Because their numbers are similar and their main production areas for black tea are both around SunMoon Lake, TTES No. 8 and TTES No. 18 are often confused. Here are the differences and similarities between TTES No. 8 and TTES No. 18.
Similarities Between TTES No. 8 and TTES No. 18
Both are tea tree varieties bred by the Yuchi Branch of the Tea Research and Extension Station in Taiwan. TTES No. 8 was released in 1971 and does not have a cultivar name. TTES No. 18 was released in 1999 and is named Ruby. Both tea varieties are suitable for making black tea, belong to large-leaf tea tree varieties, and are mainly produced around SunMoon Lake in Yuchi Township, Nantou County.
Differences Between TTES No. 8 and TTES No. 18
| TTES No. 8 | TTES No. 18 | |
|---|---|---|
| Breeding Variety | Bred from the Indian Assam Jaipuri strain. | Bred from Taiwan wild mountain tea and Myanmar large-leaf varieties. |
| Tea Leaf Appearance | Slightly greener. | Light yellowish-green, tea buds without downy hairs, and noticeably curled leaves. |
| Taste and Flavor | Rich flavor, strong astringency, prone to bitterness. Top-grade TTES No. 8 black tea features caramel and sugarcane aromas. | Relatively smoother mouthfeel with high sweetness. The finest Ruby Black Tea features cinnamon and mint aromas. |
| Suitable Brewing Methods | Rich in flavor and prone to bitterness, rather than standard hot brewing, many prefer using it as a base for flavored teas like Assam milk tea or honey tea, highlighting its richness while masking its tendency to become bitter. | Relatively smooth with high sweetness. Hot brewing is generally recommended to fully enjoy its cultivar aroma. |
| Price | Usually cheaper, but not absolute. | More expensive than TTES No. 8. |
Whether TTES No. 8 or TTES No. 18, both represent the high quality and diversity of Taiwanese black tea and are worth savoring for tea lovers. Choose the tea that suits you best and let every cup become a delightful enjoyment in life. Note: Among the 3 images on this page, 2 are TTES No. 8 and 1 is TTES No. 18. Can you tell them apart?