Rukeri comes to us from Rwanda, where the growing conditions tend to produce black teas with real backbone. Teas from Rwanda command the highest prices in East Africa. This one delivers exactly that: a brown, full-bodied liquor with a briskness level that sits firmly at a 4 out of 5.

The flavor profile here is a little unexpected in the best way. While many black teas tend to be citrusy or malty, Rukeri takes a savory-sweet approach, featuring toasty notes reminiscent of roasted onions and the warm, caramelized depth typically associated with slow-cooked dishes. It's not a tea that disappears into the background. The dry leaves are medium-twisted orthodox cuts, meaning they're processed in a more traditional, whole-leaf style rather than the fine-cut method used for most tea bags.

With a body score of 4, it's a tea that earns its place in the morning rotation or whenever you need a cup that shows up.