Low mid altitude Ceylon "Royal Black Tea" from Elephant Chateau, 2020 harvest

single-estate tea grown in the
Sabaragamuwa region of Sri Lanka

2 tea spoons
380 mL water
90 C

Steep 1: 5.5 minutes
Steep 2: 15 minutes

Very large distinctive leaves.
Liquor turns coppery red within seconds
Light honeyed and tobacco aroma
Distinctive buttery mouthfeel
Gentle notes of honey and tobacco
Slightly malty. Slightly flowery
Lingering astringency
Experience dominated by very smooth mouthfeel
Reminiscent of Lipton, but much higher quality. Likely very good for ice tea

Have also tried Gongfu brewing with 8 grams per 100 mL: early steeps are strong with dried fruit, honey and some floweriness reminiscent of Yunnan black. Honey notes carry throughout brew. There is less smoothness until later steeps as expected for larger base leaves taking time to unfurl and release starchiness. This is in contrast with the company’s high mountain brew, which is more filled with buds, and therefore more flowery and Less smooth. To experience full smoothness and flavor, western style brewing with less leaves and more water ( 1 gram / 100 mL) for 4 plus minutes is advisable.

from company:

Our tea pluckers' leaf size selection & manual rolling/drying process

plays a key part in accentuating the smoothness (buttery-ness) featured

in this fine liquor.

Note, leaves are cigar rolled instead of ball rolled. Cigar rolling is known to improve smoothness, esp as the finishing step. This is a common practice for Keemun black teas of the highest quality.

Comments

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