510 China Golden Monkey (Fujian) [HOME]
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Reviewer: SCOTT SMITH , SAVANNAH ,MO
September 19, 2009
This is outstanding. Full bodied with chocolate like undertones. Overall flavor changes as the cup transitions from just cool enough to drink to room temp. A most unusual and satisfying tea. I will keep this one always on hand.
Reviewer: A tea Drinker, Somerville, MA
January 29, 2009
This tea has earned a place in my heart as well as my tea chest. I have not found very many black teas that I enjoy without milk and sugar, but this tea is certainly an exception. It has a roundness and a balance like no other black tea I have tried -- no bitterness or astringency whatsoever to detract from the flavor. And the cocoa notes leave a very nice aftertaste. Bravo SpecialTeas!
Reviewer: A tea Drinker, Washington ,DC
December 04, 2008
I was disappointed with this tea having read so many favorable reviews. It had almost no aroma; the flavor was pleasant but only tea-like without any exceptional characteristics.
Reviewer: A tea Drinker, Madison ,WI
June 23, 2008
This is quite possibly my favorite black tea of all time. It has a wonderful rich, smooth flavor with notes of chocolate. My favorite thing about it, however, is the complete lack of bitterness. I'm not a huge fan of black teas with lots of tannins, but I still like a bold, complex flavor, so for me, this tea is perfect. Highly recommended.
Reviewer: Robin , Crocker , Ridgefield ,WA
March 29, 2008
My wife and I did not enjoy this tea very much although we have had good experiences with most tea from this site. It had a strong, possibly nutty, flavor that was unalterable even with the introduction of milk and sugar. We thought it had a foliage-type flavor. This tea just didn't suit our taste buds. We prefer things like the Darjeeling Silver Tips, any Earl Grey, Assam Harmutty and breakfast blends
Reviewer: Vincent , Sapone , Ithaca ,NY
March 17, 2008
In my opinion this is an excellent example of Golden Monkey. It is very rich and fragrant with the typical Fujian attributes of chocolate and honey with some malt-style scents and flavors.
Reviewer: James J. , Felts , Bellevue ,WA
August 30, 2007
Well, I like this a lot. It has deep color and body, very nice flavor. It does not hold up over several infusions like an oolong might, the color remains, but not the flavor. That's okay, it is what it is, it has a place in my cabinet. By the way, I've put out a lot of tea money to some pretty fancy websites with long lists of China teas described in the most fabulous way that didn't produce in my cup. On the other hand, I can recall no tea from ST that didn't please me. Maybe it's just fortune, maybe not, but it's a fact.
Reviewer: CHELSEA L , GENSIC , COLUMBIA CITY ,IN
May 11, 2007
I've bought golden monkey twice now, and loved it each time, but just recently I tried it as an iced tea. It's just as wonderful iced as it is steaming hot. It is rich, but very mellow as far as bitterness or astringency goes. A perfect cup.
Reviewer: A tea Drinker, Arlington,WA
April 13, 2007
This is a fantastic tea! It has a smooth, mellow flavor with lots of chocolate notes. You can leave the tea soak as long as you want and there will be no astringency imparted onto the beverage from over steeping. This tea can be infused up to three times and still hold its flavor. On the forth infusion things start to fall apart though. Definitely a great tea and one of my favorites! 5-stars all the way!!!
Reviewer: A tea Drinker, Stratford, CT
February 28, 2007
A note from SpecialTeas: Our thanks to all of you for bringing this to our attention and our sincere apologies for the inconsistency. We have pulled all stock of our #510 Golden Monkey from our shelves and are replacing it with the correct lot that matches the sample sizes. Please note that we will be sending out replacements to the customers below.
Reviewer: A tea Drinker, Atlanta, GA
February 27, 2007
I don't want to beat a dead horse, but there is a distinct difference between the sampler (purchased 12/06) and the 1/4 pound bag (purchased (01/07). I have both in front of me and the difference is evident visually as well as the aroma. The chocolate/cocoa I fell in love with in the sample is completely missing in the larger quantity. On a positive note, Special Teas is standing behind their Guarantee and reimbursing me. Additionally they state they will look into this and may be updating the description. Thanks to the previous reviewers for suggested alternatives.
Reviewer: Terry , Kallner , Albany ,NY
February 17, 2007
I have never tasted previous years' Golden Monkey, so I can't confirm the other reviewers' comments that this tea is inferior to past batches. I can, however, say that it is quite plain. There is no sparkle, no distinct flavor, certainly nothing to make it worth the price. For chocolate notes, Emperor's Red reigns supreme.
Reviewer: VLADIMIR , FERDMAN , South Hadley, MA
February 07, 2007
This tea used to be my favorite in the Specialteas black China teas. Now I do not think I will buy it again for a while. Along with a 25% price increase came a drop in quality. This tea no longer possesses the chocolaty notes and the tea tastes very plain. In fact Keemun imperial (502) represents a much better value and actually tastes better than present day Golden Monkey at 1/2 the price. I hope the Golden Monkey of about two years ago will come back, but for now I must say good-bye to it.
Reviewer: A tea Drinker, Winter Springs ,FL
January 29, 2007
I agree with the previous two reviews. Something seems to have changed with this tea (even the sample). A year ago the hints of cocoa were very distinct, but now it just lacks the depth of aroma and flavor. Try Emperors Red instead.
Reviewer: A tea Drinker, La Jolla ,CA
December 26, 2006
I've experienced some of the same difference in product in several sets of Golden Monkey bought Sept-Dec '06. For whatever reason, the 1oz sample bags of this tea are addictively cocoa-y, earthy, and delicious. (I'm drinking some right now from a free sample that came with a Christmas gift.) The larger quantities (1/4 lb) don't possess most these qualities, though they still make a smooth earthy tea that can still be enjoyed in its own right. Kind of disappointing, though. I was hoping that I'd just received an off batch, but given the previous reviewer's comments, maybe not.
Reviewer: Mitch , Greene , Austin ,TX
December 09, 2006
Bought bulk on the taste of the 1oz sample. Sample was as previously described. Beautiful "hot Ovaltine" notes among other refined tea flavors. Became my instant favorite. But bulk product is not the same as the sample. Much fruitier in the bag and in the cup. No cocoa and restrained malt, but nice berry notes, if you like that. Not what I thought I would be getting. The search continues.
Reviewer: Niky , Sanctus , New York ,NY
September 20, 2006
I was drawn to this tea after reading the review from the Tea Drinker in Pittsburgh below. Well, is she / he right on. Chocolate / coco notes, nice body, notes of maltyness, spice and fruit and works well with a splash of milk. It reminds me of the 805 Mount Everest Blend but a little sweeter.
Reviewer: Lisa, Conrad, Stratford,CT
September 18, 2006
The tea is very good. It has a very soft taste of sweet chocolate with a light aroma of flowers
Reviewer: A tea Drinker, Pittsburgh ,PA
May 01, 2006
Just absolutely yummy. Chocolatey aroma and aftertaste, yet plenty of good black tea malty-spicy flavor. (No, you will not confuse this tea with a chocolate milkshake!) Low astringency and smooth. I even preferred 510 to its fancy cousin (the emperor red).
Reviewer: A tea Drinker, Belmont ,CA
April 07, 2006
Upon opening the bag, I was surprised by a powerful flowery-fruity fragrance. And this amazing aroma carries right through to the flavor in the cup. Hints of spice and cocoa blend with the fruity tone. Kind of like plum pudding!
