Tea

Question 1

Who is our tea purveyor?

Answer 1

In Pursuit of Tea

Created in 1999 by Sebastian Beckwith and his friends. They started exploring the traditional areas of the finest tea production. They do this annually to taste that years harvest and select the best. All picked and processed by hand. Organic whenever possible.

Also used by Daniel, Eleven Madison Park, and Gramercy Tavern.

Question 2

Green tea facts

Answer 2

Green Tea is heated immediately heated after harvest to avoid oxidation of the leaves. In China it is fired but in Japan it is steamed.

Should always be brewed well below boiling to not destroy the subtle vegetal and herbal notes. 170 degrees.

It should be consumed as close to harvest as possible.

Question 3

What green tea do we offer?

Answer 3

Sencha Fukamushi

Origin: Shizuoka, Japan
A family-owned farm south of Mt. Fuji

Tasting Notes: round, sweet, soft

The leaves are steamed longer than usual due to the coarse leaf shape. The light green color and hint of sweetness is due to the yabukita cultivar, a popular type to make sencha.

Question 4

Black tea facts

Answer 4

Aka “red tea” in China is the result of complete oxidation of the leaf before being fired. They allow the leaves to wither naturally then it is rolled to expose the essential oils to the air and emcourage oxidation. The process ends with heat to stop the process.

India, China, and Sri Lanka are main producers

Popularized in the 1800s by European merchants that traded in Asia

Question 5

What black teas do we offer?

Answer 5

Earl Grey (named after Charles, the 2nd Earl Grey)
Origin: Kenilworth, Sri Lanka
Estate Ceylon Orange Pekoe Tea scented with Bergamot oil
Tasting Notes: citrus, full-flavored, aromatic

Doomni Estate, Kachibari Village
Origin: Assam, NE India
Tasting Notes: strong, malty, plum, sandalwood, soy

Question 6

Herbal tea Facts

Answer 6

Herbals are not technically tea, this is a term only used in the US. In Europe they are called “tisanes” or “infusions.”

Known for calming and medicinal properties.

Naturally caffeine free.

Best prepared with boiling water because they are not as sensitive.

Question 7

What is the tea plant?

Answer 7

Camellia sinesis

Question 8

What herbal teas do we offer?

Answer 8

Chamomile
Origin: Croatia
Tasting Notes: soothing, honey, apple, fig

Lemon Verbena
Origin: Greece
Tasting Notes: spicy, bright, fresh lemon

Mint
Origin: Greece
Tasting Notes: mellow, sage, aromatic, refreshing