Danny has been downgraded to a “tropical depression” and that’s exactly what the weather feels like since last evening.

Lots of rain cascading from gloomy skies.

A rainy day like this calls for a heartier tea than my usual summer cuppas so I’ve selected a China black Keemun called Hao-Ya “B”, the letter referring to its leaf grade. The leaf is dark and twisted (sounds like a character in a horror story, lol) but what really stuns me about this tea is the tea liquor color – a rich, warm red brown.

I steeped the leaves for 4 minutes in boiling (212 degree F) water. My glass teapot shows off the amazing color of the tea.

Isn’t that color just gorgeous?

Keemun tea, often called the “burgundy” of China black tea, has been produced since the late 1800s.  I first wrote about it here.

The aroma of the dry leaf has a rich, winey cocoa note that follows through into the taste. A hint of ripe fruit lingers in the full finish. It’s a wonderful tea for chasing the damp away on a day like today.

This tea is hearty enough for the addition of milk and sweetener. I find it to be smooth enough and sweet enough on its own so I am enjoying it plain.

The weather forecast is calling for rain all weekend as Danny makes his way up the coast. It’s a great weekend for indoor activities. Time for another cup. Now, where are my pointy sticks?

Within your heart, keep one still, secret spot

where dreams may go.

~Louise Driscoll