Black Tower Tea, also known as Black Pagoda Tea, is a beautiful, handmade speciality tea from Yunnan province of China. Compressed in a unique form, this tea has a caramel flavour profile with notes of malt, toffee, roasted peanuts and molasses. Some may liken it to a Flowering Tea , but most people know it for its smooth, indulgent and memorable taste. Made using traditional Chinese tea making techniques, it’s an example of artistry and craftsmanship. This process enhances the flavour and aroma of the tea, resulting in a rich, complex and flavoursome brew. The Art of Black Tower Tea Black Tower Tea gets its name and shape from the art of crafting. The process starts with the selection of the finest leaves, the top two leaves and bud from each tea tree, known as “golden tips”. These golden tips are prised for their quality and flavour. Once harvested, the tea leaves are rolled and shaped into the pagoda or tower form, which requires great skill and patience. This shape not only pays homage to traditional Chinese technique, but also looks beautiful and practical. The compressed tower shape serves two purposes, adds aesthetic charm and extends the tea’s shelf life compared to loose leaf tea . Over time the leaves age and ferment, turn into a dark and rich colour, and develop the tea’s flavour profile. This aging process deepens the taste, resulting in a robust, smooth and layered brew. A testament to the art of tea making, preserve tradition and deliver an unforgettable sensory experience. How to Brew Black Tower Tea Brewing Black Tower Tea is an art that lets the tea’s many layers shine and is a pleasure in itself. Follow these steps: Equipment Needed – Grab a teapot, tea strainer and your favourite teacups. Porcelain or glassware is best to retain heat and show off the tea’s colour. Measure the Tea – Break off the right amount of tea from the compressed Black Tower shape, about 5-7 grams for a standard teapot or smaller for individual serves. Heat the Water – Boil the water to 195–205°F (90–96°C). Don’t boil it too hard as that can scorch the tea leaves and overpower the flavours. Start Brewing – Put the tea in the teapot or strainer and pour the hot water over it. Steep for 3–5 minutes, depending on your taste. Adjust steeping time for stronger or milder tea. Serve and Enjoy – Pour into your cups and enjoy the rich, complex flavours. Black Tower Tea goes well with light snacks to enhance the experience. By following these steps, you’ll get the most out of Black Tower Tea and appreciate its craftsmanship and heritage in every sip. Tasting Notes To truly appreciate it’s unique flavour profile, you need to understand its tasting notes. Here are some detailed notes to help you identify the various layers and nuances of this tea: Aroma – The first thing that hits you when brewing its a lovely aroma, strong notes of caramel and malt. Flavour – As you take your first sip, you’ll taste smooth and velvety texture, then rich and complex flavours of roasted peanuts, toffee, molasses and hints of dark chocolate. Mouthfeel – The compressed nature of this tea gives it a heavier mouthfeel compared to loose leaf teas. It feels full-bodied and leaves a pleasant aftertaste. Colour – Black Tower Tea brews into a dark, amber coloured liquid that looks beautiful and inviting. Each of these tasting notes adds to the overall experience, making it a must-try for tea connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike. So why not treat yourself to this amazing tea and indulge in its unique flavours? Whether you drink it alone or with company, Black Tower Tea will leave a lasting impression. In conclusion, this special tea that combines tradition, artistry and exceptional flavour profiles. Its shape and layered taste makes it stand out from other teas, a sensory experience like no other. So next time you want to elevate your tea drinking experience, try Black Tower Tea and discover the art of tea-making.
