Brewing Guide
Black Tea
Bold, malty, and deeply satisfying
Nepali black tea is among the world's finest, produced at high altitudes in the Ilam and Kanchanjangha regions. Fully oxidised and richly flavoured, it ranges from bright and muscatel to deep and malty. Unlike many black teas, Himalayan black teas are smooth enough to drink without milk, though they also welcome it beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Bring fresh, filtered water to a full rolling boil (95–100°C). Black tea benefits from the full energy of boiling water to extract its bold flavours.
- 2
Warm your teapot by rinsing with a little boiling water, then discard. This prevents your brewing temperature from dropping prematurely.
- 3
Measure 2.5g of loose leaf black tea per 200ml of water. For a stronger, breakfast-style cup, you can increase to 3g.
- 4
Pour boiling water directly over the leaves. Black tea is robust and handles direct pouring well.
- 5
Steep for 3–5 minutes depending on your preference. 3 minutes yields a bright, lively cup; 5 minutes produces a stronger, more full-bodied brew.
- 6
Remove the leaves promptly to prevent over-extraction. Serve black, or add a splash of whole milk if desired. Avoid sugar — it masks the nuanced terroir notes.
✨ Pro Tips
First-flush Nepali black teas (harvested March–April) are lighter and more aromatic. Second-flush teas (May–June) are richer and more muscatel. Try both to find your preference.
For iced tea, brew at double strength (5g per 200ml) and pour over ice immediately. The rapid chilling locks in brightness and prevents cloudiness.
A pinch of cardamom added to the pot transforms Nepali black tea into an elegant masala chai base — simply add warmed milk and a touch of honey.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using water that hasn't fully boiled. Tepid or warm water produces a flat, flavourless cup because the compounds that create black tea's characteristic depth require high temperatures to extract properly.
Adding milk before the tea. Always pour tea first, then add milk to taste. Adding milk first interferes with the brewing process if you're using the pot method.
Storing black tea in the fridge. Moisture from condensation will degrade quality rapidly. Store at room temperature in an airtight, opaque container.
Ready to Brew?
Shop our selection of premium black tea and taste the difference Himalayan altitude makes.
Quick Reference
Temperature
95–100°C
Steep Time
3–5 min
Leaf : Water
2.5g per 200ml
Infusions
2 infusions
All times and temperatures are starting points. Adjust to your personal taste — brewing tea is a practice, not a formula.