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Black tea · Panyang Congou

Tanyang Gongfu

坦洋工夫, Panyang Congou, Tan Yang

7.1/10 editor's score

A Congou (gongfu) black tea from Tanyang, a small village in Fu'an, Fujian. The old trade name "Panyang Congou" is a corruption of Tanyang.

HeritageFujianChina
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this teaCompare

Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dry leaf of Tanyang Gongfu, top-down

What you need

2.5 g leafTanyang Gongfu
250 ml water90 to 95°C
Steep 2:002 steeps
LiquorRed-amber
Served inYixing clay teapot

At a glance

A Congou (gongfu) black tea from Tanyang, a small village in Fu'an, Fujian.

CaffeineMedium~30 to 50 mg, our estimate
Beginner fit7.5 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestSpringSpring leaf.
Pairs withPastries, Roast meats, Dried fruitLess good with very spicy food
Grown atHills of north-east FujianTanyang, Fu'an, Fujian
Served inYixing clay teapotSmall clay pot, tiny cups

About Tanyang Gongfu

What sources say about the taste

Sources cover its long trade history; the taste depends on the grade.

01 · Aroma

First sip

Lift the cup and smell before you drink.

02 · Taste

Middle

Let it sit on the tongue for a moment.

03 · Finish

Finish

What stays after you swallow.

Hover or tap a noteBigger image and more dots mean a stronger note.

Notes and intensities are an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not our own tasting.

Where it grows

Tanyang, Fu'anFujianCHINA
Village
Tanyang, Fu'an, Fujian 1
Trade name
Panyang Congou 1
Award
Gold medal, Panama Pacific Exposition, 1915 1
Factory
State factory from 1958 1

More from Tanyang, Fu'an and China.

History and culture

It was once the most expensive black tea in the West and was exported to over twenty countries 1.

Congou was the base of the 19th century English Breakfast blend 1.

A state factory set up in 1958 still makes small amounts 1.

Editor's score

7.1/10

Weighted across six criteria: flavour 30%, heritage 20%, availability 15%, value 15%, beginners 10%, versatility 10%.

Based on published sources, not yet tasted. Rates the tea style, not a brand. How we score →

1086Flavour & complexity: 7.0Origin & heritage: 8.5Availability: 5.5Value: 7.0Beginner-friendliness: 7.5Versatility: 7.0Flavour 7.0Heritage 8.5Availability 5.5Value 7.0Beginners 7.5Versatility 7.0
Taste profile and caffeine

Profile is an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not a lab measurement or our own tasting.

Caffeine

Brewed coffee~95 mg
Black tea (average)~47 mg
Tanyang Gongfu~30 to 50 mg
Green tea (average)~28 mg

Our estimate. Per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup. Coffee and tea averages from Mayo ClinicC.

Harvest calendar

Our general guide for Fujian black tea. Tap a month or a season.

Cultivars and plant

Camellia sinensis grown around Fu'an 1.

How it is made
01Withering

Softened.

02Rolling

Made with careful skill into thin, tight strips 1.

03Oxidation

Full.

04Drying

Dried.

Dry leaf and liquor
Dry leafThin, tight dark strips 1.
LiquorRed-amber.
After steeping
Wet leafBrown leaf.

The colour swatch is an approximate guide, not a photograph.

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Pastries
  • Roast meats
  • Dried fruit

Best avoided

  • Very spicy food

Pairings are general suggestions from the tea's style, not tested matches.

Storage

  • Airtight, opaque tin or pouch, away from light, heat, moisture and strong smells.
  • Keep it out of the fridge unless fully sealed, to avoid condensation.
  • Most loose tea is at its best within a year. Note the harvest date on the tin.
Grades and fakes

Congou leaf grades.

How to spot a poor or fake one

  1. Congou is drunk locally gongfu style 1.
  2. Spring grades are prized.
FAQ
What is Panyang Congou?

An old trade name for Tanyang tea; "Panyang" is a corruption of Tanyang 1.

Find it inBlack teasTeas from ChinaTanyang, Fu'anHeritageFujianChina

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Congou". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congou
  2. Mayo Clinic, "Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more". www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

Scores and content updated 30 Oct 2026.