Botanical Dossier
Keemun vs Keemun Mao Feng
Keemun
Black Tea · China
Cocoa · Fruity · Floral
Keemun Mao Feng
Black Tea · China
Cocoa · Fruity · Floral
| Attribute | Keemun | Keemun Mao Feng |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Black Tea | Black Tea |
| Origin | China | China |
| Region | Anhui | Anhui |
| Flavor | Cocoa · Fruity · Floral | Cocoa · Fruity · Floral |
| Body | Medium | Medium |
| Caffeine | Medium (~35–60 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
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.
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.
Preparation Protocol
Brewing
Keemun
- Water temperature
- 90–95°C
- Leaf to water
- 3g / 250ml
- Steep time
- 3–4 min
- Re-steep
- 1–2 times
Keemun Mao Feng
- Water temperature
- 90–95°C
- Leaf to water
- 3g / 250ml
- Steep time
- 3–4 min
- Re-steep
- 1–2 times
Biochemistry
Caffeine
Keemun
Medium caffeine — roughly 35–60 mg per brewed serving
A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.
Keemun Mao Feng
Medium caffeine — roughly 30–55 mg per brewed serving
A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.
Craft & Microclimate
Origin
Keemun
China · Anhui
Qimen county in southern Anhui has produced Keemun since the 1870s.
Keemun Mao Feng
China · Anhui
Keemun Mao Feng comes from Qimen county in southern Anhui, using the same leaf material as finer Keemun grades.
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 if you like:
- Cocoa
- Fruity
- Floral
Choose Keemun Mao Feng if you like:
- Cocoa
- Fruity
- Floral
Keep Exploring
Related teas to explore
Similar teas from both sides of this comparison.




