Ava Lokita Pure Black is a first flush black tea developed from a new tea bush cultivar developed for its complex and pleasant taste profile by Tea Master Leo Kwan and his company Tea Hong. This is a perfect example of the new gongfu black teas being produced in China today that focus as much on appearance as taste. It offers a delicate floral character without being astringent; tastefulness while sweet.
Ava Lokita Pure Black has a soft, fresh floral aroma with accents of leaf herbs. It has a bright, elegant infusion of fruity sweetness with tones of honey and ripened fruits and soft bites of plum peel and undertones of fresh herbs. The finish is long and malty with a sweet lingering aftertaste.
Ingredients: Artisan black tea
Origin: Nanping, Fujian, China
Since 1998, tea master Leo Kwan has pushed the boundaries of the tea industry beyond traditional buying and selling to provide consultation and specialist training for tea house operators, hoteliers, celebrity chefs (some in Michelin starred restaurants) and tea importers, from Hong Kong to Japan, Switzerland, France, and UK. He has always worked directly with tea producers to obtain the best quality tea at the best price. Most of these producers have been generations of tea planters, processors or fresh leaf gatherers who work in ancient methods deep in the mountains of pristine natural environments--some in virgin forests. Over the years Master Kwan has established a strong and intimate bond with these producers which is why he has exclusive products of exceptional quality rarely found in teashops. Master Kwan has a deep understanding of every phase of tea production and processing and is passionate in advocating the use of finer teas. Master Kwan is author of the much referenced tea guide and commentary site: TeaGuardian.com
Brewing Instructions
Ava Lokita Pure Black is an adaptable black tea for infusing either conventionally or using the gongfu approach. Follow proper procedures for whichever method you prefer.
Water Temperature: 194 -- 205 degrees
Water Quality: Best with Spring Water
Amount of Leaf (per 6 fl oz water): 1 full tsp. (2.5 grams)
Steep Time: 2-4 minutes
Number of Infusions: 2
Our Ava Lokita Pure Black can be brewed using either the standard western or the Chinese gongfu method. When using the western method we highly recommend brewing your tea in a teapot or mug with a removable infuser so that you can remove the leaves at the end of the steeping time. Whole leaf teas of this quality need room to unfurl and expand in the water in order to perform their "magic." However, leaving the tea leaves in the water will result in an over-infused, bitter tea. If you want a stronger cup of tea increase the amount of leaf rather than the steeping time. If you don't have a removable infuser, you can brew the loose leaves directly in the pot. At the end of the steeping time, pour all of the tea into a warm serving pitcher or pot.
When using the traditional Chinese gongfu method increase the leaf to water ratio to 2 grams per 100 mil. water. The first infusion will be for about 30 seconds, increasing the time for each subsequent infusion. In this manner you will get approximately five infusions.
