Tea: Heritage Silver Queen

Grower: Heritage Tea Assam

Teamaker: Ishan Baruah of Heritage Tea Assam

Origin: Dibrugarh in Assam, India

Elevation: 100m (350ft)

Cultivation: Natural (Organic, but no certification)

Harvest Date: Spring 2015

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Crafted with downy, tender leaves, this batch of white tea is one of Heritage's many experimental batches. The leaves are plucked at a young age and dried carefully, preserving the white hairs on the leaves.

The profile is fresh and lush, but with a more robust profile. The flavors are fine, warm, and slightly earthy. The aftertaste is soft, but lasting, with a soft minty note.

A great alternative to the more delicate white teas of Chinese origin.

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The region of Assam is located at low elevation, with abundant rainfall and high humidity. This results in robust, malty teas. Traditionally, the area produces low-grade CTC and fannings for the commodity market, but Heritage Tea Assam focuses on quality teas.

Heritage Silver Queen is crafted from tea leaves harvested by hand from Camellia sinensis assamica (large-leaf) bushes. Unlike many other tea pickers in Assam, who focus on quantity rather than quality, the pluckers at Heritage Tea Assam are well-versed in good plucking standards. After harvest, the raw tea leaves are carefully dried, minimizing breakage and preserving the soft, downy hairs on the leaves.

Heritage Tea grows with locally-sourced vermicompost, and is completely chemical-free. The founder, Rajen, keeps detailed notes on each tea and educates local growers and pickers, allowing for continued improvement.

Learn about the people behind this tea: Heritage Tea Assam

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Recommended Brewing Instructions: Use 1.5tsp (~3g) per 250ml cup.
Brew for 2 minutes.

- 185F for a smoother, sweeter profile with vegetal overtones.

- 195F for a more flavorful profile with a full-bodied but smooth, dry texture.

This tea can be rebrewed up to 4 times, with hotter water and longer infusions.