503 China Keemun Hao-Ya A [HOME]
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Reviewer: SCOTT SMITH , SAVANNAH ,MO
September 19, 2009
OMG! This must be an acquired taste. Maybe all smoked teas are, but if that's the case I don't want to acquire it. Forgive me for being blunt. This tea smells bad and tastes bad. It reminds me of Copenhagen snuff. To add insult to injury, it left me with an upset stomach for the rest of the afternoon. Nothing against those of you who like it, it's just not my cup of tea.
Reviewer: A tea Drinker, Arlington,WA
April 06, 2007
I tried China Keemun Hao-Ya A as a sample and found its smokey aroma to be overwhelming which detracted from the otherwise nice flavor. I found the flavor to be similar to Emperor's Red in that it had a rich flavor with hints of cocoa. The intense smokiness spoiled this tea for me.
Reviewer: A tea Drinker, Arlington,WA
March 30, 2007
I'll keep this review short. Keenmum Hao-Yoa A is an excellent tea which I could drink cup after cup with pleasure. It is very similar to Emperor's Red, in that it has a complex character and is accompanied by a bitter-sweet chocolate finish which is slightly less pronounced. Keemun Hao-Yao A also has a "heavier" character than Emperor's Red which I think would be more desired by a coffee lover.
Reviewer: A tea Drinker, Pittsburgh ,PA
May 09, 2006
For me, this tea opened malty-peppery, with a complex flavor that I can't quite describe, sort of spicy fruity. It seemed sweeter than most blacks with some mild cocoa hints. If you steep it a little strong, it makes a great work tea because the flavor notes are bold enough to not require lots of attention; yet the flavors change with each sip as the cup cools. Very nice, and sure to be on my reorder short list.
Reviewer: A tea Drinker, Germantown,MD
December 09, 2005
One of my favorite teas, with a lovely complex flavor. I was looking forward to my next cup but see you may not have more.
Reviewer: A tea Drinker, EL PASO ,TX
December 01, 2005
The aroma is a bit too smoky for my tastes. The flavor is a deep Keemun malt with nutty overtones, and a smooth, mild finish. Not as rich as #502 Imperial, but more complex and a nice flavor.
Reviewer: Henry Trentman,
For me most Keemuns are fairly bland, but this one is different. It has a pleasant flavor that remains long after you have finished the cup. I start the day with it which is probably why I have drunk over a pound of it this year.
Reviewer: Scott from Ohio,
My first purchase of Hao Ya A. Initially I was not impressed, because I'd just finished some Hao Ya B and thought it more flavorful. This tea has grown on me and I understand now why it is considered China's top Keemun. A truly special tea, I drink about four cups a week. it is definitely a favorite and a sure reorder.
Reviewer: Colin Dawson,
I dunno, maybe I'm screwing something up, but I'm not so wowed with this tea. I'm certainly not a novice at brewing, and usually get good tea tasting pretty good... I just got it though and have only brewed it twice, so maybe it will grow on me.
Reviewer: Tucker,
I have to agree with the last reviewer. I received this tea as a sample with a recent order. As I am a big fan of the no. 502, I was anxious to try the "superior grade." But I'm afraid it hasn't done anything for me. Now, I'm only a neophyte in the fine tea world, and its possible I'm not getting the best infusions, but I've found this tea to be a lot weaker and watery than its lower-grade cousin. I may be missing something, but until I figure it out, I'll stick with my beloved no. 502.
Reviewer: Nancy Dowling,
I much prefer this to the Royal Golden Yunnan, which had been my prior tea of choice. Truly satisfying as a daily tea.
