Dive into the fascinating world of unusual teas that go far beyond the classic varieties. For true tea enthusiasts seeking new, exotic flavor experiences, we have curated a selection of special teas. From smoky rarities to flavored creations, discover teas that will surprise and delight your palate. Be inspired and find your new favorite tea among these extraordinary varieties.
Smoky and Toasty Teas
- Hojicha Tea
Hojicha tea is a special Japanese green tea made from roasted tea leaves. This roasting imparts a unique, earthy aroma and a full, robust flavor, often described with notes of roasted nuts and caramel. Unlike many other green teas, Hojicha has a darker color and lower caffeine content, making it a good choice for those seeking a less stimulating tea. - Smoked Tea
Smoked tea is a unique, exotic tea variety distinguished by its special production method. The most well-known smoked tea is Lapsang Souchong from the Chinese province of Fujian. Lapsang Souchong is traditionally smoked over pine wood, giving it its distinctive, robust smoky aroma. This process imparts a complex, strong flavor often described as smoky, woody, and sometimes even slightly sweet. The infusion has a deep amber color and the aroma evokes a roaring campfire. You can order this exotic tea from tezen.eu
Fermented and Aged Teas
- Pu-Erh Tea
Pu-Erh is a fermented tea from the Chinese province of Yunnan. This special tea is known for its intense, earthy flavor and its rich, dark cup. There are two types of Pu-Erh – raw Pu-Erh and cooked or aged Pu-Erh. Raw Pu-Erh matures naturally and develops a more complex flavor over time, while aged Pu-Erh undergoes an artificial fermentation process, giving it a more intense, earthy aroma. - Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is a partially fermented tea that can have a wide range of flavors and aromas depending on the fermentation duration and processing method. Oolong tea can be light and floral or dark and robust. Typically, oolong tea is more oxidized than green tea but less so than black tea. It primarily comes from China and Taiwan, where it grows in the high mountains. It is known for its multiple infusions and its complex, layered taste, often described as balanced between the fresh, light flavor of green tea and the rich, full flavor of black tea. - Puerh Cha Gao
Puerh Cha Gao is a concentrated tea paste made from slowly cooked Pu-Erh tea leaves. Compared to traditional Pu-Erh tea, which is usually sold loose or in cake form, Puerh Cha Gao is shaped into small, dried blocks or cups. Both have a rich, earthy flavor, but Puerh Cha Gao is more intense and convenient to use, as a small piece is dissolved in hot water. Over time, its flavor and aroma, like all Pu-Erh teas, can become even more complex.
Unusual Green Teas
Green Earl Grey Tea
Green Earl Grey tea is a lighter variant of the classic Earl Grey tea. The green tea is flavored with bergamot oil, giving it a fresh, citrusy note. Compared to traditional Earl Grey, it is less strong and contains less caffeine but retains the characteristic bergamot flavor. It can be enjoyed hot or as iced tea. Green Earl Grey is a good choice for those looking to reduce their caffeine intake while still enjoying the distinctive Earl Grey flavor. We highly recommend the Royal Grey Tea from Tee Gschwendner.- Kabusecha
Kabusecha, also known as half-shaded tea, is a Japanese green tea that is shaded for a week before harvest. This results in a deep green color and a sweeter, richer flavor due to increased chlorophyll production. The uniqueness lies in its exceptional balance of umami and fresh astringency, resulting from the interplay of shaded and sun-grown cultivation. - Genmaicha
Genmaicha is a traditional Japanese tea blend made from green tea (usually Bancha or Sencha) and roasted brown rice. The roasted rice imparts a pronounced nutty flavor and a pleasant toasty aroma, often compared to the scent of popcorn. The green tea complements this with its light bitterness and freshness. - Kukicha
Kukicha, also known as “twig tea,” is a special Japanese tea made from the stems, stalks, and young twigs of the tea plant. While most teas are primarily made from the leaves of the tea plant, Kukicha uses the often overlooked parts of the plant to create a distinctive, slightly nutty, and sweet flavor. Due to its low leaf content, Kukicha also has a lower caffeine content than many other green teas. Its unique flavor and low caffeine content make Kukicha an interesting alternative for tea lovers. You can order really good Kukicha from teaworld
Rare and Exotic Teas
- Black Matcha
Black Matcha is a less well-known but nonetheless fascinating variant of the well-known green matcha tea. Like green matcha, black matcha is also ground into a fine powder and brewed with hot water. The main difference lies in the type of tea used. Instead of green tea, black matcha is made from fully fermented black tea leaves. The result is a tea with the creamy consistency and preparation method of green matcha but with the full, robust flavor and darker color of black tea. Black matcha also has a higher caffeine content and can be a stronger and more intense alternative for those who enjoy the earthy taste of green matcha but are looking for a bit more “kick.” You can order this extraordinary tea from teadealers.com. - Yuzu Tea
Yuzu tea, also known as Yuzu Cha or Yujacha, is a traditional Korean tea made from the yuzu fruit. Yuzu is a widely used citrus fruit in Asia with a unique aroma profile often described as a mix of mandarin and grapefruit with a hint of lime. To make yuzu tea, the peel and/or flesh of the yuzu fruit is preserved with sugar or honey into a thick, marmalade-like paste. To serve, a spoonful of this yuzu paste is dissolved in hot water. The tea has a sweet-sour taste and a strong citrus aroma. You can find this tea in many Asian stores, and a good yuzu from Allgroo can also be ordered here on Amazon. - Chaga Tea
Chaga tea is an extraordinary tea made from the chaga mushroom, which grows primarily on birch trees in cold climates like Russia, Korea, Eastern Europe, and Northern Canada and the U.S. The tea has a rich, earthy note and a dark color that almost resembles coffee. You can find chaga mushrooms for this exotic tea on Amazon. - Yellow Tea
Yellow tea is a rare Chinese tea that falls between green tea and oolong tea. Through a special “yellowing process,” the leaves take on a yellowish hue and develop a richer aroma than green tea. Characteristic of yellow tea are its slight sweetness and fruity or floral notes. Due to the elaborate manufacturing process and limited production, yellow tea is often more expensive and rarer than other types of tea. -
Unusual Tea Varieties – Mate Tea with Cola Flavor Mate Tea with Cola Spices
Mate tea, a traditional South American tea made from the leaves of the mate plant (a genus of holly), is known for its earthy flavor and high caffeine content. Teaworld offers a special variant flavored with cinnamon, lime, and cloves, giving the tea a distinctive cola aroma. This blend tastes great both warm and cold, with the tea being best appreciated when sweetened. (Buy it at Teaworld) - Cocoa Shell Tea
This special tea made from cocoa bean shells is a true treat for connoisseurs. With its mild, chocolatey aroma, it offers a subtle, natural sweetness reminiscent of high-quality cocoa. Without sugar and rich in valuable nutrients like magnesium and antioxidants, this tea is a refined alternative for those seeking something special. Ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy yet delicious break. (Order it on Amazon)
Where to Buy Unusual Teas
- teaworld.de – German online store with a wide range of unusual teas and good value for money – teaworld.de
- Tee Geschwendner – German tea retailer with shops in Germany and Austria, as well as an online store – teegschwendner.de
- Demmers Teehaus – This Viennese institution in tea offers over 300 teas and has a good online store – tee.at
