Tea Appreciation

blahman · Mar 18, 2011

Originally Posted by ama

You do know that Jasmine is no puro, right?

Yup. Fully aware of that. However it still very much has tea as the blend's major component. The 'teas' that I am completely against are the crap that pretends to be tea but does not contain a single speck of tea leaf in it.

And don't get me started on sugar and milk.

Mandrake9072 · Mar 18, 2011

Originally Posted by blahman

And don't get me started on sugar and milk.

While I generally agree, Chai is an exception. I prefer breakfast blends with some milk too.

It's all preference, even tho I'm in the agreement of drinking tea as is.

nestor · Apr 18, 2011

Is anyone here into pu-erh? I have been seriously drinking tea for about six years and I've never tried this until now... I know why, it's very earthy and tastes like no other tea I've ever had.

Alter · Apr 18, 2011

+2 on Mariage Freres. Enjoying Earl Grey Imperial and Veranda at the moment.

Cordwinder · Apr 18, 2011

I have tea in the Mariage Freres Tea Salon here in Japan.
Huge selection of tea, I ended up doing the eyes closed, finger twirling, I'll have this one to where ever my finger lands.

I get my tea from India to make fpr chai. Don't have the equipment or time to make expensive tea taste good.

Mandrake9072 · Apr 18, 2011

Originally Posted by nestor

Is anyone here into pu-erh? I have been seriously drinking tea for about six years and I've never tried this until now... I know why, it's very earthy and tastes like no other tea I've ever had.

Were you put off by it?

Initially I had trouble with the 'fishy' aroma but after coming back to it after a couple months, I'm much more drawn to pu-erhs. My palate isn't refined enough for me to drop serious cash for good quality pu-erhs yet though.

cptjeff · Apr 19, 2011

Originally Posted by blahman

Yup. Fully aware of that. However it still very much has tea as the blend's major component. The 'teas' that I am completely against are the crap that pretends to be tea but does not contain a single speck of tea leaf in it. And don't get me started on sugar and milk.

So they're technically "herbal infusions" and not tea. "Herbal tea" sounds better and gets the concept across just fine. And try a few. They can be quite tasty, as can the different varieties made with tea leaves. But the range is much wider, as it's much less dependent on how a specific ingredient is processed and dependent really only on the vision of the blender. Sweet, bitter as hell, overly fruity, whatever. There's room for all types and room for all tastes. It's the difference between only drinking whiskeys and being open to the world of cocktails. And some of the more bitter ones, extracted in alcohol instead of hot water, make interesting bitters. Sugar and milk I'm with ya on though. Lemon is okay, depending on blend. Honey and lemon when I have a cold, because they both actually serve legitimate purposes as medicine.

javyn · Apr 19, 2011

Mandrake, are you married to Adagio? No offense, but their teas aren't that great, and far more expensive than Uptontea.com, which is superior if you are a black tea fan.

My faves are :

Orthodox Darjeeling TGFOP blend

River Shannon Breakfast Blend

for night:

Rooibos Pretoria

all from Upton.

Been there done that with the greens, whites, etc....just can't get into them. Although a good oolong is a great find. Every once in a while I splurge on a Dong Ding.

Mandrake9072 · Apr 19, 2011

Originally Posted by javyn

Mandrake, are you married to Adagio?

No, they just happened to be the first online retailer I've stumbled into and ordered from.

Lesson learned though and definitely have expanded to other retailers.

pvrhye · Apr 19, 2011

Earl Gray or my grandma's oversweetened Lipton sun tea are my 2 teas of choice.

javyn · Apr 20, 2011

Originally Posted by Mandrake9072

No, they just happened to be the first online retailer I've stumbled into and ordered from. Lesson learned though and definitely have expanded to other retailers.
Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with Adagio, but I personally find them too pricey and find Upton's quality just as good and superior in many cases. At least worth a shot ordering samples!

Mandrake9072 · Apr 20, 2011

Originally Posted by javyn

Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with Adagio, but I personally find them too pricey and find Upton's quality just as good and superior in many cases. At least worth a shot ordering samples!

I appreciate the recommendation!

Generally speaking, I've heard that Upton is great for Black Teas (with the exception of Darjeeling) only. For Green/White/Oolongs I've been told to look elsewhere.

Would you say that this is true?

Jokerman · Apr 20, 2011

I have never been one for tea but then again I guess I have not been around quality tea's. I noticed that a local store sells Mariage Freres teas and think I am going to give a quality tea a chance.

javyn · Apr 21, 2011

Originally Posted by Mandrake9072

I appreciate the recommendation! Generally speaking, I've heard that Upton is great for Black Teas (with the exception of Darjeeling) only. For Green/White/Oolongs I've been told to look elsewhere. Would you say that this is true?
I'd say that is exactly true, Upton is overpriced for the quality as far as greens, oolongs, whites go, but you just aren't going to find a better black tea anywhere, including Darjeeling if ya ask me. Being said, I get the TD20, Orthodox TGFOP Darjeeling blend for 5 dollars something for 125 grams. I don't buy the fancy single estate stuff, so can't comment on that. But that TD20 is the best cup I've ever had, just perfect. If you are an Earl Grey fan try the Extra Bergamot Earl Grey. I personally can't stand it, but I'm not big on Earl Grey either. Nevertheless Earl Greyheads go nuts over it and it is Upton's top seller.

the shah · Apr 21, 2011

i kept reading your posts as lipton for some reason

i should give upton a try though i usually just get a box of shahrzad and add cardamom pods to it edit: having a peach ginger tea now quite nice though i'm more of a purist generally

Tea Appreciation

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