The Golden Tips Assam is made from a distinct Camellia Assamica plant varietal growing only at a handful of estates. The leaves are withered, bruised with a rolling machine, oxidized and then oven roasted. In making the Golden Tips, the oxidization is slightly longer than in the case of making darker Assams. The Golden Tips are precious for the tea gardens as they fetch a higher premium in the market.

The high volume of essential oils in the Golden Tips Assam is evident immediately after the tea is served, as a thin layer of oil quickly coats the surface of the tea giving it a self-creaming appearance. These are beneficial oils that protect the body from carcinogens and give tea its anti-aging properties.

Water Temp °F (°C)	Quality of Water	Quantity of Leaf (tsp / 8oz water)	Steep Time (minutes)	Infusions
190°F (88°C)	Best with Spring water	1	4-5	1

We recommend using higher temperature water, close to or just before boiling (190 - 200 F), with a proportion of one teaspoon of leaf per 8oz of water. Some recommend water at a full, rolling boil, but in our opinion boiling reduces the oxygen content in good water and gives the tea a flatter taste as opposed to a livelier taste from slightly cooler water. Steeping time can vary depending on whether you wish to drink with milk or without (Assams take milk very well and are often served with a bit of whole milk). To drink without milk, 3 ½ to 4 ½ minutes is plenty of time to bring out a well balanced sweetness and astringency. With milk, a slightly longer time is required, 5 to 6 minutes, to acquire enough astringency to balance the milk.