Keemun Xiang Luo (ZK50)

Tea type
Black Tea
Ingredients
Not available
Flavors
Cocoa, Corn Husk, Dark Wood, Dry Grass, Forest Floor, Nut Fruits, Red Wine, Rose, Tobacco, Chocolate
Sold in
Not available
Caffeine
Not available
Certification
Not available
Edit tea info Last updated by Cameron B.
Average preparation
205 °F / 96 °C 3 min, 30 sec 2 g 12 oz / 369 ml

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9 Tasting Notes View all

  • “A tea to be savored, this delicate Keemun does not feature the smokey tobacco flavor of some, but the alluring blend of spice (cinnamon and allspice) and red wine is delicious. This is not an...” Read full tasting note
  • “Aren’t these leaves just the cutest?! Remind me of those sweet African curls on a baby’s head. The leaf color is dark when dry but is a mix of dark chocolate and milk chocolate when wet. The flavor...” Read full tasting note
    69
  • “I just opened the sample pack I bought from Upton exactly a year ago, and it smelled fresh, but perhaps it’s unfair to review it his state. I am not knowledgeable about Keemuns at this stage in my...” Read full tasting note
    86
  • “This is a more like it. After an unfortunate bout with the Z11 Keemun this morning, I chose this one next. This is kind of the opposite end of the spectrum from the Z11. There is a...” Read full tasting note
    69

From Upton Tea Imports

A rare offering from An Hui province, home of the famous Hao-Ya teas. This offering has an intensely rich character, with deep chocolate notes in the cup as well as in the leaf aroma. A truly outstanding selection.

Origin: China

Steeping Suggestions: –
Leaf Quantity: 2¼ g/cup
Water Temp: 212°(boiling)
Steep Time: 3-5 min.

About Upton Tea Imports View company

Company description not available.

9 Tasting Notes

189 tasting notes

A tea to be savored, this delicate Keemun does not feature the smokey tobacco flavor of some, but the alluring blend of spice (cinnamon and allspice) and red wine is delicious. This is not an in-your-face tea, but often restraint is the essence of beauty.

Preparation
200 °F / 93 °C 4 min, 0 sec

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69
1233 tasting notes

Aren’t these leaves just the cutest?! Remind me of those sweet African curls on a baby’s head. The leaf color is dark when dry but is a mix of dark chocolate and milk chocolate when wet. The flavor is full of earthy notes. Woodsy, mahogany and a freshly sealed pine chest. Traces of cocoa but very few. Wet aroma is musty. Pick up wet leaves and stuff them in your nose.

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86
27 tasting notes

I just opened the sample pack I bought from Upton exactly a year ago, and it smelled fresh, but perhaps it’s unfair to review it his state. I am not knowledgeable about Keemuns at this stage in my “tea career,” but I do like strong black tea. I wanted something that would be substantial but not heavy this early September morning, which still has some of summer’s warmth. The instructions on the packet said to brew the tea for 3 to 5 minutes, so I brewed it for 3’45", and felt that it was pretty nice but perhaps could have used a longer brewtime. I also felt that the flavors in this tea were not balanced and palpable until the brewed tea had cooled down to 115F. Then it was a smooth, richly flavored but medium-to-light textured cup of tea, highly enjoyable, and I was able to note all the flavors in my list below. The one flavor I would add is “old iron pot,” because the tea had a background note that almost felt like it had been brewed at an old fire pit in a room carpeted with grass mats. A little too dusty for my taste, but I enjoyed it all the same.

Flavors: Cocoa, Corn Husk, Dark Wood, Dry Grass, Forest Floor, Nut Fruits, Red Wine, Rose, Tobacco

Preparation
205 °F / 96 °C 3 min, 45 sec 2 g 6 OZ / 177 ML

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69
155 tasting notes

This is a more like it. After an unfortunate bout with the Z11 Keemun this morning, I chose this one next. This is kind of the opposite end of the spectrum from the Z11. There is a barely-detectable smoke note, way way back – a nice antidote to the intense smoke/creosote of the Z11. This is far more delicate and well mannered. There is a hint of cocoa, a slight whiff of malt and a little yeasty graininess. I like the little floral, winey waft in the aftertaste. This is nice enough, but not very distinguished.

Preparation
205 °F / 96 °C 3 min, 0 sec 2 tsp 15 OZ / 443 ML

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79
1500 tasting notes

Smelled richly of chocolate as I opened the bag, and then just as much after steeping. It was a beautiful cup hot, but as it cools I’ve lost the chocolate flavor other than the richness of it, and it’s become a bit astrigent for my liking.

Flavors: Chocolate

Preparation
200 °F / 93 °C 4 min, 0 sec 2 tsp 12 OZ / 354 ML

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86
985 tasting notes

Tea of the morning……

And this is the end of my sample. I really do like this one, but not sure it is worth the cost. It is like my favorite Keemun Mao Feng without the smoke note. Smooth, cocoa-noted, and malty. I do still get a little bit of a floral note at the end of the sip. I suppose I would consider buying it if I did not have a stash full of other wonderful teas. Tasty, but not remarkable.

Usual teapot method.

Preparation
200 °F / 93 °C 4 min, 0 sec

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85
2816 tasting notes

I must be a glutton for punishment but I keep trying keemun samples to find a few that I like. :)

I steeped this for 3 minutes and am finding this is one of the most gentle keemuns I have tried. I definitely get the cocoa/roasted notes but not much tobacco/smoke that you find in some keemuns. There’s a few interesting fruity notes in here that are reminiscent of wine. I’d recommend drinking this straight in order to appreciate the delicate flavor. it is lighter in body than most other keemuns I’ve had. In fact, I might try steeping this a little longer next time.

Not destined to be a personal favorite, but I have enjoyed the cup. This morning I’m thinking about going back to bed after I’ve had my tea and breakfast!

Preparation
205 °F / 96 °C 3 min, 0 sec 2 tsp 12 OZ / 354 ML
Flowery

Have you tried Mandala’s Black Beauty? They describe it as ‘keemun style’. I’ve never found a keemun I love but can’t get enough Black Beauty, and it gets rave reviews here.

Flowery

Ha, never mind – just saw your review on it. ;)

TeaBrat

yes I do recall that it was good, I should get some more

looseTman

TeaBrat, You may find this thread of interest:
http://steepster.com/discuss/7057-notable-keemun-teas?post_id=122680
It also sounds like your Keemun search experience may be helpful to the readers of it.

MzPriss

Flowery – Im very sad I just read this. My most recent Mandala order is likely on its way and now I have toi turn around and do another. I LOOOOVE Keemuns and I love Mandala. Sigh. Y’all are bad influences.

@TeaBrat – I recntly got samples of most of Upton`s Keemuns. I need to get busy and try them.

Flowery

Oh that stinks MzPriss… at least they have very reasonable shipping? Definitely not one to be missed. :) I just ordered 4 ounces myself, and I almost never order more than 2 ounces of anything, usually 1. It’s really special and has just grown on me!

TeaBrat

MzPriss – I look forward to your reviews

looseTman – I’ll check it out

MzPriss

@Flowery – mine is on the way

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