Botanical Dossier
Earl Grey vs Keemun
Earl Grey
Black Tea · Blended
Citrus · Floral · Malty
Keemun
Black Tea · China
Cocoa · Fruity · Floral
| Attribute | Earl Grey | Keemun |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Black Tea | Black Tea |
| Origin | Blended | China |
| Region | — | Anhui |
| Flavor | Citrus · Floral · Malty | Cocoa · Fruity · Floral |
| Body | Medium | Medium |
| Caffeine | Medium (~35–60 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 time | 1–2 times |
Sensory Dissection
Flavor
Earl Grey
Earl Grey is black tea scented with bergamot oil, giving a bright, perfumed citrus note over a malty base. The bergamot adds an aromatic lift that makes the cup taste lighter than its base tea suggests. Quality varies widely: good versions balance real citrus fragrance with a smooth black body rather than masking it. Traditionally taken without milk.
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
Earl Grey
- Water temperature
- 95–100°C
- Leaf to water
- 3g / 250ml
- Steep time
- 3–5 min
- Re-steep
- 1 time
Keemun
- Water temperature
- 90–95°C
- Leaf to water
- 3g / 250ml
- Steep time
- 3–4 min
- Re-steep
- 1–2 times
Biochemistry
Caffeine
Earl Grey
Medium caffeine — roughly 35–60 mg per brewed serving
A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.
Keemun
Medium caffeine — roughly 35–60 mg per brewed serving
A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.
Craft & Microclimate
Origin
Earl Grey
Blended
Teas blended or flavored from multiple origins.
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 Earl Grey if you like:
- Citrus
- Floral
- Malty
Choose Keemun if you like:
- Cocoa
- Fruity
- Floral
Keep Exploring
Related teas to explore
Similar teas from both sides of this comparison.
