B-US-056

Hawaiian Black

Volcanic artisan black, from Hawaii, USA.

Black tea

Hawaiian Black is strongest on smoothness, sweetness and aroma intensity. Typical tasting words: honey, dark chocolate, raisin, mineral, peach. Pioneered in the late twentieth century on the Big Island and Maui, utilising fertile volcanic soil and subtropical mountain slopes. Handcrafted in small artisan batches, predominantly drunk neat to showcase delicate terroir-driven sweetness.

Also known as Hawaii Grown Black and Volcano Black Tea.

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The profile

Taste, 0 to 5

sweetness4bitterness1astringency1umami1brightness2body3smoothness5aroma intensity4finish length4

Flavour families, 0 to 5

floral1fruity3vegetal0marine0nutty1toasty1malty1honey4spicy1woody2earthy2smoky0creamy1citrus1stone fruit2tropical1cocoa2caramel2

Facts

Origin: Hawaii, USA
Plant: Camellia sinensis var. sinensis, Bohea or Yutaka Midori
Harvest: spring through autumn flushes
Elevation: mid
Oxidation: 85 to 95%
Roast: very light
Leaf: twisted
Price band: luxury
Availability: rare
Ageing: worthwhile
Forgiving to brew: 5 of 5
L-theanine: moderate

Made by: withering, then rolling, then oxidation, then drying.

Caffeine

A cup of Hawaiian Black carries a typical estimate of 45 mg of caffeine, within a range of 30 to 65 mg depending on leaf amount, water temperature and steeping time. Figures are estimates for a 240 ml cup. Better earlier in the day if you are sensitive to caffeine. The caffeine planner turns this into a daily total.

How to brew it

Method	Leaf	Water	Steeps
Western, 250 ml	3 g	90 to 95 °C	3 min, 4 min, 5 min
Gongfu, 100 ml	5 g	90 to 95 °C	20 s, 30 s, 45 s, 60 s, 90 s
Cold brew, 250 ml	2.5 g	Fridge	8 to 12 hours

Up to 5 infusions. Scale for your own pot with the brew calculator.

Drinking it

morning
afternoon
afternoon
relaxing
dessert_pairing

Pairs with fruit, chocolate and pastry. Milk: no. Iced: yes. Sweetener: no. Good for beginners: yes.