Country of Origin: China
Leaf Appearance: very small, golden tips
Ingredients: black tea
Steep time: 30 seconds
Water Temperature: 195 degrees
Preparation Method: porcelain gaiwan
Liquor: coppery reddish brown
I have a soft spot for tippy, golden black teas from China and this one definitely fit the bill. Golden Monkey’s name refers to the supposed resemblance of the leaves to monkey claws. I don’t quite see it but then again, I’m not that familiar with monkeys. The taste was malty and winy with just hint of chocolaty sweetness. It was tannic and full bodied without being bitter. I did six consecutive infusions in a gaiwan and probably could have squeezed out a few more by lengthening the steep time. If brewing in a western fashion, you should be able to steep it at least twice. No milk or sugar are needed with this one. I think you’d loose a lot of the nuances if you added anything to it. This is another very well priced offering from +T7 TEA. You can’t beat $4.25 an ounce for a tea this tasty. That makes it a great candidate for making my Golden Monkey Black Tea Sangria.
Golden Monkey Black Tea sample provided by T7 Tea.