On Sep 29, 12:47*am, Prof Wonmug > wrote:
> I bought a 125g sample of Tippy Orthodox Assam GFOP (TA40) from Upton
> tea.
>
> http://www.uptontea.com/shopcart/ite...rom=search.asp
>
> I can't seem to find any good brewing parameters.
>
> My 1st pot was at the vendor recs: 2.25g/cup, 212°, 5:00. This was
> like battery acid.
>
> Next I tried have that strength for 3 minutes. This was better, but
> still too strong.
>
> Next I tried 1.0 g/cup for 2 minutes. This was too weak.
>
> Next I tried 1.5 g/cup for 1 minute. This was the best so far, but
> still not great (for me). It had an odd taste and after taste that I
> can't quite describe. A little smokey, but not exactly. It also left a
> funny feeling in my stomach.
>
> My latest test was 3.0 g/cup for just 30 seconds. I've had good luck
> with double or triple strength for very short steeps, but this was
> very bitter -- as bad as the first pot.
>
> I am about to conclude that this is just not a tea I like. But, before
> I shelve it, can anyone suggest other parameters I might try?
>
> Thanks

reduce the temperature and steeping time.. steep it short and sweet
like 20 to 25 secs at moderate temp... OR

another option - use the traditional method - 1.75 or 2.0 g for 3
minutes - water below boiling temp. ... this is a standard we use for
testing all black teas.

GFOP is normally a oversize tea so it tends to give some
problems...