Old Tree Honey Jinjunmei Black Tea

From the same producer as our First-Pick Duyun Maojian, this Honey Jinjunmei offers another side of Duyun’s remarkable tea-growing environment.

From the same producer as our First-Pick Duyun Maojian, this Honey Jinjunmei was a surprising find for me.

Duyun, in southern Guizhou, is famous for green tea, especially Duyun Maojian. I wasn't really looking for black tea here, which is part of why this one caught my attention.

Old-Tree Material, Delicate but Full

This Jinjunmei is made from tender buds picked from old tea trees. What surprised me is how much body the tea has while still tasting very soft and clean.

The aroma is sweet and nutty with a light roasted character. In the cup, I get cacao nibs, honey, roasted nuts, buttery pastry, and a little apricot toward the finish.

The texture is thick and smooth, but the tea never feels heavy. There is also almost no astringency, which makes it very easy to drink even when brewed a little stronger.

This was especially surprising to me because I have tasted plenty of Jinjunmei from places much more famous for black tea. I didn't expect one from Duyun to stand out this much.

It's sweet, nutty, soft, and full-bodied, but still delicate enough that I keep wanting another cup.

Brewing Instructions

This tea can handle hotter water without becoming very bitter, but I prefer slightly cooler water. It brings out more of the buttery texture and softer fruit notes.

Gongfu Brewing

• Tea: 4g / 100ml gaiwan

• Water: Spring water

• Temperature: 195°F / 91°C

• First 3–4 infusions: 30–35 seconds

• Later infusions: Add about 5 seconds each round

• Yield: Approximately 6–8 infusions

Brewing instructions

Although this tea can handle hotter water without becoming bitter, a slightly lower temperature brings out its best qualities—especially its delicate complexity and buttery texture.

Gongfu Brewing

• 4g / 100ml gaiwan

• Spring water

• 195°F / 91°C

• First 3–4 infusions: 30–35 seconds

• Later infusions: Add 5 seconds each round

• Yield: Approximately 6–8 infusions

A refined, silky Jinjunmei that combines the depth of old-tree material with the clean mountain character of Duyun.