Botanical Dossier
Keemun Mao Feng vs Tan Yang Gong Fu
Keemun Mao Feng
Black Tea · China
Cocoa · Fruity · Floral
Tan Yang Gong Fu
Black Tea · China
Honeyed · Fruity · Floral
| Attribute | Keemun Mao Feng | Tan Yang Gong Fu |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Black Tea | Black Tea |
| Origin | China | China |
| Region | Anhui | Fujian (Ningde) |
| Flavor | Cocoa · Fruity · Floral | Honeyed · Fruity · Floral |
| Body | Medium | Medium |
| Caffeine | Medium (~30–55 mg) | Medium (~30–55 mg) |
| Oxidation | High | High |
| Roast | Low | Low |
| Brewing temp | 90–95°C | 90–95°C |
| Steep time | 3–4 min | 3–4 min |
| Re-steep | 1–2 times | 1–2 times |
Sensory Dissection
Flavor
Keemun Mao Feng
Keemun Mao Feng is a leaf-grade Keemun made from whole buds and leaves rather than broken grades, named after the downy 'mao feng' leaf style. The cup keeps classic Keemun character — cocoa, dark fruit, and a hint of orchid — but shows more freshness and aromatics than chopped grades, with a silky body and a long, sweet finish. It is the tea to try when you want to taste Keemun's floral side, and it benefits from slightly cooler water and a shorter steep.
Tan Yang Gong Fu
Tan Yang Gong Fu is one of Fujian's historic gong fu black teas, from the Tan Yang area near Fuan. The cup is sweet and refined with honey, dried fruit, and a subtle floral edge over a smooth, medium body. Properly made lots show the polished character that made Fujian blacks famous abroad in the 19th century — sweet, clean, and aromatic without heaviness. It rewards unhurried brewing and holds its sweetness through a second infusion.
Preparation Protocol
Brewing
Keemun Mao Feng
- Water temperature
- 90–95°C
- Leaf to water
- 3g / 250ml
- Steep time
- 3–4 min
- Re-steep
- 1–2 times
Tan Yang Gong Fu
- Water temperature
- 90–95°C
- Leaf to water
- 3g / 250ml
- Steep time
- 3–4 min
- Re-steep
- 1–2 times
Biochemistry
Caffeine
Keemun Mao Feng
Medium caffeine — roughly 30–55 mg per brewed serving
A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.
Tan Yang Gong Fu
Medium caffeine — roughly 30–55 mg per brewed serving
A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.
Craft & Microclimate
Origin
Keemun Mao Feng
China · Anhui
Keemun Mao Feng comes from Qimen county in southern Anhui, using the same leaf material as finer Keemun grades.
Tan Yang Gong Fu
China · Fujian (Ningde)
Tanyang is one of the 'Min Hong' (Fujian red) teas, produced around Fuan in Ningde prefecture.
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 Keemun Mao Feng if you like:
- Cocoa
- Fruity
- Floral
Choose Tan Yang Gong Fu if you like:
- Honeyed
- Fruity
- Floral
Keep Exploring
Related teas to explore
Similar teas from both sides of this comparison.



