Did you know black tea is the most consumed type of tea in the world?

Technically tea is all made from the same kind of plant but the way it is processed determines the outcome.

There are THOUSANDS of tea varieties out there. Calling them “black tea” just doesn’t do them justice.

Each tea is typically named for the region in which it was produced. China is the OG country of origin for tea, but India is actually the largest producer.

It would fill a couple of books to talk about all the ways black tea exists.

Here are three I’ve just tried out:

Gunpowder Black Tea

First and fun I tried the Gunpowder Black Tea from Made of Tea.

This tea hails from China in the Fujian province. Zhu Cha as it’s called is a full bodied black tea, with a strong, robust, and earthy flavor. While there isn’t much to elaborate on I enjoyed the caffeine kick from this cup quite a lot and it was very smooth. It’s also known as “Black Pearls” and gets its name from the way the leaves are hand rolled. I like to think about a person having been out there crafting my cup of tea that way.

I feel like it brings good karma.

Coalition Tea Assam Black

Second and silky I tried Coalition Tea Assam Black. This tea gets its name from Assam India. This variety of tea has a naturally high caffeine content and is great as a breakfast tea. In fact Assam tea is most commonly used worldwide specifically in England and Ireland as breakfast tea and is often blended with other teas.

Coalition Tea has packed a yummy tea that has a savory and malty flavor, that goes great with your choice of milk (the nutty flavor of almond milk really sets it off).

They are also certified elephant friendly, how many teas can say that I wonder?

Coconut a la Creme

Last but not least is something a little different. PlumDeluxe has provided another great sample with their Coconut a la Creme black tea.

This tea needs nothing but some boiling water to steep it in. The coconut chips and tea are infused with coconut and vanilla essence, it’s almost dessert. It smells luxurious and tastes the same.

Black tea, coconut pieces, vanilla & coconut essences, calendula, love and gratitude make for a fine cup.

Not just plain ol’ tea

What sounds like just plain old tea is anything but that. Black tea varies from producer to producer and each region and farmer has their own technique that makes their plain tea unique.

Each if these teas has a distinct and obvious difference.

Black tea is my favorite variety and taste testing them is my favorite hobby, next to knitting.

Follow these brands here!

Made of Tea – madeoftea.com @made_of_tea

Coalition Tea – coalitiontea.com @coalitiontea

Plum Deluxe  – PlumDeluxe.com @plumdeluxe

About the Author: Kathryn Brunk

Katie is a tea loving, yarn addicted writer from Oklahoma. As a tea review she has honed her senses and brewing skills to share with fellow knitters looking for their perfect brew. Katie is a self taught knitter and has a passion for learning new things. Tea has become a source of comfort and knowledge and now a part of her knitting ritual. She is eager to share what she learns and discovers about various tea brands, styles, and flavors. 

Follow her on Instagram @twineandtea for the latest reviews, quips, and newest yarn acquirements.