are so naturally sweet they are best enjoyed “grandpa style” (straight), our Rwandan black tea is robust enough to take milk and sugar perfectly.

If you enjoy a traditional British brew but want a significant upgrade in quality, the Rwandan leaves are your best bet.

how should I store black tea?

Black tea is the most shelf-stable of all teas. However, it still hates light, heat, and moisture.

Keep your leaves in an airtight container in a dark cupboard. If stored correctly, black tea can maintain its full flavour for up to 2 years.

is black tea good for beginners?

Black tea is the most familiar entry point for many, but the jump from bags to loose leaf is a total game-changer.

If you want something comforting and sweet, try the Dianhong Pagoda. If you want a morning kick-start that puts your old breakfast tea to shame, go for the Gorilla Hermit.