Assam Keyhung (BOP)

Description

If you're looking to really get away from it all and wouldn't mind a cup or two of some of the best black tea on the planet while you're at it, a voyage to Keyhung estate might be just what the Tea Master ordered. Located on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River, Keyhung is one of the more remote outposts of Assam, itself one of the more far-flung corners of the planet. Keyhung lies in the state's northeast corner, sandwiched between the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh and the country of Burma. Just how far away is that from the Western world? Consider the fact that the border between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh has seen but a handful of foreign visitors since British WWII soldiers left the area after building the Burma road - we're talking remote. Despite its location, Assam produces an incredible amount of tea. Some 473,000 metric tons of fresh Camellia assamica (Assam has its own indigenous variety of Camellia sinensis) is harvested annually from more than 271,768 hectares of gardens on 43,293 individual estates. What makes Assam teas unique is that unlike the high-grown teas of the world such as Ceylons or Darjeelings, fresh leaf is grown near sea level. Due to centuries of flooding and associated silt deposits along the banks of the Brahmaputra, the low-lying fields are exceptionally nutrient rich and produce hearty teas with deep malty notes and a sweetish earthy character.

Among the many thousands of Assamese estates, Keyhung stands out as one of the best year after year. The estate is massive, covering nearly 3 square miles, 2 of which are under tea. To put that size in perspective, over 3000 workers are needed to harvest and produce that much tea. (Note: Keyhung functions as a small town. Including all workers and their families, nearly 10,000 people call the estate home. The community includes schools, hospitals and community centers all provided free by estate management. Open fields are left for children to play in and a portion of unused land is dedicated to growing fresh produce for estate families.)

And how's the cup? As mentioned off the top, Keyhung is widely regarded as some of Assam's finest tea. When you brew a pot of Keyhung you can expect the characteristic Assam malt balanced by sweet creamy undertones - excellent tea from an excellent estate.

Steeping Instructions

PRODUCT TYPE: Loose - Black Tea

IDEAL BREWING TEMPERATURE: 100ºC/212ºF

ANTIOXIDANT BENEFIT: For a greater antioxidant benefit brew longer and use more tea.

FOOD SAFETY ADVISORY: We strongly recommend using filtered or freshly drawn cold water brought to a rolling boil when brewing all types of tea. Today's water has been known to carry viruses, parasites and bacteria. Boiling the water will kill these elements and reduce the potential incidence of water-borne illnesses.

Epic Iced Tea Instructions

Tea isn't just served hot!  Iced tea is one of the most refreshing and natural thirst quenchers around the world.  Here is our suggested method of brewing the best iced tea.

ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Pitcher): (To Make 1 Liter/Quart):

1. Place 6 slightly heaping teaspoons of loose tea or 6 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the tea.
3. Steep for 5 minutes.
4. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water.
5. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the tea or removing the bags.
6. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
7. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase
8. the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.

Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about.

ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Individual Serving):

1. Place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon of loose tea or 1 tea bag into a teapot for each serving required.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving over the tea.
3. Cover and let steep for 5 minutes.
4. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the tea or removing the bags.
5. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving.
6. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted.

Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about.

HERB & FRUIT ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Pitcher): (To Make 1 Liter/Quart):

1. Place 12 slightly heaping teaspoons of herb & fruit blend or 6 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the herb & fruit blend.
3. Steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water.
5. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the tea or removing the tea bags.
6. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
7. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced herb & fruit tea is to increase the strength of hot brew since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.

HERB & FRUIT ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Individual Serving):

1. Place 2 slightly heaping teaspoons of herb & fruit blend or 1 tea bag into a teapot for each serving required.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving over the herb & fruit blend.
3. Cover and let steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the tea or removing the bags.
5. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
6. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed herb & fruit tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted.