Black Honey 1st Grade Organic Black Tea

This Black Honey 1st Grade black tea belongs to the distinguished Keemun family, one of the most sought-after Chinese black teas in the world. Processed with a gentle steam of beeswax honey, it naturally develops an aromatic signature of rare elegance, poised between fresh blossom and warm wax.

Grown on the intimate terroir of Shiyan at high altitude, this first-quality harvest ranks among the essential black teas according to experts. You may also enjoy our Temple of the Buddha black tea to continue exploring China's finest teas.

The Aromatic Profile of Black Honey 1st Grade

When you open the pouch, the long, slender leaves release a warm, almost sweet fragrance reminiscent of a beehive and dried flowers. A delicate promise that is confirmed with the very first sip.

In the cup, the golden liquor opens with floral top notes, followed by a naturally sweet honeyed heart. The finish is long and round, leaving a lingering sensation of beeswax and ripe fruit. No added flavourings: everything comes from the leaf's honey steam process.

This rare harvest stands apart for its finesse and balance, far removed from the bold, tannic character of many black teas. The high altitude of the Shiyan terroir and the freshness of the picking both contribute to this singular signature. To compare the character of each tea family, visit our green tea vs. black tea guide.

How to Brew Black Honey 1st Grade Black Tea

Brewing follows the traditions of the great Chinese Keemun. Bring low-mineral water to 100°C, use 12 to 15 g per litre, and steep for 3 to 5 minutes depending on your preferred strength. Three minutes yields a delicate, floral cup; five minutes brings out the full honeyed roundness.

A porcelain or glass teapot will beautifully showcase the golden colour and honeyed fragrance of the liquor. Avoid adding milk, which would mask the floral delicacy of this harvest. The long leaves welcome a second, slightly shorter infusion to extend the tasting experience.

Serve in the morning or mid-afternoon, on its own or alongside a lightly sweet shortbread. Enjoy our black teas as nature intended, simply, to savour their true aromatic character.

Storage

Keep the pouch in its original airtight tin, away from light, moisture, and strong odours. Packed in our workshop, this harvest retains its aromatic freshness for 24 months under good storage conditions. An opaque metal tin remains the ideal vessel for preserving the finesse of its honeyed aromas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you brew a honey black tea?
Heat low-mineral water to 100°C, use 12 to 15 g of leaves per litre, and steep for 3 to 5 minutes. The honeyed sweetness reveals itself naturally, with no need for added sugar or milk.

Where can I buy Black Honey black tea?
Browse our organic black teas, each selected directly from their source terroir. Our Black Honey 1st Grade comes from an intimate sourcing partnership on the Shiyan terroir in China.

Where does Black Honey black tea come from?
This organic black tea is grown in China, in Anhui province, at the heart of the Tunxi region, on the intimate Shiyan terroir. An area renowned for its high-altitude Keemun teas.

What are the different grades of honey black tea?
Black Honey 1st Grade refers to the finest version, with long, whole leaves, followed by lower grades with more broken leaves. To learn more, read our guide to black tea.