Tea: Heritage Orthodox Black (Monsoon Magic)

Grower: Heritage Tea Assam

Tea Maker: Ishan Baruah

Origin: Dibrugarh, in Assam, India

Elevation: 100m (350ft)

Cultivation: Natural (Organic, but no certification)

Harvest Date: May 9, 2014

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A classic Assam black tea, processed Orthodox style for full leaf and high-quality. This is a special lot of Orthodox Black, harvested after the long-awaited rains of the monsoon season. The result is a perfect balance of the typical full-bodied Assam profile and lighter, smoother rose and citrus flavors. Compared to the earlier harvest, this batch has very little astringency, and is softer in flavor and power.

Currently, black tea from Assam is predominantly CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl), which is low-quality, fragmented tea. The region is dominated by large companies that make low-quality tea. Rajen Baruah had worked for these large tea companies, but came out of retirement to establish Heritage Tea. This Orthodox style of processing creates a more complex and deep flavor profile. He is now empowering Assam tea farmers to make specialty teas like these.

Heritage Tea grows with locally-sourced vermicompost, and is completely chemical-free.

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Recommended Brewing Instructions: Use 1tsp (~3g) per 250ml cup.
Brew for 2 minutes.

- 195F for a less astringent, lighter profile with slightly sweeter notes.

- 205F for a fuller, sharper profile with deep raisin and malt flavors.

This tea can be rebrewed up to 2 times, with hotter water and longer infusions.