I sampled the 2016 Denong Black tea at Denong Tea’s shop in Pasadena and recall it being very smooth and likable. It is a tea that they like to serve at tastings and festivals as it is friendly yet luxurious. I didn’t end up purchasing it though, as I threw a lot of money at their puer. Denong eventually sent me a tin for review.
The first thing you’ll notice is the paper container they package their black tea in is gorgeous! WOW! I will forever keep this container.
Leaf and Steeping Method
Denong’s 2016 Black tea doesn’t have much information on it other than it is from Yunnan. I faintly recall they said it was a puer varietal, just processed as a black tea, but I could be wrong. Another source (Bana Tea Company) says this tea is Spring Old Arbor material.
The black tea has big leaves that smells chocolatey. Denong Tea leafs much lower than what I like to do. I usually leaf my black teas on the heavy side, 1g to 12ml or even 10ml. However, I was lucky to get 1g/15ml in my gaiwan as this leaf is big and full. The wet leaf smells like dark chocolate.
Tasting of 2016 Denong Black Tea
First, Second, and Third Infusion: 2016 Black tea is sweet, bright, clean, and smooth. It is very sweet for a black tea, it has a yammy chocolate thing going on with a dollop of whipped cream on top. Denong’s black tea is creamy slick and sinking feeling to drink.
Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Infusion: The flavor doesn’t seem to change all too much, but it is hella smooth. Denong’s Black tea has that continuing sweet yammy chocolate flavor, though with a touch of a clay harshness, like licking one of those orange flower pots. Flavor lingers more yam and chocolate.
Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth Infusion: Denong’s Black Tea has a light melted milk chocolate flavor with some sips of clay, but with each infusion it goes more chocolatey. By the way, there has been no dry or bitterness this whole session so far. Incredibly easy tea to drink and I love how comfort food it is.
Eleventh, Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth Infusion: Each steeping is getting lighter and lighter. Denong’s Black Tea sips in sweet and minerally, with a chocolate aftertaste. Surprisingly, this tea is still not bitter or dry.
Fifteenth and Sixteenth Infusion: 20 minute infusion here. Denong’s Black Tea is still going. It is sweet and chocolatey. I waited so long for that infusion to just drink it so quickly as it was very smooth and tasty.
Comments
2016 Denong Black is a lovely black tea that’s smooth and sweet. I can see a wide tea drinking audience loving this tea for the sweet and chocolate flavor. It is easy going to drink and an exceptional resteeper. If I had used a bigger gaiwan I would have been trapped here all day drinking this tea.
I will say though, the price is ouch as it is $22 for a 30 gram/1.06oz tin. The 2016 Denong Black would make an excellent gift for the hong-o-holic. The 2016 Denong Black is super durable that I’d love to drink it thermos style, but it’s too nice of a tea to do so.
However, this is limited edition as Denong Tea generally doesn’t make black teas. If you are not familiar with Denong Tea’s excellent puer, be sure to read my other reviews.
(tea provided for review)
