Black Tea Brewing Tips

Tea:

Choose one of our high-grade Black teas from India, Ceylon, China, Australia, Nepal, Sikkim or Africa. Choose your brew method. If you are trying a new tea for the first time, we suggest you adopt the multiple-brew method of reusing the leaves.

Single-serve brew method:

Most black teas are suited to this method.
You serve once at the end of the brewing time to achieve maximum flavour.

Multiple-serve brew method:

You serve and refill the teapot once during the brewing time.
Each serve has its own distinct character.
First serve highlights aroma.
Second serve strengthens the flavour.

Teawares:

Choose teapot made from pottery, stainless steel, glass or porcelain.
Size to suit number of cups needed.
200ml fine bone china cups are best.

Boil the water:

Use pure, fresh water.
Pre warm the teapot with boiling water and empty.

Measure the tea into the teapot:

2.5gm (1 teaspoon) per 200ml cup.
Vary the amount of tea to suit your taste.
Pour boiling water over the leaves, and start timing the brew.

Single-serve brewing times:

Small-leaf teas need 2-3 minutes.
Large-leaf, high-grade teas take longer 3-4 minutes.
Longer brewing times will give you a stronger brew, but if you over-brew, the tea will become bitter! Shorter brewing times will give you a lighter brew. Taste small amounts during the brewing time, to see how the flavour develops. Time the brew so you know when the best taste arrives, then remove the infuser and leaves from the teapot, or strain and serve.

Multiple-serve brew:

First serve after 30 seconds-1 minute: highlights aroma.
Refill teapot with hot water.

Second serve: strengthens the flavour.

Serving suggestions:

Large-leaf high-grade teas do not require milk but you may add milk, if you wish.
If you prefer to add milk, add it to the empty cup first.
Pour the tea into the milk.
Sweeten to taste with sugar, stir and drink.