Imperial Golden Monkey

Tea type
Black Tea
Ingredients
Black Tea Leaves
Flavors
Cacao, Caramel, Green Apple, Malt, Rhubarb
Sold in
Bulk, Loose Leaf
Caffeine
High
Certification
Not available
Edit tea info Last updated by So Keta
Average preparation
Not available

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  • “Yesterday I went to a massive biannual craft/artisan show downtown called the One of a Kind Show. Usually I find the few vendors selling tea there focus on blends and herbal teas because that’s...” Read full tasting note
    90

From Genuine Tea

This is a shining example of a beautiful, fresh harvest black tea from Fu’An County. Known as ‘Golden Monkey’, this tea gets its name from the distinctive wiry golden leaves that resemble the claws of high mountain macaques. It is often believed that the term ‘monkey’ is used describe high quality teas that grow so high up in the tree that only monkeys can reach them.

Harvested every spring, this tea follows the strict plucking standard of 1 bud and 1 leaf. The bud produces a very sweet flavour profile and the leaf adds a malty, cocoa taste with no astringency.

This Imperial grade tea is ideal for both the seasoned tea enthusiast and those starting their journey into the exciting world of premium quality, farmer-direct teas.

Region: Fujian, China | Elevation: 500m

About Genuine Tea View company

Company description not available.

1 Tasting Note

90
54 tasting notes

Yesterday I went to a massive biannual craft/artisan show downtown called the One of a Kind Show. Usually I find the few vendors selling tea there focus on blends and herbal teas because that’s what typically sells, but I managed to find a new player who had the good stuff and I shopped quite a bit with them! Many more reviews to come over the next week.

This particular company is relatively new, only in business for the last four years, but after speaking at length with the owners it seems they really know what they’re doing. Most importantly, the tea is good. I’ve always struggled with finding reputable local companies that sell tea as I don’t think ordering online from around the world is very sustainable as an individual consumer; I’m always thrilled to find feel good about my purchases.

This Imperial Golden Monkey that I was sold is just so nice. I was told the farmer whom they source this from experiments with cross-breeding typical Assam black tea and typical Fujian tea to create something unique. The leaves are very thin and long, and are blueish-brown with streaks of gold weaving throughout the bag. Pretty to look at!

In a 180ml gaiwan with 90°C water I started a typical gong-fu session. The wash was so aromatic and clean that I did end up drinking it, unlike some other black teas I come across. The first flavour notes that I recognised were of burnt caramel and cacao nibs. Very rich and almost bitter in the same way a very dark chocolate tastes. After a few more cups the caramel transformed into more of a classic malt taste, but interestingly some background fruitiness arises, perhaps rhubarb or green apples? I didn’t notice much sweetness though which was refreshing, I think most black tea I’ve had lately become sickening after a few cups, but it’s likely I’ve just been ordering the wrong stuff for my taste. The mouth-feel is great, medium thickness, low astringency, minor salivation, and no lingering bitterness! Only the good flavours stick around on my tongue.

Ultimately I don’t think I have anything bad to say about this tea. It’s well-balanced, obviously grown well, and it doesn’t make me terribly jittery from caffeine after a whole session. Excellent for a daily black tea, and something I think I will continue reaching for regularly.

Flavors: Cacao, Caramel, Green Apple, Malt, Rhubarb

Kittenna

I’ve had the same experience with tea vendors at the OOAK (the two times I’ve been to the Christmas one). It’s neat that there was a company with different offerings! Do you know if they were at the Tea Festival?

So Keta

Yeah it’s a shame really, no one knows what they’re missing out on lol
I actually missed this year’s festival, but I imagine they were. I think I remember reading that some of their tea was included in the Tea Taster Box? Not totally sure though.

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