B-TW-014

Taiwan Assamica Black

台灣阿薩姆紅茶

Assamica black, from Nantou, Taiwan.

Black tea

Taiwan Assamica Black is strongest on body, malty and astringency. Typical tasting words: malt, dark chocolate, molasses, toast crust, bark. Introduced from Assam to Nantou County by Japanese agronomists in the 1920s to establish imperial black tea plantations. Often enjoyed straight by tea connoisseurs, but also heavily integrated into Taiwan's premium milk tea culture.

Also known as Sun Moon Lake Assam, TTES No. 8 and Yuchi Assam.

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The profile

Taste, 0 to 5

sweetness2bitterness2astringency3umami1brightness2body4smoothness3aroma intensity3finish length3

Flavour families, 0 to 5

floral1fruity2vegetal0marine0nutty1toasty2malty4honey2spicy2woody2earthy2smoky0creamy0citrus0stone fruit1tropical0cocoa3caramel2

Facts

Origin: Nantou, Taiwan
Plant: Camellia sinensis var. assamica, Jaipuri or TTES No. 8
Harvest: Summer, June to August
Elevation: mid
Oxidation: 90 to 100%
Roast: very light
Leaf: twisted
Price band: mid-range
Availability: specialist
Ageing: a little
Forgiving to brew: 3 of 5
L-theanine: low

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

Caffeine

A cup of Taiwan Assamica Black carries a typical estimate of 65 mg of caffeine, within a range of 45 to 85 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	95 to 100 °C	3 min, 4 min
Gongfu, 100 ml	5 g	90 to 95 °C	Rinse, then 20 s, 25 s, 35 s, 50 s, 70 s, 90 s
Cold brew, 250 ml	3 g	Fridge	8 to 12 hours

Up to 6 infusions. Scale for your own pot with the brew calculator.

Drinking it

morning
morning
breakfast
cold_weather

Pairs with breakfast_dishes, pastry and scones_cakes. Milk: yes. Iced: yes. Sweetener: yes. Good for beginners: yes.