Black tea

Often malty, fruity or brisk. Called hong cha, or red tea, in Chinese.

Common beginner mix-up

Chinese hong cha is called black tea in English. It is different from Chinese hei cha, or dark tea.

Yunnan black tea

滇红

diān hóng

Malt · Cocoa · Honey

Rounded and malty, often with cocoa-like notes. Expect tea with a satisfying body, rather than a drink that tastes exactly like coffee.

Anhui black tea

祁门红茶

qí mén hóng chá

Malt · Dried fruit · Soft wood

A brisker black-tea starting point, with an aroma that may recall dried fruit and wood. Individual lots vary.

Black tea

金骏眉 / 金駿眉

jīn jùn méi

Malt · Honey · Dried fruit

A rounded black-tea starting point; confirm whether the batch is smoked.

Black tea

正山小种 / 正山小種 / 拉普山小种

zhèng shān xiǎo zhǒng

Malt · Honey · Dried fruit

A rounded black-tea starting point; confirm whether the batch is smoked.

Choosing tea · 2 minute guide

Choose between Dianhong, Keemun, smoky or unsmoked Lapsang, and Jin Jun Mei without paying for a name alone.

Getting started · 4 minute guide

Check the label, compare a small sample and separate taste from claims about origin, age or rarity.

Brewing · 1 minute guide

A simple, repeatable first cup without a special tea set.

Choosing tea · 2 minute guide

Why a tea category is not a precise caffeine chart.