The Tao of Tea, Full-Bodied Black Tea, Golden Tips Assam, 3.5 oz (100 g)

Origin Assam, India

Assam is highly regarded for producing some of the best black teas in India and beyond. Bordering China, Bangladesh and Burma, Assam is one of the largest tea-producing regions in the world.

Golden Tips – Rare Cultivar

A special tea plant cultivar known as P-126 (Panetola 126) is needed to produce the prized golden tips for this tea. Only a handful of gardens in Assam have the P-126 cultivar, which is known to make a smooth, sweet and malty brew.

Technique

After the newly-sprouted leaves have been plucked, they are withered over warm air for a few hours to reduce moisture. Once a suitable suppleness is achieved, a delicate rolling pattern is performed. The leaves begin to oxidize (change color from green to dark and, in this case, develop golden tips) and the flavor develops. Finally, the leaves are oven baked.

Flavor Profile

A very smooth, full-bodied brew with malty, warm, sweet turbinado undertones.

Brewing Assam

Brew one teaspoon of leaf in eight ounces of filtered water at 195F for four minutes. Pairs well with milk and sugar.

Black tea leaves.