Country of origin: Kenya Altitude: 6000 ft   

Grade: GFBOP (Golden Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe)

Manufacture Type: Orthodox - exceptionally well graded

Infusion: Bright and coppery orange.

Cup Characteristics: A rich full bodied tea with floral-like flavor notes. The cup has thickness with a malty but lively character. A perfect all day tea. It is the best grade produced by Milima.

Information: The Milima mark is manufactured at Saosa Factory which is the only factory in East Africa producing orthodox style leaf. This special mark is produced from a delicate clone, which was developed at African Highlands Produce, - Applied Research Department. The clone develops a distinct floral characteristic during the cooler months of June and July when the bush growth is slow. We only buy Milima at this time to obtain the best quality. The leaf is selected from the most suitable clonal bushes on estates Kaproret, Saramek and Chemase. Teas for Milima are grown at 6000 feet or higher. After plucking first thing in the morning, the leaves are gently rolled in order to maintain the floral character and obtain the twisted leaf appearance. After 3 separate rolls, the leaf is allowed to oxidize before being dried, than then sorted into 3 primary grades. GFBOP, GFOP, GFBOP1. Each grade contains a good percentage of golden tips giving the leaf a similar appearance to premium 2nd flush Assam Orthodox teas of North India. The liquors of Milima are bright and orange in color, and impart a floral aroma and taste with a delicious malty almost Bordeaux like character.

Hot tea brewing Method: As with all top quality teas, scoop 2-4 teaspoons of tea into the teapot, pour in boiling water that has been freshly drawn, steep for 2-4 minutes (to taste), add milk and sugar to taste. (An interesting note - This tea can be enjoyed with or without milk - milk tends to mask a few of the delicate floral nuances but adding milk highlights the malty flavor.)

Iced tea brewing method: (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 6 teaspoons of tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 ¼ cups of freshly boiled water over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. Please note that this tea may tend to go cloudy or ‘milky’ when poured over ice; a perfectly normal characteristic of some high quality black teas and nothing to worry about!