One of the questions we often get after guests taste our tea is why they can't reproduce the same flavor at home. One of the most important ingredients in brewing any tea well is just a little patience. Allowing things to unfold and adjusting your methods can make a big difference with both new and favorite selections. Green teas typically have the least wiggle room because of their delicate, fresh nature and how quickly they release flavor. Still, patience is key—letting the water cool to the right temperature helps prevent burning the tea and enhances its natural sweetness.  

Black tea has the most consistent brewing parameters and relies heavily on the vessel used for steeping and high water temperatures. With a traditional teapot, you can expect a flavorful taste that ranges from medium to full-bodied. Since tannin is the primary component of the flavor, you'll want to use water just off of boiling to extract tannins effectively. Limiting the steeping time to 1-2 minutes will allow for a couple of additional re-steeps and produce a brew that is balanced and not too bitter, especially when using higher-quality tea leaves.

Oolong and Puerh teas are much more versatile, and having 5-10 multiple steepings allows you to learn from each brewing. When I first encounter an oolong or puerh, I fill the teapot with just enough water (off the boil) to cover the tea leaves and quickly pour it out. I lift the lid to let the steep escape and leave it slightly ajar. This is when 2-3 minutes of patience become essential. While waiting, the leaves gently rehydrate and expand. The core of the leaves comes back to life, as oxygen and water work their magic. When you lift the lid to add water for the first brew, you'll see the leaves have stretched and are ready to start releasing flavor and aroma.  

This initial waiting period will set the tone for the entire session and help you explore the flavors of your leaves, especially for older teas. Old caked Puerh can be particularly stubborn and greatly benefits from being gently awakened from its slumber. Be patient, don't force it, and let it develop! You'll gain a deeper understanding of how to brew each tea. We hope this knowledge helps improve your daily tea experience, especially for beginners hesitant to try certain teas.  

Boil the water, take a deep breath, and allow your tea to brew.

Shin & Stefen