Brewing recommendations

Fully oxidized tea leaves for a robust cup.


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Jul 28th, '11, 07:42
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Brewing recommendations

by Xell » Jul 28th, '11, 07:42

Samples of second flush Darjeeling and Assam teas almost arrived, but i'm not sure what tea leaf / water ratio to use. There is also a sample of orthodox Masala chai blend :) This will be my first try at black tea expect some cheap teabags.

Some tips or suggestions on how to brew black tea are welcome.

Jul 28th, '11, 08:48
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Re: Brewing recommendations

by Olmanrivah » Jul 28th, '11, 08:48

Great choice of teas. Two of my favorites. I use 1 level teaspoon per 8 oz. of water.

And I usually get 2 brews from the same leaves.

I like my tea a little strong. :D

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Jul 28th, '11, 09:02
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Re: Brewing recommendations

by Xell » Jul 28th, '11, 09:02

So for black teas it's common 1-2 infusions only? But also a lot less leaf than for green tea. What about time? I saw about 3-4 min with boiling water, is this right?

Got 4 Darjeeling, 3 Assam and one Nilgiri sample, also 2 samples of white tea from Bihar. Recently got a good reason to learn and try all kinds of teas, not only my usual Japanese green teas :)

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Jul 28th, '11, 10:41
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Re: Brewing recommendations

by Chip » Jul 28th, '11, 10:41

I believe the orthodox method commonly used for blacks is 2-2.5 grams per 5-6 ounces water (150-180 ml). This is the English way. :mrgreen:

Boiling water or lower to taste, especially for the Darjeeling (1st flush is cooler for sure).

Time to taste. 1-5 minutes depending on many factors. You will have to experiment a bit.

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Jul 28th, '11, 11:22
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Re: Brewing recommendations

by Xell » Jul 28th, '11, 11:22

Chip wrote:I believe the orthodox method commonly used for blacks is 2-2.5 grams per 5-6 ounces water (150-180 ml). This is the English way. :mrgreen:

Boiling water or lower to taste, especially for the Darjeeling (1st flush is cooler for sure).

Time to taste. 1-5 minutes depending on many factors. You will have to experiment a bit.
Thanks, variation is sure quite big :) Nice that it's 30g samples, plenty of room for experimentation :lol:

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Jul 28th, '11, 12:30
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Re: Brewing recommendations

by Chip » Jul 28th, '11, 12:30

Xell wrote:Thanks, variation is sure quite big :) Nice that it's 30g samples, plenty of room for experimentation :lol:
Yeah, some of the variation is due to not knowing it the leaf is BOP or not. BOP brews very fast! Non broken can take minutes longer. Brew a BOP for 3-5 minutes, and you will truly know what "bitter brew face" is. :lol:

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Jul 29th, '11, 00:59
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Re: Brewing recommendations

by Tead Off » Jul 29th, '11, 00:59

Xell wrote:Samples of second flush Darjeeling and Assam teas almost arrived, but i'm not sure what tea leaf / water ratio to use. There is also a sample of orthodox Masala chai blend :) This will be my first try at black tea expect some cheap teabags.

Some tips or suggestions on how to brew black tea are welcome.
Xell, personally, I like to drink black teas western style, 180-240ml. This is nice to share with another or drink by oneself. Depending on the tea, 1 tsp per 240ml for 4-5 minutes will usually get you very good Darjeeling tea. First brew will be the best. 2nd brew much weaker.

When I want to really explore a tea, I will use a 60ml gaiwan or teapot and fill it gongfu style. Very quick brews in order to maximize flavor and hold off bitterness. The difference is interesting.

One more thing I have noticed. Red clay pots seem to bring out the wonderful aromas and flavors of Indian teas. If you have a Tokoname or Banko clay teapot, or Bizen, I would recommend them highly.

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Jul 29th, '11, 08:21
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Re: Brewing recommendations

by Xell » Jul 29th, '11, 08:21

Received samples today, surprisingly fast shipping. I wanted to wait until acquaintance will come, but could not resist and opened sample with orthodox masala chai right away. Tea smell is really strong. Used about 2g for ~200ml and 4min in a glazed Tokoname kyusu. Light brown liquor with pleasant smell and smooth taste, not overwhelming anymore.

Thanks for suggestions, i had a good start.

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Jul 29th, '11, 09:26
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Re: Brewing recommendations

by Tead Off » Jul 29th, '11, 09:26

Masala chai isn't exactly Darjeeling or any of the other teas we were suggesting brewing parameters for. Masala chai is usually made with boiled milk and sugar. A very different drink. I love it!

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Jul 29th, '11, 09:53
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Re: Brewing recommendations

by Xell » Jul 29th, '11, 09:53

Tead Off wrote:Masala chai isn't exactly Darjeeling or any of the other teas we were suggesting brewing parameters for. Masala chai is usually made with boiled milk and sugar. A very different drink. I love it!
Hm, interesting. I read that it was made with water and add milk if you feel like it. Should i try preparing it only with milk? Anyway, i enjoyed it even without milk. Though i've added a bit of sugar and it became more tasty :)

I'll wait until tomorrow with Assam and Darjeeling teas. Quite curious.

Jul 29th, '11, 13:14
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Re: Brewing recommendations

by Olmanrivah » Jul 29th, '11, 13:14

I'd wait for the Assam and Dajarling. After tasting these bad boys, you might throw the rest of your tea out...... :lol:

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Jul 29th, '11, 23:01
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Re: Brewing recommendations

by Tead Off » Jul 29th, '11, 23:01

Xell wrote:
Tead Off wrote:Masala chai isn't exactly Darjeeling or any of the other teas we were suggesting brewing parameters for. Masala chai is usually made with boiled milk and sugar. A very different drink. I love it!
Hm, interesting. I read that it was made with water and add milk if you feel like it. Should i try preparing it only with milk? Anyway, i enjoyed it even without milk. Though i've added a bit of sugar and it became more tasty :)

I'll wait until tomorrow with Assam and Darjeeling teas. Quite curious.
Plenty of chai recipes on google. Take your pick.

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Aug 2nd, '11, 13:10
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Re: Brewing recommendations

by chado.my.teaway » Aug 2nd, '11, 13:10

FF and SF must have a temperature less than 100 degree. FF about 85-90 and SF 90. If i brew Darjeeling FF like Arya Ruby or Castletoon Moonlight, i use 2-2,5 gram for gaiwan 150ml. 1st brewing 1,15-1,20 85 degree, 2nd brewing 3.00 and 90 degree and 3rd brewing 5 minute and 100 degree. But if I brew tea like North Tukvar FF or tea from Giddapahar garden or Singbulli garden, I use the same time but temperature are going up. 1st=90, 2nd=90, 3rd=100. Sorry for my language but im from Poland;)

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Aug 11th, '11, 13:27
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Re: Brewing recommendations

by yshuto » Aug 11th, '11, 13:27

Or if you prefer the French way, you can take a look at the Mariage Steeping Chart.

http://www.mariagefreres.com/boutique/U ... table.html

Happy brewing!

Sep 9th, '11, 12:30
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Re: Brewing recommendations

by Flonihoncha » Sep 9th, '11, 12:30

chado.my.teaway wrote:FF and SF must have a temperature less than 100 degree. FF about 85-90 and SF 90. If i brew Darjeeling FF like Arya Ruby or Castletoon Moonlight, i use 2-2,5 gram for gaiwan 150ml. 1st brewing 1,15-1,20 85 degree, 2nd brewing 3.00 and 90 degree and 3rd brewing 5 minute and 100 degree. But if I brew tea like North Tukvar FF or tea from Giddapahar garden or Singbulli garden, I use the same time but temperature are going up. 1st=90, 2nd=90, 3rd=100. Sorry for my language but im from Poland;)
I never got satisfied with black tea multi-brewing. Changes and evolutions of the scent is interesting, but it comes with a lighter taste than the classic "english" method. But since i bought some Darjeeling FF this week, let's try again. I choosed a Castleton DJ8 Special China. I want black tea to be tasty, so i used about 2.5g in a small gaiwan, with 90ml. Then, 1st brewing 1.5min, 85°C. Great fragrance, taste is still lighter than what i am expected, but i enjoyed. 2nd brewing, 2.30min, 90°C, this one was very good! 3rd infusion, 4min, 95-100°C. mmmm, good, but..... After this experience, i still prefer "my" classic method (for this tea, 3g, 140ml, 95-100°C, 5-6min) but i will try again, with another tea, a Sungma DJ1 China Classic. Maybe, an intermediate method should be good for me ? 2 brewing: 85°C, 2min or 2.30 min, then 95-100°C, 5 min...

Am i the only one not totally satisfied by multi-brewing of black tea ?

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