Botanical Dossier
Assam vs Keemun
Assam
Black Tea · India
Malty · Bold · Sweet
Keemun
Black Tea · China
Cocoa · Fruity · Floral
| Attribute | Assam | Keemun |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Black Tea | Black Tea |
| Origin | India | China |
| Region | Assam | Anhui |
| Flavor | Malty · Bold · Sweet | Cocoa · Fruity · Floral |
| Body | Strong | Medium |
| Caffeine | High (~40–70 mg) | Medium (~35–60 mg) |
| Oxidation | High | High |
| Roast | Low | Low |
| Brewing temp | 95–100°C | 90–95°C |
| Steep time | 3–5 min | 3–4 min |
| Re-steep | 1–2 times | 1–2 times |
Sensory Dissection
Flavor
Assam
Assam is a full-bodied black tea from northeast India, grown in a hot river-valley climate. The cup is malty and robust with notes of honey, toasted grain, and dried fruit, plus enough strength to stand up to milk and sugar. Second-flush Assam adds a characteristic caramelized sweetness. It is the backbone of many breakfast blends, including English Breakfast.
Keemun
Keemun is China's most famous black tea, from Qimen county in Anhui. The cup is smooth and refined: cocoa and dark stone fruit up front, a hint of orchid florals, and a long, sweet finish with gentle smoke. It is lighter in body than Assam but more aromatic, and it forms the base of traditional English Breakfast blends.
Preparation Protocol
Brewing
Assam
- Water temperature
- 95–100°C
- Leaf to water
- 3g / 250ml
- Steep time
- 3–5 min
- Re-steep
- 1–2 times
Keemun
- Water temperature
- 90–95°C
- Leaf to water
- 3g / 250ml
- Steep time
- 3–4 min
- Re-steep
- 1–2 times
Biochemistry
Caffeine
Assam
High caffeine — roughly 40–70 mg per brewed serving
A noticeable lift — best earlier in the day.
Keemun
Medium caffeine — roughly 35–60 mg per brewed serving
A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.
Craft & Microclimate
Origin
Assam
India · Assam
The Assam valley's low elevation and monsoon climate produce some of the world's strongest teas.
Keemun
China · Anhui
Qimen county in southern Anhui has produced Keemun since the 1870s.
Curator's Recommendation
Which one might you prefer?
There is no superior tea here — only distinct sensory journeys. Use your flavor memory and current mood to choose.
Choose Assam if you like:
- Malty
- Bold
- Sweet
Choose Keemun if you like:
- Cocoa
- Fruity
- Floral
Keep Exploring
Related teas to explore
Similar teas from both sides of this comparison.
