Bittersweet Revel

Bittersweet Revel is a Competition Grade Qimen Black Tea of Huangshan is the highest regularly available grade of Qimen (Keemun) tea, prized for its refined complexity and absence of bitterness. Sourced from Qimen County in the Huangshan prefecture of Anhui province, it is crafted using the Huangshan Mao Feng varietal.

Key Characteristics

• Flavor Profile: A rich, full-bodied cup featuring sweet, chocolatey, and malty notes. It is highly aromatic, often described as having "Keemun fragrance"—a complex mixture of rose, honey, and subtle wood.
• Appearance: The dry leaves are typically dark, tightly curled, and delicate.
• Texture: Noted for its "sticky" or oily mouthfeel that is smooth and silky, with a lingering sweet aftertaste.

Brewing Recommendations

For the best experience, use the Gongfu style to coax out multiple layers of flavor:

• Water Temperature: 90°C – 95°C (194°F – 203°F).
• Ratio: Approximately 5g of tea per 100ml of water.
• Steeping Time: Start with short 15–30 second infusions for the first 3 rounds, gradually increasing for subsequent steeps. High-grade Qimen can often provide 8+ infusions.

Grades of Qimen Tea

Retailers typically categorize this tea into three tiers of quality:

1. Competition Grade: The top-tier "Imperial" selection; most refined and least astringent.
2. Imperial Grade: High-quality, thick, and fruity.
3. Premium Grade: A standard high-quality option, often more "malty" or robust but slightly less complex than the higher tiers.