I have been experimenting with brewing parameters. I usually start with a little less tea and steep for 1 minute. I like to start this way because nothing overpowers anything else. I like to find a strength on the weak side that is still good. I have found that if I am brewing a large pot for a day at my desk, a slightly weaker brew is less likely to become overwhelming or satiating after 8-10 cups.
Then I increase the strength until I find the upper limit. Many times, as the strength increases, other flavors start to emerge.
Next, I experiment with longer steep times. This may also bring out other components not found in the shorter steeps.
Lastly, I may try it at lower temperatures.
In general, I have found that I prefer most teas slightly weaker (and in some cases much weaker) than what the vendor recommends. I also seem to like shorter steep times better than longer.
My current study subject is Lapsang Souchong Imperial, ZS80 from Upton Tea. This tea is very smoky just in the package. It smells a bit like an ashtray. ;-)
My first pot was 1.5 g/cup (6 oz) / 1:00 / 180°. This is probably a little weak, but still a pleasant cup. My second pot was the same except for the time, which I increased to 3:00. I was surprised to find something spicy, like cinnamon, that I did not detect in the first pot.
It a cinnamon-like spiciness typical of this tea or am I tasting something else and mistaking it for cinnamon?