Zi Sun Hong Cha

Like the ancient, famed green tea Guzhu Zi Sun, this nutty black tea hails from the small village of Guzhu—in fact, it is produced by the same tea farmer with the same violet-tipped leaves that give these teas their names. While to the uninitiated the round body might suggest a Dian Hong, or the grape-skin astringency far-away Ceylon, it bears some telltale resemblance to its green sibling: the vegetal flavour of haricots verts, a subtle note of cream, and a slight sweetness. An excellent everyday black tea, or for those who enjoy their maltiness with a touch of green.