Straight ・ Assam
Assam
High in tannins with a mild flavor and rich aroma.
- Origin
- North India
- Liquor color
- Clear, deep red
- How to enjoy
- Best enjoyed as milk tea
About Assam
One of the largest tea-producing regions in the world, it is located in the vast lowlands of the Brahmaputra River basin. The history of Indian tea began here with the discovery of wild tea trees in 1823. It has a deep body and a malty sweetness, making it ideal for milk tea. Perfect for cold mornings and as a base for chai.
How to brew
Good tea comes down to three basics: the amount of leaves, fresh boiling water, and steeping time. Use about one teaspoon (3g) of leaves per cup, pour freshly boiled water at 95–100°C briskly over them, put the lid on the pot, and steep for 2.5–3 minutes. When the leaves circulate up and down in the pot (the 'jumping' effect), the aroma and flavor come out well.
- As a milk tea
- Full-bodied teas pair well with milk. Use slightly more leaves and steep a bit longer (3–4 minutes) for a strong brew, then add room-temperature milk afterwards. Not overheating the milk lets the tea's aroma shine.
A general guide to brewing black tea. Adjust to the tea and your taste.