Last weekend, I went down to the beach to an oceanfront seafood restaurant.. On the menu, they had a beverage described as "fresh-brewed, unsweetened Nestea iced tea". I had it, and I loved it. Even with no sugar, it had a fresh, clean taste with really no tannic aftertaste and/or heaviness..

Anyhow, I went home and I bought a box of the cold brew, plain Nestea iced tea bags. (pitcher sized ones) I proceeded to make two batches of this, and neither tasted like at the restaurant.. It was too tannic and lacked the clean taste and almost even fruity finish.. (no, there was no fruit added to it - it was plain tea)

Now, I know it's quite possible that they used a different tea brand and/or method other than cold brewing..

Anyone have any ideas and or experience in this? Is it better to brew the tea hot and cool it?