How do you brew Keemun (Qimen)?

Brew Keemun (Qimen) at 200°F (93°C). For gongfu style, steep 30-45 seconds; Western style, 3-4 minutes. Use Porcelain teapot or gaiwan with 2.5g per 200ml (Western) or 5g per 100ml (gongfu). Expect 3-5 infusions.

Where is Keemun (Qimen) from?

Keemun (Qimen) is produced in Qimen County, Anhui. Spring and early summer. Qimen County's misty climate is essential to the tea's character.

How much does Keemun (Qimen) cost?

Entry-level Keemun (Qimen) costs $8-15 / 100g (standard grade). Premium grades run $25-50 / 100g (Qimen origin, Hao Ya grade).

How do you brew Keemun (Qimen)?

Brew Keemun (Qimen) at 200°F (93°C). For gongfu style, steep 30-45 seconds; Western style, 3-4 minutes. Use Porcelain teapot or gaiwan with 2.5g per 200ml (Western) or 5g per 100ml (gongfu). Expect 3-5 infusions.

Where is Keemun (Qimen) from?

Keemun (Qimen) is produced in Qimen County, Anhui. Spring and early summer. Qimen County's misty climate is essential to the tea's character.

How much does Keemun (Qimen) cost?

Entry-level Keemun (Qimen) costs $8-15 / 100g (standard grade). Premium grades run $25-50 / 100g (Qimen origin, Hao Ya grade).

Black Tea ← All famous teas

Keemun (Qimen) 祁门红茶

Malty, smooth, cocoa, hint of smoke

Qimen County, AnhuiCaffeine: MediumBeginner: ★★★★★

Water Temp

200°F (93°C)

Infusions

3-5

Harvest

Spring and early summer. Qimen County's misty climate is essential to the tea's character.

Entry Price

$8-15 / 100g (standard grade)

Flavor Profile

Taste & Aroma

AromaWine-like, floral, hint of smoke, cocoa

TasteSmooth, malty, rich cocoa, subtle smokiness, no bitterness

ColorBright copper-red, clear

BodyMedium-full, smooth, round

Brewing Guide

How to Brew It

Water

200°F (93°C)

Vessel

Porcelain teapot or gaiwan

Gongfu Time

30-45 seconds

Western Time

3-4 minutes

Ratio

2.5g per 200ml (Western) or 5g per 100ml (gongfu)

Infusions

3-5

Read the general brewing guide →

Buying Guide

How to Buy Keemun (Qimen) Without Getting Scammed

The Chinese tea market is vast and unregulated. Here's exactly what to look for — and what to run from.

Entry Level

$8-15 / 100g (standard grade)

Premium / Collector

$25-50 / 100g (Qimen origin, Hao Ya grade)

Quality Check

Small, thin, tightly twisted leaves. Dry aroma: wine-like with floral notes. Liquor should be bright copper-red, never dull brown. The Keemun fragrance is distinctive, winey, floral, slightly smoky.

Common Scams

Non-Qimen black teas sold under the Keemun name. Lower grades (broken leaf, fannings) are common in tea bags. True Qimen Hao Ya consists of fine, uniform leaf tips.

Search keywords that find the real thing

Keemun teaQimen black teaQimen Hong ChaChinese breakfast teaAnhui black tea

For the general principles behind every one of these checks — harvest dates, origin specificity, red flags — read our complete buying guide.

History

Where It Comes From

A relative newcomer (created 1875) but quickly became one of the world's three most fragrant black teas alongside Darjeeling and Uva. A key component in English Breakfast blends. Keemun is the only Chinese tea that ranks alongside the great British-style black teas.

Ideal For

The natural bridge from Western black tea to Chinese tea. If you love English Breakfast or Earl Grey, start here. Excellent with or without milk. The perfect morning tea.