Best Keemun Teas Under $26 for 2024: Top 6 Picks for Rich Flavor
Looking for the perfect cup of Keemun tea to elevate your tea-drinking experience? You’re in the right place. Known as the “Burgundy of teas,” Keemun offers a rich, smoky flavor with hints of fruit and floral notes, making it a favorite among tea enthusiasts.
In this roundup, we’ve curated the best Keemun teas available, each selected for its unique taste, quality, and aroma. Whether you’re a seasoned tea connoisseur or just starting your journey, our picks will help you discover the perfect brew to suit your palate. Get ready to indulge in the finest Keemun teas that promise to transform your daily tea ritual into a luxurious experience.
Premium Loose Leaf: Cha Wu-[B] Keemun Black Tea, 3.5oz
Enjoying premium loose leaf tea? Cha Wu-[B] Keemun Black Tea, 3.5oz, might be your new favorite. Highly regarded for its mild flavor, this tea ensures it’s neither bitter nor astringent. Perfect for a relaxing cup, it’s known for its unique, fresh, sweet taste, especially in its higher grades.
Harvested exclusively in the spring, this tea promises a vibrant profile from QiMen, HuangShan, AnHui, China. This region’s tea is shaped crimp and thin, with a crispy, black color. The brewed tea reveals a clean red and golden soup, ideal for a soothing tea experience.
Pairing tips? After drinking, it often reminds of rosebuds tea, so brewing it with rosebuds could enhance its taste even more. This tea’s delightful flavor lasts long, making it possible to brew multiple times.
Brewing it correctly is key. Use 5 grams of tea with 300-350ml of water at 90℃/194℉, soak for 2-3 minutes, and enjoy up to three brews. Alternatively, steep it as Kung Fu tea using a Gaiwan, with shorter brewing times.
Some quick storage tips: keep it dry and avoid direct sunlight to maintain its top-notch quality.
- Product Dimensions: 3.54 x 3.54 x 2.76 inches; 3.5 ounces
- Item model number: B-QMXL-B-100g
- UPC: 791514742820
- Manufacturer: ChaWuWarmSun
- Best Sellers Rank: #96,927 in Grocery & Gourmet Food, #1,072 in Black Tea
- Customer Reviews: 4.0 out of 5 stars, 62 ratings
Traditional Snail Curl: Oriarmcha Aromatic Snail Keemun Black Tea, 225g
With unique spiral twisted leaves, the Oriarmcha Aromatic Snail Keemun Black Tea offers a distinctive look and an equally distinct flavor. This tea is known for its long-lasting roasted sweet potato-like flavor combined with a sweet, rich taste. It’s perfect whether you prefer it with or without milk or sugar and pairs beautifully with baked goods like breads, cakes, and muffins.
Oriarmcha’s snail curl Keemun is a great choice for those who love a robust black tea experience. Often included as the main body of English Breakfast tea blends, it stands out with its durable infusing resistance. You can enjoy multiple infusions, making it a versatile and cost-effective option.
Brewing this Qimen tea can be done using the Chinese Gongfu method or a simpler cup method. For the Gongfu method, use a 150ml gaiwan with 5 grams of tea at 194°F, allowing five steeps for a progressive unfolding of flavors. Alternatively, the cup method involves 3 grams of tea in a 12oz teacup brewed for 2-4 minutes at the same temperature.
- Package Dimensions: 6.81 x 4.8 x 2.13 inches; 7.94 ounces
- Manufacturer: oriarmcha
- Best Sellers Rank: #127,137 in Grocery & Gourmet Food; #1,375 in Black Tea
- Customer Reviews: 4.1 out of 5 stars, 10 ratings
Bulk Organic: Organic Keemun Black Tea, 1lb Tea Bag
Drink Organic Keemun Black Tea to experience one of China’s most famous teas. Known as Keemun Gongfu or Qimen Gongfu, it provides a natural and beautiful tea experience. Expect a premium black tea with a brilliant red liquor, mellow flavor, and aromatic fragrance. Keemun tea is highly regarded globally, especially in the British market, and is classified as a “tea hero” for its delicate flavor and aesthetic value.
Enjoy a cup to energize your day without hassles. This black tea combines luxury ingredients to deliver an exceptional taste profile. Keemun Black Tea’s fragrance has been compared to a refreshing China spring rain, making it a popular choice among tea connoisseurs.
Statements regarding dietary supplements haven’t been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer: No
- Package Dimensions: 8.5 x 4.8 x 4.5 inches; 1 Pound
- Item model number: SYNCHKG042175
- UPC: 764102746296
Convenient Teabags: Keemun Premium Tea by Tea Formula, 20 Pack
Try Keemun Premium Tea by Tea Formula if you’re looking for convenience. This 20-pack offers premium grade Keemun black tea from Qimen County, Anhui. Enjoy its creamy, floral notes with a hint of maltiness. Each teabag contains organic black tea (Camellia Sinensis), ensuring you savor every cup’s rich, authentic flavor.
Brew Keemun Premium Tea by boiling water to 100ºC. Use one teabag per cup (250 ml) for the best taste. It’s simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy mornings or a relaxing afternoon break.
Statements about the health benefits of this tea haven’t been evaluated by the FDA. These teabags aren’t intended to diagnose or treat any health condition.
- Product Dimensions: 3.5 x 6.3 x 9.3 inches; 2.08 ounces
- UPC: 628942971099
- Best Sellers Rank: #437,098 in Grocery & Gourmet Food, #14,202 in Herbal Tea
- Customer Reviews: 4.5 out of 5 stars, 8 ratings
Energy Boosting Brew: Tealyra – Keemun Mao Feng, 220g
Sipping Tealyra’s Keemun Mao Feng, you’ll understand why Keemun black tea is world-renowned. Often used in English Breakfast teas, it works excellently as a base or on its own to savor its fragrance and smooth body.
Grown in Anhui Province in China, this Maofeng grade is a premium, spring-harvested tea. The leaves are unbroken and tightly rolled, ensuring a rich, amber infusion. Each sip brings a long after-sweetness and a distinct Keemun aroma.
Adding a little milk or honey provides a different yet enjoyable dimension. Steeped in hot water at 205F for 3-5 minutes, this tea’s versatility shines. It’s perfect for an afternoon brew.
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer: No
- Product Dimensions: 3 x 1 x 3 inches; 7.76 ounces
- UPC: 731236249757
- Best Sellers Rank: #50,743 in Grocery & Gourmet Food
- Customer Reviews: 4.2 out of 5 stars (153 ratings)
Tea Bag Bulk Pack: Davidson’s Organics Keemun Congou, 100-count
Offers tea lovers a convenient way to enjoy Keemun Congou in bulk. Davidson’s Organics provides 100 tea bags, giving you a steady supply of this unique Chinese black tea. Yields mild smokiness with wine-like undertones, making each cup flavorful yet mellow. Brewing a cup results in a rich, amber-red drink that stands out with its distinct taste. Enjoy a balanced flavor profile that’s stronger than Russian Caravan but lighter than Lapsang Souchong.
Comes with simple steeping instructions to get the perfect cup every time. Bring fresh water to a boil, add one tea bag per 8oz cup, and steep for 3-5 minutes. Whether you’re a daily tea drinker or a casual sipper, you’ll appreciate the convenience of these pre-measured bags. Made from organic Keemun black tea, it’s not just tasty but also a health-conscious choice.
Specifications:
- Package Dimensions: 9.06 x 5.63 x 2.28 inches; 0.07 ounces
- UPC: 022045002481
- Best Sellers Rank: #7,325 in Grocery & Gourmet Food; #57 in Tea Samplers
- Customer Reviews: 4.3 out of 5 stars, based on 3,942 ratings
Factors to Consider When Choosing Keemun Tea
Regional Varieties of Keemun Tea
Choosing the right Keemun tea involves understanding the regional varieties. Keemun tea comes from Qimen County in China, and different areas produce unique flavors. Teas from Qimen are often smokier, while those from nearby counties may be more floral. Knowing where your tea was grown helps match its taste to your preferences.
Understanding Tea Leaf Grades
Understanding tea leaf grades is crucial. Keemun tea is graded from 1 to 7, with Grade 1 being the highest. Higher-grade teas like Keemun Mao Feng have more buds, providing richer flavors and a smoother texture. Lower grades still offer good quality but might not be as delicate. Check the grade to ensure you’re getting the flavor you want.
Loose Leaf vs. Tea Bags
Deciding between loose leaf and tea bags can impact your experience. Loose-leaf Keemun, like Tealyra’s Keemun Mao Feng, lets the leaves expand fully, releasing more flavor. Tea bags, such as Davidson’s Organics Keemun Congou, offer convenience and quick brewing but might not deliver the same depth. Consider how you plan to prepare your tea when choosing.
Organic vs. Non-organic
Choosing between organic and non-organic Keemun tea affects both taste and health. Organic teas, like Davidson’s Organics Keemun Congou, are grown without synthetic pesticides, offering a cleaner flavor and eco-friendly benefits. Non-organic teas might be more budget-friendly but could contain residues. Weighing these factors can help you make an informed decision.
Keemun Tea FAQs
What Makes Keemun Tea Unique?
Keemun tea stands out for its unique and complex flavor profile. Distinct malty notes and subtle smokiness come through in each sip. Some even detect hints of chocolate and floral undertones. Grown in Qimen County, China, this black tea uses traditional methods, resulting in tightly rolled leaves that keep their freshness. This tea pairs beautifully with milk or honey, making it a versatile cup for any time of day.
How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Keemun Tea?
Brewing Keemun tea isn’t tricky, but precision matters. Start with one teaspoon of leaves per cup. Steep in freshly boiled water at around 200°F for 3-5 minutes. Use a timer to avoid over-brewing, which can make the flavor too strong. Strain the tea leaves after steeping to enjoy a smooth, balanced cup. For added flavor, try pairing it with a slice of lemon or a dash of milk.
What Are the Health Benefits of Keemun Tea?
Loaded with antioxidants, Keemun tea offers several health perks. These antioxidants help reduce inflammation and support heart health. The tea’s moderate caffeine content can boost energy and improve focus without the jitters common in stronger teas. Its polyphenols also aid digestion and may promote weight loss. Organic Keemun options like Davidson’s Organics further enhance these benefits, free from pesticides and harmful chemicals.
Can Keemun Tea Be Used for Iced Tea?
Absolutely, Keemun tea can be transformed into a refreshing iced tea. Brew the tea as usual but use double the amount of leaves to keep the flavor robust when chilled. After steeping, let the tea cool to room temperature. Pour over ice and garnish with fresh mint or lemon slices for a delightful summer beverage. Sweeten with a touch of honey or agave if desired.
By following these tips and understanding what makes Keemun tea special, you’ll enjoy every sip of this unique black tea.