Africa

East African blacks, primarily from Kenya and Rwanda, are high-grown, sunshine-driven, and typically bold: bright liquor, strong color, clean brisk character, and often a fruity note that distinguishes them from Assam or Ceylon. Kenya produces largely CTC for the mass market but has a growing orthodox and specialty sector; Rwanda's specialty blacks have attracted attention for their floral-fruity profile. These are not the nuanced fragrance teas of Chinese hong cha or Darjeeling, but as clean, bold, well-sourced single-origins they are more than blending filler.