About Yunnan Golden Silk Black Tea

Tea Origin:

This USDA-certified Organic Yunnan ‘Dian Hong’ Golden Silk Black Tea hails from the mountainous landscape of Menglian county, Pu'er City, Yunnan province. It is a premium and organic whole-leaf Yunnan Black Tea offering that well captures the essence of this famous Black Tea sub-type. To learn more about Tea Types and subtypes, including Yunnan 'Dian Hong' Black Tea's place within the Black Tea world, see Chapter 1 of the Masterclass on Tea

Flavor Profile and Cultivar:

This Yunnan Golden Silk Black Tea is a product of the Yunnan large-leaf seed propagation, nurtured from natural seeds, adding a unique touch to the large-leaf Yunnan tea lineage. The general flavor profile is as follows:

- Appearance: Tightly curled and delicately tender leaves, displaying a blend of golden and chestnut hues, adorned with a consistent layer of fine downy hair.

- Dry Leaf Aroma: Inviting notes of honeyed sweetness with a refreshing floral coolness.

- Soup Color: A vibrant and lustrous orange-red infusion.

- Aroma: A dance of high floral and sugary fragrances, cacao undertones and a light citrus finish.

- Taste: Multilayered and nuanced, the tea presents a three-dimensional impact, slightly astringent yet bold, with a rich and velvety broth.

For a detailed tutorial on tea quality assessment, see Chapter 4 of the Masterclass on Tea

Harvesting and Processing:

1 bud and two leaves were harvested with precision in autumn 2023. The tender leaves then undergo a meticulous process that respects the time-honored traditions of Yunnan Black Tea production. The journey involves withering, rolling, oxidation, and baking/drying, resulting in a tea that captures the essence of the region's terroir. For more details about Black Tea processing see Chapter 3 of the Masterclass on Tea.

Brewing Instructions:

Unlock the full potential of this exceptional tea with these (*general*) brewing guidelines:

- Water Temperature: 185-205°F (85-96°C)

- Tea Quantity: 3-5 grams

- Steeping Time: 3-5 minutes if using a large teapot or an infuser + mug. Ideally, use a small teapot or gaiwan to prepare a series of 10+ short (~ 10 second) infusions.

For a complete guide to tea infusion, see Chapter 5 of the Masterclass on Tea

Pairing Suggestions:

Elevate your tasting experience by pairing this Yunnan Black Tea with:

- Dark chocolate, accentuating its natural sweetness

- Savory dishes like grilled meats or aged cheeses

- Spicy cuisines, harmonizing with the tea's light peppery notes

- Enjoy it on its own for a moment of reflective tranquility

Caffeine content:

Due to the naturally more caffeinated large-leaf assamica tea leaf material, 1-bud/2-leaf pluck, and abundance of fur-coated buds, this tea is on the more caffeinated side of the spectrum. 5 grams of tea would have an approximate caffeine content of 150mg (3% net weight). For a less caffeinated cup of tea, simply use less leaves (~3 grams), and distribute the caffeine extraction over several mild infusions.