LOEY’s Earl Grey

Hello, I’m David, the founder. When it comes to Earl Grey, I have to talk about the story that marks the very beginning. I spent my twenties exploring three different paths: fashion design, band vocals, and documentary production. In my early thirties, I entered the food industry, starting in Eastern Europe, moving to Australia, and returning to Korea. I managed international food brands in Korea for a significant period. Throughout my life journey, I traveled extensively, visited numerous places, and met many people.

Approaching the latter part of my thirties, I finally embarked on the business I had been preparing for a long time. I secured a small office space—a place with nothing, extremely small and cold. Choosing tea from the diverse forms of food was due to its universal appeal worldwide. If I were to create a tea company, the most crucial element would be Earl Grey.

Having enjoyed tea during my travels, it was essential to have a unique, high-quality, yet typical Earl Grey. To achieve this, I conducted extensive research and traveled extensively. I believed that starting would be challenging if we couldn’t offer a good Earl Grey.

Tea was a field unfamiliar to me, and there were no acquaintances or known companies. It was a challenging environment compared to existing companies. However, I was a well-trained, familiar person starting with nothing. Starting without knowledge might require paying tuition through trial and error, but the advantage was having no preconceptions.

Above all, we aimed for our Earl Grey to be smooth. Not too intense, with a softness and a distinctive scent beyond just bergamot, distinguishing it from other brands and being memorable. So, I sought Sri Lankan tea and wanted a partner who could handle substantial quantities for the future. Tea is a collaborative industry worldwide, where major origins mix and products traverse the globe like one body. However, even in my thoughts, it seemed impossible.

During various trials, I visited a food exhibition, not specifically for tea. There, I encountered a booth of a Sri Lankan tea company. The exhibition wasn’t tea-focused, and they seemed to have little to do. I greeted them, shared my background, preparation process, and future plans. They were one of the top companies there at the request of the Sri Lanka Tea Board. Later, I found out that they had come to that place only once. I was deeply impressed by their humble and sincere attitude and the quality of their tea.

After several journeys to Sri Lanka, they dedicated efforts to create the Earl Grey I desired. The scent of Earl Grey we have today, emitting a silent sigh when the lid is opened, was finally completed. Clayton Tea’s unique Earl Grey. Now, we’re ready to start. I had the confidence to begin. Despite ongoing challenges, those joyous moments propel us forward.

Every Earl Grey product from Clayton Tea company features the same tea leaf, and LOEY follows the same principle. This is the story of how we crafted our Earl Grey. When I inhale the aroma, it takes me back to those days, evoking not just a delightful flavor but cherished memories as well.

The Art of Brewing: A Comprehensive Tea Brewing Guide

Brewing the perfect cup of tea is an art that combines precision, patience, and a genuine appreciation for the leaf. Whether you’re a seasoned tea enthusiast or just starting your tea journey, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps to brew the perfect cup every time.

  1. Choose Quality Tea:
    The foundation of a great cup of tea lies in the quality of the leaves. Opt for loose-leaf teas or high-quality tea bags for a more authentic and nuanced flavor profile. Explore different varieties such as green, black, white, oolong, and herbal teas to discover your preferences.
  2. Measure the Tea:
    The right tea-to-water ratio is crucial for a balanced and flavorful brew. As a general rule of thumb, use one teaspoon of loose tea leaves per 8 ounces of water. Adjust the amount based on your taste preferences and the type of tea you’re brewing.
  3. Choose the Right Water:
    The water you use can significantly impact the taste of your tea. Use fresh, filtered water for the best results. Avoid using water that has been sitting for too long or has a strong taste of minerals, as it can alter the delicate flavors of the tea.
  4. Water Temperature Matters:
    Different types of tea require specific water temperatures for optimal brewing. Here’s a quick guide:
  • Green Tea: 175-185°F (80-85°C)
  • Black Tea: 200-212°F (93-100°C)
  • Oolong Tea: 185-205°F (85-96°C)
  • White Tea: 160-185°F (71-85°C)
  • Herbal Tea: 212°F (100°C)
  1. Preheat Your Teaware:
    Warm your teapot, teacup, or teapot with a splash of hot water before adding the tea leaves. This ensures a more even brewing temperature and enhances the overall flavor extraction.
  2. Brewing Time:
    The steeping time varies depending on the type of tea:
  • Green Tea: 2-3 minutes
  • Black Tea: 3-4 minutes (Remove tea leaves or teabag after 3-4 minutes to avoid excessive tannin extraction, which can lead to a bitter taste)
  • Oolong Tea: 4-7 minutes
  • White Tea: 4-5 minutes
  • Herbal Tea: 5-7 minutes Experiment with different steeping times to find the perfect balance between strength and flavor.
  1. Strain or Remove Tea Leaves:
    Once the brewing time is complete, strain the tea leaves or remove the tea bag to prevent over-steeping, which can result in a bitter taste.
  2. Savor the Moment:
    Pour yourself a cup, take a moment to appreciate the aroma, and savor the flavors. Whether you enjoy it plain or with a touch of honey, lemon, or milk, make it a ritual that brings joy and relaxation to your day.

Conclusion:

Brewing the perfect cup of tea is a delightful experience that allows you to connect with the rich traditions and diverse flavors of this ancient beverage. Use this guide as a starting point, and don’t hesitate to explore and customize the brewing process to suit your personal preferences. May every cup bring you warmth, comfort, and a moment of bliss. Cheers to the art of tea brewing!