
Black Fusion | India
Introducing BLACK FUSION, a TV-22 Cultivar hand-picked loose leaf black tea, grown at 60masl at Doke Estate in Bihar, India.
Expect to taste: canned peach, apricot, honey, molasses, monk fruit & sarsaparilla.
CORE INFO
TLDR: an award-winning tea nearly every year since its first production, from a tea master and conservationist. This is not to be missed.
This small independent tea garden is located near Kishanganj in the state of Bihar, northeast India. The plantation was founded in 1998 by Rajiv Lochan – a veteran tea planter and conservationist who, after managing several other plantations, decided it was time to set up one of his own. Rajiv’s vision for Doke Tea was to produce carefully handcrafted teas that are unique to the region without harming the surrounding ecosystem.
Despite being located just 200km from Darjeeling, Bihar isn't a traditional tea-producing region, but Lochan and his team soon built a reputation for outstanding teas. The tea garden is cut by the river Doke which as well as giving the estate its name, helps with irrigation. The garden has its own water management and solar power systems – all part of Rajiv’s mission to minimise the gardens carbon footprint and impact on both the landscape and the people who work within it.
Exceptionally well crafted, the single origin Doke Black Fusion has become sought after the world over for its pronounced character. The micro-batch single-origin tea made by tea master Rajiv Lochan's family is from the TV22 cultivar of the Camellia Sinensis plant is famous for its tender first flush leaves, which are gently hand-rolled into distinctive, wiry, loose curls that yield a garden-fresh aroma and golden amber infusion. With its mild briskness, hints of fruity sweetness and subtle yet complex flavours, it is little wonder this robust brew has won a raft of awards!
BREWING SUGGESTIONS
This tea is suitable for drinking both with or without milk.
Remember, more tea means more strength, and more time means more astringencyGong Fu Style: 3.5g per 100ml, ~98C water, 45 second to one minute steeps in Gaiwan. Lasts 3-4 steeps.
Western Style (in a mug or large teapot): 3g per 100ml, ~95C water for 4-5 minutes. Lasts 2-3 steeps.
Cold Brew: 5g per 500ml of water and just pop it in the fridge overnight.