Compared to Pu'er Tea, Black Tea has less varied flavors. For newcomers to the world of tea, how should they choose among different types and grades of black tea? The rule that you get what you pay for doesn't always apply. For example, when drinking Zhengshan Xiaozhong, one might find that the more expensive ones are not as sweet as the cheaper ones. As for Qimen, it can be pricey but may not be as fragrant as legend suggests. So, how do we distinguish between them? Today, let's discuss three prominent types of black tea: Zhengshan Xiaozhong, Dian Hong, and Qimen.

Sweet Aroma of Xiaozhong

Xiaozhong is the sweetest, with a rich aroma and a thick broth. It's also an excellent choice for beginners. When looking at price, the cheaper varieties tend to have a strong taste but mixed flavors, while the more expensive ones are smoother and milder. Beginners may not immediately appreciate this difference, and they might prefer the direct sweetness of the cheaper Xiaozhong.

Those who haven't tried Zhengshan Xiaozhong can hardly be considered seasoned tea drinkers. This group includes many who are just starting or have recently started their tea journey, and they often struggle with the strong smoky flavor of Zhengshan Xiaozhong. An upgraded version without the smoking process was developed, and many people detect a longan flavor in Zhengshan Xiaozhong. However, if you notice a potato-like aroma, take note: one significant difference between authentic and fake Xiaozhong is the absence of this potato scent.

The Rich and Smooth Character of Dian Hong

Dian Hong isn't as sweet as Xiaozhong but is rich and robust, with a certain resilience. Some people start with Dian Hong and become so enamored with its intensity that they find it hard to enjoy other black teas. Their love for Dian Hong differs from those transitioning from Xiaozhong.

The overall style of Dian Hong is characterized by a stronger fullness, a feature of large-leaf teas. It's also normal for the taste to carry a slight tanginess. High-quality Dian Hong emits a signature honey fragrance accompanied by a sweet floral and fruity aroma. Its color is bright orange-red, rich and inviting.

A tea connoisseur once said, “Tasting Dian Hong is like experiencing Yunnanese women: passionate, bold, long-lasting, fragrant, smooth, generous, and unforgettable. You never want to forget it, because you never want to!”

The True Flavor of Qimen

Qimen stands out with its good aroma and robust taste, and its true tea flavor. However, it doesn't create a favorable impression as quickly as Xiaozhong and Dian Hong. Beginners shouldn't rush into trying it, as they might not appreciate its qualities and end up disappointed.

Mentioning Qimen, one must talk about the “Qimen aroma.” It's a light floral and fruity fragrance that lingers. Unlike teas whose scents can be detected from afar, the Qimen aroma is best appreciated by bringing the Cup close to your nose. Yet, when you bring the cup to your nose, many other black teas lack this specific aroma.

Regarding the “robust taste,” compare it with Dian Hong, known for its intense flavor. When tasted alongside Qimen, Dian Hong might seem bland, and it could be challenging to rediscover its original taste later. Explaining “true tea flavor” is tricky, but first, there's no mixed taste in Qimen's robustness. Secondly, the tea flavor is concentrated and not scattered. The best way to enjoy Qimen black tea is to drink it plain, without Sugar or milk. If you insist on adding milk, it will turn a unique pale pink, distinct from others.