Golden Monkey Black Tea: Brewing Tips & Flavor Guide
By Onyx Coffee Lab - Coffee Roasters • Café • Barista Training | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to brew Golden Monkey black tea for a rich, smooth cup. Discover water temperature, steeping time, and flavor notes for this Fujian black tea.
Quick Answer
Steep Golden Monkey black tea at 195°F (90°C) for 3 minutes for a balanced, smooth cup. Adjust time to taste—shorter for lighter flavor, longer for more depth.
Why Water Temperature Matters for Golden Monkey
Golden Monkey is a delicate black tea made from tender buds and first leaves. Boiling water (212°F) can scorch the leaves, creating bitterness. Using slightly cooler water—around 195°F—preserves the tea's natural sweetness and smooth mouthfeel.
What Makes Golden Monkey Tea Special
This hand-processed black tea from Fujian Province is known for its pale gold threading and tight, wiry leaves. The light withering and careful oxidation create a rich, malty flavor with subtle cocoa notes. The appearance of the leaves—resembling a monkey's hand—gives the tea its name.
How to Brew Golden Monkey Black Tea
- Heat the water: Bring fresh, filtered water to 195°F (90°C). If you don't have a thermometer, let boiling water sit for 30–45 seconds. Water that's too hot will make the tea bitter; too cool and the flavor will be weak.
- Measure the leaves: Use 1 teaspoon (about 2.5 grams) of Golden Monkey leaves per 8-ounce cup. Adjust for stronger or milder taste. Overcrowding the leaves can lead to over-extraction; use a scale for consistency.
- Steep and serve: Pour the hot water over the leaves and steep for 3 minutes. Strain or remove the leaves, then enjoy. For a second infusion, steep 4–5 minutes. Golden Monkey leaves can be re-steeped once; the second cup will be lighter but still flavorful.
The Tea We Recommend
- Golden Monkey: This exceptional black tea is grown in Fujian Province, China. Hand-processed each Spring, they carefully pluck only the tender bud and first leaf of each tea plant. Using only the bud and first leaf gives Golden Monkey a smoother, less astringent flavor than standard black teas.
Golden Monkey
