Special Teas 593 China Emperors Red

593 is what I think of when someone says china black. I find it has a "strong" tea presence,but not bitter or overly stout (I drink dark roast coffee on a regular basis). The taste lingers for some time after I finish the pot.. I am, however fairly new to "fine teas". I have tried Special teas Keemun "A"... It is so much more mellow than the 593 I usually get 2 steeps (2-3 from 593)...It also is delighful long after the teapot is put away.

I have and will buy both again.

I also stick to the darker oolongs tiehulan and dahungpao...with the exception of Specialteas competition grady TKY. I have not yet spent sufficient time with the oolongs to venture into the greens...and stay mainly on the mainland (China).

Doug

Thanks for the info. I am mainly a China black drinker. I have not had an Oolong yet that knocked my socks off. Some very good ones but nothing that satisfies like a good Keenum Mao Feng or Hao-Ya. I will have to try the ones you mentioned.

I have been dabbling in Assam's and some seem very promising. I have tried some of the greens and whites. The greens have been ok. The whites better if I'm in the mood for something light and sweet.

I can't get past the earthy taste of some of the greens. I wont even mention the first time I tried Pu-erh.

Thanks again for the info. I will be ordering some of the 593.

Mike

Mike:

Both Emperor's red and Keemun Hao Ya A(KHY-A) are good but KHy-A is much more smooth, milder taste. I am a huge Black tea fan. I will recommend you some other China black-

This are avilable in US:

-Golden needle

-Golden Yunnan

-Golden Monkey

I have collected the list below from China through a friend, don't know if any vendors offer them in US:

-Sichuan Hong Cha

-Yixing hondg cha

-Hainan Wu Zhi Shan

-Chuan Hong Cha

-Zhu Hai Jin Ming

-Jiu Qu

-Yi Hong

-Su Hong

About Assam, try to get the Tippy Assam(50% full of tips). This type of Assam can be a little pricy but worth to try.

Ripon Vienna,VA

Great! Thanks for the list. I'll give them a try. It looks like special teas has the Golden Monkey. were can I get the other two available in the US?

Mike

David Hoffman's catalog lists: Golden Needle Yunnan Gold Golden Monkey Keemun Mao Feng Phone: 415-488-9017 hth

Thanks!

Mike

Mike snipped-for-privacy@individual.net/4/05

17: snipped-for-privacy@comcast.net

Mike,

IMHO, a good Hao-Ya A Keemun is chocolate soft and welcoming. Special Teas'

593 Emperor's Red tastes of cherry cough syrup, not high praise. Nonetheless, for reasons mysterious, this tea is apparently quite popular.

Michael