An inexpensive Keemun of very good quality for its price. Very smooth and mellow, but rich. Classic Keemun flavor and aroma: winey and slightly smoky.

Dry leaf is fine and pretty broken, with a mild but very pleasing aroma.

Upon brewing I notice a very gentle smokiness, and the characteristic wine-like quality that most Keemun exhibits. There is also a hint, just a hint of the chocolate-cocoa tones that are more characteristic of high grades like Keemun Hao Ya. Moderately astringent, only lightly bitter...a deep bitterness, rather than a bite or crispness. Very warming, not very brisk.

Of all the Keemuns I've sampled, this was very similar to TeaVivre's Keemun Grade 1, but I thought this was a lower grade, with a more broken leaf, and not quite as pleasing an aroma. But the price on this is a steal...$8 for 8 ounces, including a tin.

I prefer using a heaping teaspoon of leaf, and steeping for 5 minutes. This brings out more of the cocoa tones. This tea does not become very bitter, nor astringent, but the longer steeping intensifies the aroma and flavor.

I have been very happy with Foojoy's loose-leaf teas, both in this mid-range line and the high-end line in round tins. This is probably one of the better deals that I've found among their loose teas.

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