Posted on April 15, 2012
I ended the 3rd post in this series (a while back) with what I hoped was a tantalizing trailer about tea trees. As the photo shows, these trees are not especially distinctive to look at, but the flavors coaxed out of their leaves are, in my opinion, some of the best that teas have to [...]
Posted on February 11, 2012
A stop at the Dragonwell tea gardens is virtually de rigueur for any tourist visiting China since Hangzhou and its famed West Lake are on most itineraries. (The photo immediately below is at a Dragonwell plantation.) Picturesque, must-see destinations such as Yellow Mountain (Huang Shan in Anhui) and Mt. Emei (Sichuan) abound with tea shops, [...]
Posted on August 2, 2011
I have often referred to blind tastings, concealing the identity or source of teas so as not to be swayed by assumptions formed prematurely from appearance or prices. Here is an instance where the ruse, if only for my own benefit, proved useful. I generally ask that the dry teas be covered when I expect [...]
Posted on July 2, 2011
As I write, it becomes obvious just how many teas were not selected for a second round of tasting and further consideration for purchase. The anticipation, on my part at least, is always high, and the best moments come when a “new” (i.e., to me) tea proves a winner, affirmed with concurring opinions from others. [...]
Posted on June 19, 2011
Late in May, more teas are finished and samples continue to arrive, almost daily. With each package, it takes a little will-power not to stop the task at hand to open the box. I have an idea of what is inside but invariably, a supplier will include a few “new” teas or ones not normally [...]