Yesterday, for the first time, I brewed non-oolong tea in this Gaiwan I bought from Paul at “Cult of the Bitter Leaf“. I wanted to try this Bailin Gongfu Black Tea from Teavivre for a long time.
I had this sample at home for some time, but since it’s Black Tea, I didn’t rush into drinking it and was waiting for the “right moment”, the “right mood”…which is the case for almost every tea I have. It really forces me to calm down and take some quiet time and brew some tea. When you brew it with your Gaiwan you basically have to sip it little by little and re-brew several time. In a sense you have to commit a couple minutes to just relax and drink some tea away from any thoughts of deadline or work… It’s actually a nice break if not the best kind.
Instructions and information about the Bailin Gongfu Black Tea from Teavivre
Origin: Fuding, Fujian, China
Ingredients: Made from tea buds and leaves with black and gold coloured pine-needle shaped appearance
Harvest time: June 5, 2014
Taste: A rich, full bodied sweet tasting tea with a hint of caramel
Brew: 1-2 teaspoons for 8oz of water. Brew at 185 ºF (85 ºC) for 2 to 3 minutes (exact time depends on your taste – a longer time will give the tea a stronger taste and color)
Health Benefits: Black teas contain antioxidants, which help in the prevention of some cancers and help reduce the effects of aging caused by free radicals. They can also reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks due to natural chemicals that reduce cholesterol.
Recommend Brewing Guide:
Western Method | Chinese Gongfu Way |
Teapot: 17oz / 500ml | Gaiwan: 3oz / 85ml |
194℉ / 90℃ | 185℉ / 85℃ |
Use 2 Tablespoons / 6 Grams Tea | Use 5 Grams Tea |
2 – 5 mins | 5 steeps : rinse,20s,30s,50s,70s,90s |
Teapot may be your choice | Gaiwan may be your choice Rinsing time is around 3 seconds |
This tea was very sweet and rich. I really enjoyed it and could really taste and appreciate the differences a bit better because my palate got a bit used to the Black Tea I had last week, which was a Darjeeling.
To purchase this tea or to visit Teavivre’s site click here!
Let me know if you brew Black Tea with your Gaiwan. I feel it’s much more suitable to brew Oolong since the leaves open and it works perfectly for this kind of recipient.
That is a beautiful gaiwan!
Thank you Amanda. It’s pretty but it’s not super convenient because the lit is uneven. Otherwise I just ordered a transparent one, just to take gorgeous tea photos 🙂 we’ll see how it goes. Ideally I want a Yixing one afterwards 😛