T5 Collection Premier: How to Brew 5 Signature Loose Leaf Teas

By Sancha Tea Boutique | Premium Artisanal Tea Since 1981 | Published: 2026-10-31

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to brew the five loose leaf teas in the T5 Collection Premier with the right water temperature, leaf ratio, and steep time for each. A practical sampler guide.

Quick answer

Brew each tea in the T5 Collection Premier separately, using water just off the boil for the four black teas and slightly cooler water for the green tea. Start with a 1:50 leaf-to-water ratio, steep black teas for 3 minutes and the green tea for 2 minutes, then adjust to taste.

Why one brewing method won't work for all five teas

The T5 Collection Premier contains four black teas and one green tea. Black teas generally tolerate near-boiling water and longer steeps, while green tea can turn bitter quickly with the same treatment. Treating them identically is the most common reason a sampler set disappoints.

The trade-off: precision vs. simplicity

Weighing leaves and timing each steep gives the most consistent results, but it adds steps. If you prefer a simpler routine, use a rounded teaspoon per cup and taste at 2 minutes, then extend in 30-second increments. You'll still get good tea, just with more variability.

When to ignore the clock

If you're brewing a large pot or using a gaiwan with multiple short infusions, rely on taste rather than a fixed time. The same leaf can be steeped several times; subsequent infusions usually need 15–30 seconds more than the previous one.

Step-by-step brewing for the T5 Collection Premier

Separate the teas and check the labels: Identify which pouch is the green tea and which are the black teas. Set them apart so you don't accidentally use boiling water on the green tea. If the labels are unclear, open each pouch and smell: the green tea will smell fresher and more vegetal.
Heat water to the right temperature: Bring water to a boil, then let it cool for about 1 minute for black teas (around 95°C/203°F) and 2–3 minutes for the green tea (around 80°C/176°F). Use a thermometer if you have one. Without a thermometer, let the kettle sit off the boil for the times above; err on the cooler side for green tea.
Measure the leaves: Use about 5 grams of leaves per 250 ml (1 cup) of water, or a rounded teaspoon if you don't have a scale. Adjust slightly for large-leaf teas, which take up more volume. A kitchen scale pays for itself in consistency; if you don't have one, start with less leaf and increase next time.
Steep black teas for 3 minutes: Pour the hot water over the leaves and start a timer. Taste at 3 minutes; if you prefer a stronger cup, steep up to 4 minutes, but avoid going beyond 5 minutes to prevent bitterness. Set a timer—black teas can become astringent quickly if forgotten.
Steep the green tea for 2 minutes: Use the cooler water and steep for 2 minutes. Taste and, if needed, steep 30 seconds more. Do not use boiling water or steep longer than 3 minutes. Green tea brewed with boiling water will taste harsh; if that happens, reduce the temperature next time.
Remove the leaves and serve: Strain the tea into a cup or remove the infuser basket. Serve immediately. For a second infusion, add fresh hot water and steep 30–60 seconds longer than the first. Don't leave leaves sitting in the water after the desired strength is reached, or the tea will keep getting stronger.

The teas in this set

T5 Collection Premier | 5 Signature Loose Leaf Teas: T5 Collection Premier includes four premium black teas and one aromatic green tea, with options for size and container type. Knowing the tea types helps you set the right water temperature and steep time for each one.
T5 Collection Premier | 5 Signature Loose Leaf Teas