Discover the best 20 Types of Black Tea in the World 2023

As an avid tea drinker and seasoned connoisseur, I’ve spent a decade exploring the fascinating world of “types of Black tea“.

This journey has been steeped in culture, aroma, and flavor, and it’s been my joy to taste and understand the nuances that make each variety unique.

Today, I’d love to share the rich tapestry of black tea – from the bold Assam to the subtle Darjeeling and many more. I’ll delve into their unique characteristics, histories, and wonderful regions.

Black Tea Comes Into Its Own: A Brief Overview

It all started with two visionary brothers, Robert and Charles Alexander Bruce. Robert, not to be mistaken for the legendary Scottish king, started his tea journey in Assam with the help of an Assamese nobleman, Maniram Dewan. Together, they discovered tea plants nurtured by the Singpho people, native to the region.

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Tragically, Robert passed away before his time, but his brother Charles took up the mantle and continued his pioneering work, crafting the Assam tea that would soon become beloved by English tea enthusiasts.

In 1834, Lord William Bentinck established the famous Tea Committee, realizing India’s tea cultivation potential. He dispatched Mr. George James Gordon, the committee’s secretary, to China. Gordon brought back Chinese Bohea tea seeds, also called Wuyi tea, a renowned black tea variety from the Wuyi region, renowned for its smoky Lapsang Souchong.

Fast-forward to 1838, following the First Anglo-Burmese War, Britain claimed the Assam tea region as an English protectorate. By the mid-19th century, two varieties of the tea plant, the Chinese Camellia sinensis var. sinensis and the native Camellia sinensis var. assamica, were being grown side by side in Darjeeling, Assam, and Nilgiri.

Interestingly, the native Assamica was often favored because it produced more flushes, or new growth, within a season. Despite this, many experts at the time saw the introduction of the sinensis variety as a “curse,” as the native Assamica yielded a more desirable tea. Thankfully, the bulk of the tea grown in these regions was the Assamica variety, the source of the robustly flavored black tea variety we love.

Nowadays, these regions also cultivate white, green, and oolong teas. The main difference between green and black tea lies in the processing methods. The leaves are fried over slow fires to produce green tea, but never fired. However, many varieties of Black tea leaves are roasted in iron pans and fired over slower fires, resulting in the dark leaves that characterize many types of black tea.

It’s crucial to note that while green tea can be processed into black tea, the reverse is impossible. Black tea types typically have the highest caffeine in black tea compared to green, white, and oolong black teas list and contain fewer antioxidants due to fermentation.

So, there you have it – a brief history of black tea. From the dedicated efforts of the Bruce brothers to the enduring popularity of the Assamica variety, the world of black tea is a beautiful blend of history, culture, and delicious flavors.

Black Tea Grades: The Basics

When it comes to black tea varieties, there are typically four main grades, and they’re based on the flush (the tea plant’s growth stage), leaf size, and processing method.

Orange Pekoe

First, we have Orange Pekoe (OP), which might sound like it should taste like citrus, but the term has nothing to do with flavor. 

This grade consists of full leaves with no tips or buds, and in tea terminology, it generally refers to medium-grade, whole-leaf black tea, specifically the plant’s upper two leaves and buds. So, “orange pekoe” is more of a classification term rather than an indication of a citrusy tea.

Broken Orange Pekoe

Next, we have Broken Orange Pekoe (BOP), essentially the same as OP but with smaller, broken leaves. Then, there are fannings, which are even smaller pieces of tea leaves. Lastly, we have dustings, the smallest grade of all, which often look like a fine powder.

Here’s where it gets a little more intricate. These four types can have additional designations, such as flowery, tippy, or golden. For instance, GFBOP stands for “Golden Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe,” and TGFOP stands for “Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe.”

So, the next time you shop for recipe black tea, you’ll know exactly what these tea grades mean!

Popular Types of Black Tea & Blends

Tea Type	Origin	Flavor Profile	Notable Features
Darjeeling Tea	Darjeeling, India	Delicate, floral, light	“Champagne of teas,” nuanced aroma and taste
Earl Grey Tea	England	Citrusy, fragrant	Flavored with bergamot oranges
Ceylon Tea	Sri Lanka	Bold, full-bodied	Versatile, mellow to rich taste
Keemun Tea	Anhui, China	Subtly sweet, smoky	Often used in English Breakfast blends
Yunnan Black Tea	Yunnan, China	Golden buds, sweet, slightly spicy	High proportion of golden buds, complex flavor profile
Golden Monkey Tea	China	Sweet, peppery, hint of chocolate	Made from young tea buds, smooth and rich flavor
Lapsang Souchong	China	Distinctive smoky flavor	Dried over pinewood fires, bold and robust taste
Assam Tea	Assam, India	Robust, malty	Base for English Breakfast blends and chai
Nepal Black Tea	Nepal	Floral, fruity, hint of creaminess	Similar to Darjeeling tea with a unique twist
Dianhong	Yunnan, China	Malty, sweet, slightly spicy	High proportion of golden buds, sweet aroma
Nilgiri Tea	Nilgiri, India	Fragrant, aromatic	Grown in mountains, brisk and balanced flavor
Lady Grey Tea	England	Light, fragrant	Variation of Earl Grey with added citrus peel
Milk Tea	Various regions	Creamy, comforting	Served with milk, ranges from classic to bubble tea
Russian Caravan	Blend (Lapsang, Keemun)	Smoky-sweet	Blend associated with campfire-like flavor
Lychee Black Tea	China	Robust with lychee sweetness	Scented with lychee fruit, exotic and slightly tart flavor
Jin Jun Mei Tea	Wuyi Mountains, China	Sweet, smooth, slightly malty	Made from tender buds, premium quality
Chinese Black Tea	Various regions, China	Diverse flavors and aromas	Encompasses a range of black teas from China
Rize Tea	Rize Province, Turkey	Strong, bold	National drink of Turkey, often brewed with sugar
Congou	China	Full-bodied, sweet	Meticulously crafted, often hand-rolled, skillful preparation
English Afternoon Tea	England	Strong, served with milk and sugar	Ritual with various black teas, served alongside sandwiches, scones, and pastries

1. Darjeeling Tea

Don’t be deceived by the fine black tea’s delicate-looking leaves, which have a light golden color. Every taste is a symphony of flavors, rich with chocolate, raisin, and spice notes and tempered by a robust maltiness. The flavor of the tea is further enhanced by the scent, which is a lovely blend of sweet and savory that lingers tantalizingly.

So, what does this black tea taste like? Each flush (or growth phase of the leaves) offers a unique taste – the first flush, harvested in spring, is gently floral and light, while the second flush, harvested in summer, yields a richer, muskier flavor. I recommend trying Darjeeling tea if you’re a fan of nuanced, aromatic teas.

2. Earl Grey Tea

Earl Grey is a classic that needs a little introduction. These distinctive kinds of black tea are flavored with the oil from the rind of bergamot oranges, giving it a uniquely citrusy aroma. The tea is named after Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey, the British Prime Minister in the 1830s. The blend was reportedly gifted to him by a Chinese Mandarin – a story I find as delightful as the tea. Its bright, fragrant flavor pairs perfectly with a slice of lemon or a bit of milk.

3. Ceylon Tea

A trip to Sri Lanka introduced me to the joys of Ceylon tea. Grown in the country formerly known as Ceylon, these black teas are recognized for its bold, full-bodied flavor and crisp aroma. The flavor can range from mild and honey-like to rich and malty, depending on the location in which it is cultivated. This tea is adaptable and may be consumed on its own, with a little milk and sugar, or even iced for a cool summer treat.

4. Keemun Tea

Hailing from the Anhui province in China, Keemun tea is a black tea known for its subtly sweet and smoky flavor. When I first tasted it, I was captivated by the fruity taste that reminded me of wine and the slight flowery perfume. It frequently serves as the foundation for English Breakfast tea blends, but it also tastes great, especially if you value a well-rounded, complex flavor.

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5. Yunnan Black Tea

While traveling through Yunnan, a province in southwest China, I came upon Yunnan black tea. This tea, also called Dianhong, is renowned for its significant percentage of golden blossoms and its mild, sweet scent. It is a deliciously rich tea with a taste profile ranging from malty and sweet to somewhat spicy. If you’re feeling daring, you should give this undiscovered treasure a go.

6. Golden Monkey Tea

Golden Monkey TeaPremium Chinese black tea called Golden Monkey is so named because of the leaves’ unusual form, which is thought to resemble the paws of a monkey. My first sip of this tea revealed a rich flavor that featured hints of chocolate along with sweet and somewhat spicy notes. As opposed to fully developed leaves, it is predominantly prepared from young tea buds, giving it a very smooth and rich flavor character.

7. Lapsang Souchong Tea

Last but certainly not least is Lapsang Souchong, a black tea from China that’s known for its distinctive smoky flavor. This is achieved by drying the tea leaves over pinewood fires. I’ll never forget my first encounter with this tea; its robust, smoky aroma was unlike any tea I’d tasted. Lapsang Souchong may become your new favorite tea if you enjoy bold, unique flavors or peaty scotch.

8. Assam Tea

Let’s embark on a virtual journey to Assam, India, a region renowned for its robust tea. Assam tea is a black tea known for its bold, malty flavor and dark color. I distinctly remember my first cup; its full-bodied richness was a delightful morning wake-up call. This is the tea often used as the base for many English breakfast blends and chai, making it a real workhorse in the world of tea.

9. Nepal Black Tea

Nepal, nestled between Tibet to the north and India to the south, holds a delightful secret in the world of tea. Nepal Black Tea, akin to Darjeeling but with its own distinctive charm, left a vivid memory with its floral, fruity, and slightly creamy essence in my very first sip. For adventurous tea enthusiasts, it’s an excellent pick.

10. Dianhong

A trip to the Yunnan province in China introduced me to Dianhong, a type of black tea often called Yunnan Black. This tea has a high proportion of golden buds and a sweet, gentle aroma that I love. Its flavor can range from malty and sweet to slightly spicy, making it a delight to the senses.

11. Nilgiri Tea

Traveling to the Nilgiri district in Southern India, I discovered Nilgiri tea, a fragrant, aromatic black tea. It’s grown in the mountains, at 1,000 to 2,500 meters, and is often called the ‘Blue Mountain Tea’. The first sip of this tea was a revelation – it was brisk, fragrant, and had a beautifully balanced flavor.

12. Lady Grey Tea

Lady Grey Tea is a delightful twist on the classic Earl Grey, featuring bergamot oil like its counterpart but with an extra touch of citrus peel and occasional cornflower petals. It offers a lighter, more fragrant experience, perfect for a delightful afternoon tea if you love Earl Grey.

13. Milk Tea

Milk tea is a broad term that covers a variety of teas served with milk. It ranges from the British tradition of adding a splash of milk to strong some types of black tea to sweet and creamy Hong Kong-style milk tea. Then there’s the trendy bubble tea, which often uses a milk tea base with the addition of tapioca pearls. I enjoy the comforting, creamy flavor of a well-made milk tea, especially on a cold day.

14. Russian Caravan

Russian Caravan is a blend of black tea often associated with smoky Lapsang Souchong, although it can also contain Keemun and Oolong.  The name is a nod to the 18th-century camel caravans that transported tea from China to Russia. 

The first time I tasted it, I was transported by its unique smoky-sweet flavor, reminiscent of the campfires that were said to have flavored the tea on its journey. It’s a blend that tells a story, and if you’re a fan of smoky flavors, you’ll likely enjoy this tea.

15. Lychee Black Tea

One cherished memory involves my introduction to Lychee Black Tea, a Chinese black tea infused with the delightful scent of lychee fruit. It harmoniously blends the boldness of black tea with the exotic, sweet, and subtly tangy essence of lychee. Each sip transports me to the vibrant Guangdong markets where I first savored this unique brew.

16. Jin Jun Mei Tea

Jin Jun Mei is a luxurious Chinese black tea from the Wuyi Mountains. This tea is made entirely of tender buds, handpicked and carefully processed. My first encounter with Jin Jun Mei was unforgettable – it offered a sweet, smooth, slightly malty flavor that was incredibly satisfying. This tea is often reserved for special occasions due to its premium quality.

17. Chinese Black Tea

Chinese black tea, or “hong cha”, is a category that encompasses a wide range of black teas originating from China. Each variety offers a unique flavor profile, from the smoky Lapsang Souchong to the sweet and fruity Keemun. My journeys through China have allowed me to sample many of these, and I’ve found that their complex flavors and aromas are a testament to China’s long history of tea cultivation.

18. Rize Tea

Let’s take a trip to Turkey, where Rize tea is the national drink. This black tea, grown in the Rize Province, has a distinctively strong flavor. In Turkey, I noticed it’s often brewed in a two-part teapot and served in small, tulip-shaped glasses. It’s a tea that goes well with sugar, perfect for those who like it bold and sweet.

19. Congou

Congou, which means “gongfu” or “skill” in Chinese, is a category of black teas types known for their careful and skillful preparation. These teas are meticulously crafted, often hand-rolled, and have a full-bodied, sweet flavor. My favorite type is the Panyong Congou, which has a lovely balance of sweet and malty notes.

20. English Afternoon Tea

English Afternoon Tea, a cherished tradition, goes beyond a simple tea break. It’s a cultural ritual between lunch and dinner, featuring robust black teas such as Assam or Darjeeling, served with milk and sugar. Accompanied by an array of sandwiches, scones, and pastries, it’s a delightful English custom that I learned to appreciate during my time in England—a perfect indulgence for relaxation and savouring life’s finer pleasures.

In conclusion

Wrapping up, the world of black tea is vast and full of unique flavors. From Darjeeling to Golden Monkey, each type has its charm. I hope this deep dive into the different types of black teas have been enlightening. Don’t hesitate to share it with other tea enthusiasts if you found it valuable. Happy sipping!

Thanks for spiriteadrinks.com

FAQs

How is black tea different from other types of tea?

Black tea undergoes oxidation, which differentiates it from green and white teas. This process gives black tea its unique color and robust flavor.

How should I brew black tea for the best flavor?

For the best flavor, these black teas should be brewed with water that’s just reached boiling point, and steeped for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.

Can I drink black tea if I’m sensitive to caffeine?

While black tea contains caffeine, its levels are lower than in coffee. Limiting your intake or considering decaffeinated options is best if you’re sensitive to caffeine.

Can black tea help with hydration?

Yes, black tea contributes to your daily fluid intake, helping to keep you hydrated. However, it shouldn’t be a substitute for water.

Can black tea aid in weight loss?

Yes, black tea can potentially aid in weight loss. It contains polyphenols that could help reduce body weight by promoting the breakdown of fat, boosting metabolism, and improving gut health.

How does black tea impact mental health?

Black tea can have positive effects on mental health. It contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which can promote relaxation and help improve focus and alertness.

Can black tea improve gut health?

Yes, many types of black tea can contribute to a healthy gut. It contains polyphenols and antimicrobial properties that help balance your gut microbiome and promote overall digestive health.

How does black tea affect heart health?

Black tea can benefit heart health. Its high flavonoid content can help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol, and improving overall blood vessel health.

Can I add milk to black tea?

Many people enjoy black tea with milk. This is traditional in many cultures, especially when enjoying robust teas like Assam or English breakfast.

What gives black tea its color and flavor?

The color and flavor of black tea come from the oxidation process it undergoes after harvesting. This process transforms the green tea leaves into a rich, dark color and develops the tea’s distinct flavor.

Can I re-steep black tea leaves?

You can re-steep black tea leaves, although the flavor may be less robust with each subsequent step. The number of times you can re-steep depends on the quality of the tea.