Tealyra Imperial Golden Monkey Yunnan Tea

This tea has a smooth, malty character with surprising sweetness—several reviewers compare it to toasted marshmallows. You'll notice a rich, slightly floral quality without the bitterness typical of many black teas. The flavor is more subdued than bold, with natural sweetness that doesn't need sugar. It's complex enough to be interesting but gentle enough for everyday drinking.

Yes, this is one of Golden Monkey's best qualities. Multiple reviewers mention that even when oversteeped, it doesn't turn bitter or astringent like most black teas. This makes it ideal if you're new to loose leaf tea or tend to forget your timer. That said, you might need to use more tea than the package suggests—some people found the recommended amount produced weak flavor.

For a simple cup, use slightly more tea than directed (the leaves are mild) and water around 200°F for 3-4 minutes. If you're into gongfu brewing, this tea really shines with multiple short infusions at 180°F—the complexity and layers of flavor emerge beautifully with this technique. The gorgeous golden curved leaves also make a stunning presentation in a glass teapot.

Probably not on its own. Golden Monkey is known for being smooth and sweet rather than robust. Some reviewers specifically noted it lacks the rich, chocolaty intensity of premium golden monkey teas. If you love assertive breakfast blends, you might find this too subtle. But if you appreciate nuanced, naturally sweet teas that reward attention, this could become a favorite.

Absolutely. It's remarkably beginner-friendly—forgiving brewing, no bitterness, simple preparation that still produces delicious results. The smooth, sweet flavor profile is approachable without being boring. Plus, the beautiful leaves give you that satisfying loose leaf experience. Just remember to use a generous amount of tea to avoid weak flavor.

The aroma is magnificent—multiple people rave about the pleasant, rich smell. However, a few reviewers mention the flavor doesn't quite live up to the aromatic promise. You'll get a lovely, complex scent, but the taste is more subtle and gentle than the bold fragrance might suggest. It's still delicious, just don't expect the flavor to be as intense as the aroma.