Equator Estate Coffees and Teas,

Assam #8

Origin country: taiwan; varietals: tres no. 8; production method: oxidized; profile: surprisingly taiwan has a long history of producing black teas that date back to the early 1920's when the region was under japanese rule. Yucich township, situated on the shores of the scenic sun moon lake of central taiwan, was chosen for its ideal climate and soil to grow assamica tea bushes. The japanese objective was to compete with the british commerce that dominated the market of black tea. They could not compete in the yield, but the quality of the taiwanese black teas garnered attention in new york and london. But by the end of wwii, black tea had virtually disappeared from the island. Through the recent revival of this heritage assam tea, its easy to understand why this tea was successful . The tres. No. 8 strand presents itself as a large, wonderfully curled and lustrous full leaf; with a fruity aroma that evokes stewed cherries and apricot jam. A warm, velvety body satisfies the palate and holds up well to milk. Brewing recipe: 5g tea | 195f water | 2-4 minute steep

Pearl in a Cup (Bai Mei Tu Zhu)

Origin country: china; profile: this high quality green tea is hand sewn into a tight ball which slowly unfurls to show a single white chrysanthemum flower tucked inside like a pearl. Not overly sweet or floral, the flavor is subtle and smooth with classic green tea characteristics.

Charcoal Roasted Tung Ting

Origin country: taiwan; production method: lightly oxidized; profile: this oolong tea begins as a winter harvest from nantou county in taiwan, and is then roasted slowly over charcoal made from wood of longan fruit trees, which gently caramelizes the natural sugars in the tea leaves, bringing out sweetness and adding depth. The master tea roaster monitors the aroma and color of the tea to roast it to perfection using only his senses in the traditional method of layering charcoal with the tea leaves. With tasting notes of burnt caramel, coffee and chocolate, this tea offers a unique and complex flavor profile that is best enjoyed through multiple steeps.

Camel's Breath Pu-Erh

Origin country: china; production method: fully oxidized; profile: fine example of a traditional pu-erh tuo cha with deep, earthy flavors. Individually wrapped nuggets are good for multiple infusions. This 2009 vintage tea was specially cave aged. Excellent choice for a tea drinker beginning to explore the complex, unique flavors of pu-erh tea.

Dragonwell (Lung Ching)

Origin country: china; profile: famous "10 hand movements" pan-fired green tea. Faintly smoky, earthy character.