I've only just always boiled water, add about 6 tea bags and let steep for about 20-30 min. I do transfer to an empty water jug or such after. I've never noticed an 'old' taste to my tea. I use no sugar/sweeteners/lemon, etc. when either making or drinking so it's just plain old tea. All that said, for the last x number of years I've been purchasing commercially made unsweetened tea as DH does not like the 'strength' I make tea. He'll water that down as well.