There are few things in life as comforting as a warm cup of tea. And there are few things that can compare to the taste of a delicious black tea, especially when it’s brewed from some of the best leaves in the world.
If you’re a tea aficionado, then you know that there’s nothing quite like sitting down with a nice cup of black tea and taking a moment to relax and enjoy life.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best black teas from around the world. So sit back, relax, and prepare to be transported to faraway lands through the flavor of their finest black teas!
#1 – English Breakfast Tea
There’s nothing quite like starting your day with a nice cup of English Breakfast tea. This rich and full-bodied tea is perfect for getting you going in the morning, and it’s brewed from a blend of different black teas.
The precise selection of black teas used in breakfast tea blends can vary greatly, but popular choices include Assam, Ceylon, and Kenyan black teas. More expensive varieties often use Keemun black tea from China.
If you’re looking for a tea that will give you a true English Breakfast experience, we recommend trying one from Twinings. This iconic tea brand has been around since 1706, so they know a thing or two about making a good cup of tea!
#2 – Earl Grey
Earl Grey is a type of black tea that is flavored with oil from the rind of the Bergamot orange. This citrusy flavor gives Earl Grey tea a unique and refreshing taste that has made it one of the most popular types of black tea in the world.
The history of Earl Grey tea is a bit unclear, but it is believed to have been named after Charles Grey, the second Earl Grey and British Prime Minister in the 1830s. It is said that he was given a tea blend by a Chinese mandarin that contained Bergamot oil, which he found to be very refreshing.
Earl Grey tea is typically made with Ceylon or Darjeeling black tea, but it can also be made with other types of black tea. It is usually served with milk and sugar, but can also be enjoyed without either of these.
#3 – Assam Black Tea
Assam black tea is a type of Indian black tea that is grown in the Assam region of India. The area where Assam black tea is grown has a tropical climate with high rainfall and humid conditions, which helps to produce a very full-bodied and strong-tasting tea.
Assam black teas are typically made with milk and sugar, but can also be enjoyed without either of these. If you are looking for strong and full-bodied black tea, then Assam black tea is definitely worth trying.
#4 – Yunnan Black Tea
Yunnan black tea is a type of Chinese black tea that is grown in the Yunnan province of China. Yunnan black teas are typically very smooth and mellow-tasting, with a slightly sweet flavor.
Unlike most black teas, Yunnan black tea produces a brassy orange brew instead of the brown or black color to which you may be accustomed.
Yunnan black teas are typically enjoyed without milk or sugar, but can also be enjoyed with either of these. If you are looking for a smooth and mellow-tasting black tea, then Yunnan black tea is definitely worth trying.
#5 – Darjeeling Black Tea
Darjeeling black tea is a type of Indian black tea that is grown in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. Darjeeling black teas are often described as having a muscatel flavor, which is a type of grape found in the Muscat variety of wine.
The spring flush has a grassy, green taste. It’s the most sought-after harvest of Darjeeling tea. The summer or second flush, which occurs in June, has a fruity, spicy character, while the later flushes have a stronger flavor with more bitter tannins.
Darjeeling black teas usually have a light and delicate flavor, but there are some that are more full-bodied. These teas can be enjoyed with or without milk and sugar. If you want to try a Darjeeling black tea, we recommend the Darjeeling First Flush Black Tea from Teavana.
#6 – Keemun Black Tea
Keemun black tea is a Chinese black tea that originates from Anhui province. The leaves are withered over charcoal fires, then rolled and oxidized. Keemun teas are often used in English Breakfast blends.
You can enjoy it plain, or with limited quantities of nut milk and honey. Brew Keemun black tea at 190-194 degrees Fahrenheit (87.5-90 degrees Celsius) for two to five minutes.
Keemun black teas have a reddish-brown color and a slightly smoky flavor. They can be enjoyed with or without milk and sugar. If you want to try Keemun black tea, we recommend the Keemun Hao Ya A Black Tea from Teavana.
#7 – Ceylon Black Tea
Ceylon black tea is a type of tea that originates from Sri Lanka. It is made from the Camellia sinensis plant, and it is fully oxidized. Ceylon black teas are known for their full-bodied flavor and strong aroma.
Low-elevation Ceylon black tea leaves have a strong, spicy flavor and produce a burgundy-brown brew, while higher-elevation varieties offer more delicate, nuanced flavor profiles and result in a deep black tea.
Ceylon black teas can be enjoyed with milk and sugar, or without any additives. If you want to try a Ceylon black tea, we recommend the Dilmah Exceptional Ceylon Tea.
#8 – Lapsang Souchong
Lapsang souchong is a type of black tea that originates from the Wuyi Mountains in China. It is made from the Camellia sinensis plant, and it is smoked over pine needles during the drying process. This gives lapsang souchong its unique smoky flavor profile.
Unlike other black teas, Lapsang Souchong is a smoked tea. It’s dried over burning pine fires, imbuing the leaves with a unique, smoky flavor and fragrance.
Lapsang souchong can be enjoyed with milk and sugar, or without any additives. If you want to try a lapsang souchong tea, we recommend the Harney & Sons Lapsang Souchong Tea.
#9 – Nilgiri
Nilgiri black tea is a type of Indian black tea that is grown in the Nilgiri hills of southern India. The climate in this region is cool and misty, which creates the perfect conditions for growing tea. The leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant are used to make Nilgiri black tea.
Nilgiri black tea has a distinct flavor that is earthy and slightly sweet. It is also lower in caffeine than other types of black tea. If you want to try Nilgiri black tea, we recommend the Twinings of London Nilgiri Black Tea.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a tea lover or just getting started, we hope this guide has helped introduce you to some of the best black teas from around the world.
As you continue your journey into the world of tea, be sure to experiment with different types and brewing methods to find what suits you best. And if you ever have any questions about tea, don’t hesitate to reach out to us – we love talking all things tea!
