Re: Assam only
My perfect tea is also Assam:
0) Get a large mug and I do mean a large mug. I like my tea delicious and in gargantuan quantities. Tea cups are for folks that want to sample different blends of tea, rather than brewing a drink. Besides, Assam is the way to go. Samples are unnecessary.
1) Boil a kettle and make sure the water is *actually* boiling, not lukewarm.
2) Add *two* bags of Twining's Assam tea to the mug. The double bag ensures a rich strong flavour permeates all through the water but more importantly does so *rapidly*, so that you don't lose heat while waiting for the flavour to build in strength.
3) Add the boiling water to the mug. Ensure space for a small amount of milk.
4) Add one or two teaspoons of sugar depending on the gargantuan-ness of the mug.
5) Stir the tea bags in a circular motion at first and once the water starts to darken, then squeeze the tea bags with the spoon, probably no longer than about 30/45 seconds worth of stirring.
6) Remove the bags and add the milk. Ideal colour should be a slightly-pale tan. If it's starting to look even remotely white, you've screwed up.
7) Sit at desk and enjoy. Feel free to make contented slurping sounds if it will irritate the asshole working next to you.
Pro tip: Never, ever add the milk before the boiling water. If you do this, it causes the tea leaves in the bag to clump together and you lose most of the flavour. Don't ask me why it does this, it just does.