Guilin Osmanthus Black Tea

In China, osmanthus isn’t just a flower—it’s a symbol of success, celebration, and tradition. The saying “plucking osmanthus” goes back to the Song dynasty and was used to describe someone who passed the highest imperial exams—an expression still used to praise excellence today. Because of its deep meaning and beloved aroma, osmanthus tea remains one of China’s most cherished floral teas.

This Guilin Osmanthus Black Tea is a beautiful example of how that tradition comes to life. The tea leaves are dark and glossy, with golden osmanthus flowers scattered throughout—almost like gold flecks. Once brewed, the sweet floral aroma of osmanthus and the deeper, brown sugar-like scent of the black tea fill the entire room. You’ll first taste the malty depth of the black tea—think brown sugar or dried dates—but then it shifts to a gentle floral sweetness with hints of dried strawberries or apricots in the aftertaste. The texture is smooth with a satisfying body while the floral notes keep the tea feeling clean and refreshing, never perfumy or overwhelming. 

The tea comes from Guilin, the most famous region in China for osmanthus. The city’s name literally means “Osmanthus Forest,” and it’s been cultivating osmanthus for over 2,500 years. Tea scenting in Guilin is a carefully protected craft, involving over 20 steps to ensure the osmanthus aroma is fully infused into the leaves. This method is so important to the region that it’s officially recognized as part of Guilin’s local cultural heritage.

Guilin is close to Guizhou, one of the biggest organic tea farming areas in China. Many of our organic green teas come from this region, so you don’t need to worry about nearby industrial runoff affecting the tea or flowers used here.

How to Brew (Gongfu Style):

• Use 5 grams of tea in a 90ml gaiwan
• Heat your water to 204°F (96°C)
• Quickly rinse the tea, and use the rinse to warm your cup
• First infusion: 15–18 seconds
• Next 3 infusions: 3–5 seconds
• After that, add 3 seconds for each steep and enjoy up to 3-4 infusions

This is more than just a floral black tea—it’s a taste of Chinese tradition and craftsmanship. With its balanced sweetness, smooth texture, and rich backstory, Guilin Osmanthus Black Tea is easy to enjoy whether you’re new to tea or looking for something unique with cultural depth.