Welcome to Ivy Hermit: The Essence of Cold Brew Tea
At Ivy Hermit, we believe in the profound philosophy of tea, an ancient tradition that nurtures equilibrium between mind, body, and soul. Based in the vibrant heart of Long Island City, New York, our mission is to bring you the finest cold brew tea, crafted from the highest quality Chinese tea leaves. Our vision is to present the philosophy of tea through mixology and immersive experiences, offering you a refreshing journey towards harmony and well-being.
What is Cold Brew Tea?
Cold brew tea is a method of brewing tea leaves in cold water over an extended period, typically between 6 to 12 hours. Unlike traditional hot brewing, which uses high temperatures to extract flavors quickly, cold brewing allows for a slow and gentle extraction. This process results in a smoother, naturally sweeter tea with less bitterness and astringency, highlighting the delicate flavors and aromas of the tea leaves.
The Importance of Water Mineral Content, pH Level, and Softness
The quality of water used in brewing tea is just as crucial as the quality of the tea leaves themselves. At Ivy Hermit, we understand that water mineral content, pH level, and softness significantly impact the flavor and clarity of cold brew tea. Here’s why:
- Mineral Content: Minerals such as calcium and magnesium can enhance the extraction of flavors, contributing to a well-rounded and balanced taste. However, excessive mineral content can overpower the delicate notes of the tea, making it essential to use water with the right balance.
- pH Level: The pH level of water is crucial in determining the final taste of the tea. Ideally, water with a neutral pH of around 7.0 is best for cold brew tea. Neutral pH water facilitates optimal extraction of flavors without over-extracting tannins, which can cause bitterness. Proper pH levels also help in achieving a clear, bright brew, free from cloudiness and off-tastes.
- Water Softness: Soft water, which has lower concentrations of calcium and magnesium, tends to produce a smoother and cleaner taste in tea. Hard water, with higher mineral content, can result in a bitter or metallic taste. At Ivy Hermit, we use filtered, soft water to ensure the purest and most enjoyable tea-drinking experience.
New York Tap Water: The Perfect Base for Cold Brew Tea
One of the key secrets behind our exceptional cold brew tea is the use of New York tap water. Known for its high quality, New York tap water offers the perfect combination of characteristics essential for brewing the finest tea:
- Optimal Mineral Content: New York tap water has an ideal balance of minerals, including calcium and magnesium, which enhance the flavor profile of our cold brew tea without overpowering it.
- Neutral pH Level: With a nearly neutral pH, New York tap water provides a stable environment for extracting the delicate flavors of our tea leaves, ensuring a smooth and pleasant taste.
- Softness: The relatively soft nature of New York tap water contributes to the clarity and purity of our cold brew tea, allowing the true essence of the tea leaves to shine through.
- Enhanced Filtration: To further ensure the highest standard of water quality, we use a specialized water filtration system. This process removes any impurities, resulting in the purest water possible for our cold brew tea.
Our Commitment to Quality: The Six Categories of Chinese Tea
At Ivy Hermit, we take pride in sourcing the finest Chinese tea leaves, categorized into six distinct types: Green, White, Yellow, Oolong, Black, and Dark (Pu-erh) tea. Each category offers unique flavors, aromas, and health benefits, allowing us to create a diverse range of cold brew teas that cater to different preferences and occasions. Here’s why we utilize these six categories:
- Green Tea: Known for its fresh, grassy, and slightly sweet flavor, green tea is rich in antioxidants and provides a refreshing, energizing experience.
- White Tea: With its delicate and subtle taste, white tea is minimally processed, retaining high levels of antioxidants and providing a light, soothing brew.
- Yellow Tea: Rare and prized for its mellow and sweet flavor, yellow tea offers a unique taste experience that bridges the gap between green and white teas.
- Oolong Tea: This partially oxidized tea boasts a complex profile, with floral, fruity, and creamy notes, making it perfect for those who appreciate depth and richness in their tea.
- Black Tea: Offering robust, bold flavors with malty and sometimes fruity undertones, black tea is a classic favorite, ideal for a strong and invigorating brew.
- Dark (Pu-erh) Tea: Fermented and aged, dark tea has earthy, rich flavors and is known for its digestive and detoxifying benefits, providing a grounding and wholesome brew.
Passion for Sourcing the Finest Tea Leaves
Our journey begins in the lush tea gardens of China, where the finest leaves are cultivated with care and expertise. At Ivy Hermit, we have a deep passion for identifying the best tea leaves from various tea farms across China. This dedication ensures that every leaf we use meets our high standards for quality and flavor. Our team travels extensively, building relationships with local tea farmers who share our commitment to excellence. This hands-on approach allows us to select the perfect leaves that embody the rich heritage and diverse flavors of Chinese tea.
Taste Testing for Perfection
At Ivy Hermit, we are committed to delivering the highest quality cold brew tea. Each batch of tea is meticulously taste-tested to ensure it meets our exacting standards. Here’s why our taste testing process is essential:
- Consistency: Regular taste testing ensures that every batch of tea maintains the same high-quality flavor profile, providing our customers with a consistent and reliable product.
- Flavor Accuracy: By tasting each batch, we can detect and correct any deviations in flavor, ensuring that the delicate notes of each tea variety are perfectly balanced.
- Quality Assurance: Taste testing allows us to identify and address any issues with the tea leaves or brewing process, guaranteeing that only the best tea reaches our customers.
Why Choose Ivy Hermit?
At Ivy Hermit, we are dedicated to presenting the philosophy of tea through mixology and immersive experiences. Our cold brew teas are more than just beverages; they are a pathway to achieving harmony between mind, body, and soul. By carefully selecting the highest quality Chinese tea leaves, using New York tap water with its optimal mineral balance, pH level, and softness, and utilizing an advanced water filtration system, we ensure that every sip of our cold brew tea is a step towards tranquility and well-being.
Join us on this journey and discover the essence of cold brew tea with Ivy Hermit. Whether you are a tea connoisseur or a newcomer, our teas are crafted to provide a refreshing, balanced, and enriching experience. Welcome to Ivy Hermit, where tradition meets innovation, and every cup tells a story of harmony and peace.