World's top 10 teas
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January is National Hot Tea Month, so it is time to share with you our selections of the Top 10 Teas. Given the vast multitude of excellent teas from all over the world, we cannot say we tried them all, but we would certainly like that opportunity. These ten are GAYOT.com's favorites, many of them organic and sustainable, and all crafted with utmost care. Here's one Tea Party everyone should join.
1.) Adagio Golden Yunnan
This complex, golden-tipped tea boasts a rich, warm aroma and a nice smoky flavor. The bold, black brew hails from the Yunnan province of China.
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2.) Elemental Tea Kenya Black Dryer Mouth
This organic offering is robustly flavored and full-bodied but very low in caffeine. We also like its almost bitter aftertaste and hint of spice. It's particularly high in antioxidants, because it was not sorted (graded) after it came out of the mouth of the dryer (hence its name: Dryer Mouth).
3.) Golden Moon Rasa Sinharaja Black Tea
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Dubbed the "scholar's cup," the full-bodied, molasses-like Golden Moon tea is grown in the Sri Lankan rainforests. It is rich and strong with nice floral notes.
4.) Kusmi Tea’s Anastasia Black Tea
Kusmi Tea dates back to 1867 in St. Petersburg, where it was sipped by Russian czars. It's surprisingly light, offering a smoother take on classic Earl Grey, with notes of bergamot, lemon and orange blossom.
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5.) Novus Tea Sapphire Earl Grey
In addition to bergamot, this black tea melange also features whole blue malva flowers, which add a nice pop of color and light floral note to the brew. We love it paired with dessert.
6.) PeLi Teas Lapsang Souchong
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Lapsang Souchong is one of the oldest black teas. After being picked, the leaves are rolled and smoked, the latter imparting a strong — almost meaty — jolt of smoky flavor. The profile of this smooth but full-bodied brew is certainly unique. Give your taste buds a kick!
7.) PG Tips
We keep coming back to this beloved British import (which has been around since 1869) whenever we want a good cup of black tea without spending a fortune. As its name implies, only the tips are used in their blend. PG Tips is sustainable and, as of 2012, certified by the Rainforest Alliance.
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8.) SerendipiTea Guranse Estate Organic Black Tea
Spicy, with the slightest hint of sweetness, SerendipiTea's second flush Guranse Estate offering hails from the oldest organic tea garden in the foothills of the Mahabarat Mountains in Nepal. It is fair trade-certified.
9.) Teas Etc Golden Monkey Organic Tea
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This light, delicate black tea from China's Yunnan province features golden twisted leaves that unveil green and grassy notes on the palate. It's surprisingly strong but without bitterness.
10.) TeaVivre Yun Nan Dian Hong Black Tea
TeaVivre is group of international tea lovers who live in China. Yun Nan Dian Hong comes from China's Yunnan province, which lies in the southern part of the country, bordering Burma. It is golden in color and light in taste, and offers a delicious, rounded flavor.
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More from Gayot
More Info and Photos of the Top 10 Teas
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