Ruby #18 Black Tea, 2oz

Many of the tea cultivars discovered and perfected in Taiwan have numbers for nicknames: JinXuan is called #12, Jade cultivar is known as #13.  Ruby #18 is one of these; a cross between a wild Formosan tea plant and Assam, developed specifically to make phenomenal black tea. Grown near the famous Sun-Moon Lake in Nantou, Taiwan, Ruby #18 is one of the most popular black teas in Taiwan and the rest of East Asia, no small feat considering the region’s strong preference for greener teas. Prepare this tea full-bodied or light depending on your preference.  For full-body, use 4 grams of dry leaf per 100ml of water at 98-100c.  Brew for 30 seconds, no longer.  This style produces a syrup-like sweetness, with notes of chocolate, licorice and camphor.  The sheer robustness of this brew makes it excellent for pairing with a meal or desserts.  You will definitely be able to taste this tea even while enjoying a flavorful meal! To enjoy the tea by itself, as we often do in the office, we prefer to