The different varieties of black teas that you should know about

Tea is the second most popular beverage in the world. And with all the teas consumed, 84% of them are black teas. They are indispensable in crafting an array of traditional blends and modern drinks. But with the different varieties of black teas available in the market today, choosing your favourite type can be pretty challenging.

From sweet, scented, or blended black teas, to Sri Lankan black teas, to Chinese black teas, to Indian black teas, there are always several choices for you. The varieties provide you with an illustrious flavour profile to explore. Moreover, you can try out black tea to enjoy the touted health benefits of black tea consumption.

Black teas, often made from Camellia sinensis cultivars and varietals, typically have high oxidation levels. Oxidation in teas is vital for transforming their flavours, composition, and colour.

The following are popular black tea varieties that you may consider. Interestingly, you will find the best quality of black teas in reputable outlets such as Kusmi Tea.

1. Lapsang Souchong tea

Lapsang Souchong tea is native to the high Wuyi Mountains in Fujian Province, found on the southeast coast of China. Unlike most black tea brands, Lapsang Souchong tea gains its characteristics from its unique mode of production.

The production process involves smoking the leaves by drying them over burning pine fires to imbibe the tea with its unique smoky flavor and fragrance. It is sometimes called whisky tea due to its dark nature.

2. Keemun Black Tea

Another popular tea variety is the Keemun black tea. This variety traces its origin to eastern China, in Anhui Province. It varies from your ordinary black tea brands due to its prolonged drying and oxidation processes.

The lengthened drying and oxidation process gives this variety its smooth aroma and flavor. Apart from the marked smoothness, the aroma and taste are equally complex and have notes of flowers, tobacco, pine, fruit, and unsweetened cocoa. Keemun is best enjoyed plain or with limited amounts of nut milk.

3. Assam Black Tea

Named after the Assam region in India, Assam black tea is arguably India's most famous black tea. The area was the first in India to venture into large-scale tea production after the British investors shifted focus to India in the 1830s.

Indian farmers grow Assam black tea at sea level—or near sea level. The tremendous rainfall quantities, coupled with the tropical climate, produce a unique tea variety that is brisk, strong, and chocolate in colour. Like most black tea varieties, you can add honey, nut milk, or take it as it is.

4. Darjeeling Black tea

Like Assam, which borrows the name from its production region, Darjeeling tea borrows its name from the Darjeeling area of India. It is native to the mountainous region. Some people refer to this tea variety as the "champagne tea" for its fruity, floral, and delicate notes.

But unlike most tea varieties that have similar characteristics irrespective of the harvesting period, the attributes of Darjeeling tea vary depending on when its harvesting occurs. It can have a green and grassy taste if harvested in spring and a fruity and spicy character when harvested in summer. Notably, most people prefer the spring version of this tea to any other.

5. Earl Grey

This is probably a variety you have been looking up to. The Earl Grey black tea is one of the most species tea varieties. It started up in the UK and spread to other sections of the world.

Traditionally, Earl Grey producers used bergamot to neutralize this tea's bold and assertive taste. Bergamot has a floral-tinged citrusy, delicate, and bright taste which is pretty complementary to this tea. Modern commercial outlets now use artificial flavours instead of bergamot. But you can still try authentic bergamot at Kusmi Tea.

6. English Breakfast Tea

If you are looking for something more modern, the English Breakfast Tea is your choice. While the origin of this variety dates back to the mid-19th century, it constantly underwent a series of modifications to produce what we have today. It is not a single variety but a blend of various teas.

The precise modern selection of black tea varieties used in this blend will vary. Ceylon, Kenyan black tea, Keemun, and Assam are popular options. Ideally, this variety should be as strong as possible. Its characteristics include an entire body, richness, and robustness.

7. Ceylon Black Tea

The island nation of Sri Lanka is another famous producer of black tea. Of course, this name comes from Sri Lanka's original name. Sri Lanka was, until the 19th century, called Ceylon. When the nation's tea got to the international map, everyone called it Ceylon. This name stuck even after the country got the Sri Lanka name.

Since this is the name of all tea varieties from Sri Lanka, the product's characteristics will always vary depending on the cultivation conditions. High elevation Ceylon is delicate and features nuanced profiles. On the other hand, low elevation Ceylon is more robust and spicier.

Black teas are pretty popular, and all for the right reasons. They have a rich history, enticing aroma, refreshing flavour, and full body. You can try your favourite soon. Besides, there is always a variety for everyone.