Types of black tea
Black tea isn’t one single flavour profile. The way the leaves are grown, picked and processed creates huge differences in taste, body and aroma. Some are bold and malty, others light and floral, and a few are smoky enough to make you feel like you’re sitting around a campfire.
Here are some of the most common varieties.
Assam
Hailing from the lush plains of India, Assam is famous for its strong, malty flavour. It’s a great choice if you enjoy a sturdy, no-nonsense brew that takes milk and sugar beautifully. It’s the backbone of many breakfast blends, but don’t be afraid to drink it on its own - it’s rich and satisfying either way.
Darjeeling
Darjeeling offers a completely different experience. Grown in the Himalayan foothills, it’s delicate and aromatic, with flavours that change depending on when it’s harvested. A first flush is light, fresh and almost floral, while a second flush is fruitier and more rounded. It’s a tea best enjoyed without milk, so you can really appreciate its subtleties.
Ceylon
From Sri Lanka comes Ceylon, a lively and versatile tea with a crisp, citrusy edge. It can be enjoyed black, mellowed with milk, or even chilled as the base for iced tea. Higher-altitude Ceylon teas tend to be lighter and more refreshing, while lower-grown teas are punchier and more full-bodied.
Earl Grey
One of the most recognisable blends in the world, Earl Grey is black tea flavoured with the distinctive citrus of bergamot. Its aroma is instantly uplifting, and while some people love it with milk, others swear by a slice of lemon instead. However you like to drink it, it’s a classic that never goes out of style.
English breakfast
Reliable and full-flavoured, English breakfast is the blend many people reach for every morning. Usually made with Assam and Ceylon, it’s hearty and smooth, made to pair with milk. It’s the kind of tea that feels like a daily ritual - comforting, familiar and dependable.
Irish breakfast
If English breakfast is your go-to but you sometimes want something stronger, Irish breakfast is worth trying. It leans heavily on Assam, giving it an extra malty kick and enough strength to hold its flavour even when you add a generous splash of milk. It’s bold, warming and satisfying.
Lapsang souchong
Not as common on supermarket shelves but worth hunting down, Lapsang souchong is a black tea from China that’s dried over pinewood fires. The result is a smoky flavour that isn’t everyone's cup of tea (literally!). Some find it intense, while others fall in love with its distinctive character. If you’re curious about tea that’s a bit out of the ordinary, it’s a must-try.
The perks of black tea
For most of us, the main reason to drink tea is simple - we enjoy it. But black tea also comes with a few added benefits. The moderate caffeine content gives a gentle energy lift, making it a great choice when you need focus without the jitters. If you’d like the flavour without the buzz, decaffeinated options are widely available.
There’s also a soothing side to black tea. It contains l-theanine, a compound linked to relaxation and stress reduction. Research has shown that black tea may help lower cortisol levels, which is particularly handy during busy or tense days.
On top of that, black tea is rich in antioxidants like chlorogenic acid and flavonoids. These compounds help protect the body against oxidative stress, support heart health, and contribute to overall wellbeing. It’s a nice bonus to know that your daily cup is doing a little good for your body as well as your mood.
