So "fresh water, coming up to boil" was what my nana used to say. Catch it before the kettle whistles or turns itself off.
I’ve been drinking tea wrong all this time!Oh! To avoid stewing black teas, make sure the water is really close to full boil. If the temperature of the water is too low, it'll stew. Also if you leave it steeping for too long, it'll stew.
So, use water close to full boiling, and by 3-5 minutes most teas will have developed all the flavour. Then you can pour a little into the cup for a colour and taste test to see if it needs to be diluted or if it needs more time steeping.
Too tanniny? Too sharp, bitter, and dry in the mouth? Try adding milk or water to bring it back to life but it might not be redeemable.
Some people like to gently agitate the pot either by stirring with a teaspoon immediately after pouring the water or by swirling the pot to get the leaves moving around in the water. Bringing each leaf into full contact with the water will help it release flavour.
None of this really matters because it's tea drinking and the core purpose of drinking tea is pleasure. So don't get caught up in the "rules" just give it a little time and see if it gives you a little joy.

