Acala Tea Co.
"Charlottesvilla" Red Vanilla
"Charlottesvilla" Red Vanilla
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Inspired by one of America's most beautiful college towns, this tea is a tribute to Charlottesville, home of the University of Virginia, the alma mater of one of Acala's owners. To enjoy it properly, take it out on the Lawn and enjoy it inside of Mr. Jefferson's Academical Village and recite some Edgar Allen Poe. "Bells, bells, bells, bells...."
Charlottesvilla Red Vanilla is a blend of our Red Alchemy red (aka black) tea and organic Madagascar vanilla bean. It tastes like dessert and smells like fresh pipe tobacco. As with our Red Alchemy, this tea is naturally sweet and requires no additional sweetener.
Tea Specifics
Tea Specifics
Red (aka Black) Tea, Organic Madagascar Vanilla Bean
Harvest: Spring 2022
Mangjing Village, Jingmai Mountain, Yunnan Province, China
Elevation: 1200-1500 meters
Tree: Feral
Cultivar: Camellia sinensis var. Assamica
Loose leaf
Red (black) tea contains 40-60mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup. As the tea ages, the caffeine levels decline over time because light and leaf oxidation reduce caffeine. Thus, an aged red tea that is decades old may not contain much caffeine at all. If you have the willpower to resist drinking this tea and to instead store and age the tea, the taste profile will only deepen.
Tasting Notes
Tasting Notes
Vanilla, citrus, floral, fresh pipe tobacco aromas; vanilla, citrus, floral, full-bodied, sweet, amber liquor.
Brewing Recommendations
Brewing Recommendations
Serving Size: 3-5g per 100ml of purified water.
Ideal Brewing Vessel: Porcelain tea pot or gaiwan; or high-fired, high profile thin clay teapot.
Steeping: Boil water to 212F/100C and then wait for the water to stop bubbling before pouring the water down the inside of the brewing vessel, not directly on the leaves. Brew for 1 minutes, then replace the lid and pour the liquor into a gong dao bei (fairness pitcher) before apportioning into tea cups. Add 15 seconds for each subsequent brew. Remove the lid of the brewing vessel to allow the leaves to cool between steepings. Flash brewing in this manner ensures this tea can be brewed up to 5+ times and brewed again the following morning if left overnight.
For Western Style brewing, steep for 1-2 minutes each brew.
Grandpa Style Brewing: Put 3g/1tsp tea in the bottom of a tall cup. Pour 180F water over the top and allow tea to steep continually in the water, topping off the cup with 180F water throughout the day.
Cold Brew: 4g per 450ml of cold water. Refrigerate overnight.
