Tea Anyone?

[MasonM]

I enjoy a good tea. I have always preferred a good Earl Grey but with all of the press regarding the health benefits of green tea I have switched. It doesn't taste quite as good but as I am concerned for my health I drink a cup or two with my afternoon cigarettes. While I love my morning coffee there is something quite civilized and even a bit soothing about having a nice cup of tea in the afternoon.

Do you enjoy tea? How do you take it?

[castlecraver]

... but as I am concerned for my health I drink a cup or two with my afternoon cigarettes.

:lol::lol::lol:

LOL!

I like the orange tea. I think too much tea is decaf now, which pretty much defeats the purpose. There's a great trendy teahouse place up the road from me -- makes a great first date.

[ravkesef]

I have 3 places that I enjoy buying tea from. By far, the best tea place is Upton Tea (http://uptontea.com/shopcart/home.asp) in Boston. Hundreds of different teas from hard to find locations. All sorts of equipment, etc. last year I purchased 1 % of the world output of a particular white tea from them. Fabulous!!!
Other good places to buy tea: Teavana (http://teavana.com/). Kind of commercial, but they have good stuff.
When I'm in Canada, I shop at Say Tea (http://saytea.com/) in Toronto. Again, a class act.

I enjoy just about any sort of tea, and in the afternoon I look at the selection and decide what will feel best. here are a few tea tips. Regardless of what kind of tea you're drinking, the rule is 2.25 g per 6 oz water. The temperature of the water will, of course, depend upon the type of tea, as will the steeping time. No tea bags in this house--it's whole leaf only, and there are enough different devices to ensure that you strain the leaves out.
here's an interesting tea to try Pu-Erh. It's a doubly fermented tea that some people say tastes the way a barn smells. it's a love it or hate it proposition, but my wife and I are crazy about it.

I'm also heavily into coffee, and the morning usually starts out with a cup of French press. Then I have an Olympia Cremina espresso machine (also a Saeco, but there's really no comparison.) My friends know the house as the place to get the best tea or coffee in town. anywbody want to start a coffee thread? :w00t:

[Mama Bear]

One of my favorite things to do when I am in a new place is to look for teas that I have never tried. My mainstay is Constant Comment, but I have a whole kitchen cabinet dedicated to teas and always am searching for new tea balls and mugs. I am addicted to iced tea in the summer times and make it usually by the gallon often with honey. It doesn't last long.

Last summer I found a cherry/burgundy wine tea in a store in Ohio and it made the best iced tea I have ever had in my entire life. I think there is a teaspoon left. I am out in the RV, but will check when I get home. I am going to want more of this myself... it's time to try it hot also.... ;-) I will be home tomorrow and will post the name of this... it was a FIND!!! :001_tt1:

Bear Hugs!!

Sue

[dszpiro]

I drink coffee during the day, but I prefer tea in the evening.

For many years Earl Grey was my favorite tea, but recently I am trying different brands of Chai. I find the spiciness of Chai is very pleasant after dinner. I believe the authentic way to brew Chai is by placing the tea in boiling milk. I, however, cheat: I use the North American-friendly way of simply putting the bag in water.

Cheers,

[MasonM]

:lol::lol::lol:

LOL!

I like the orange tea. I think too much tea is decaf now, which pretty much defeats the purpose. There's a great trendy teahouse place up the road from me -- makes a great first date.
I'm glad someone caught the humor there.

I enjoy an orange tea once in a while as well but I avoid tea houses as I don't especially care for the kind of people that usually hang out in them (first dates excluded).

[MasonM]

I have 3 places that I enjoy buying tea from. By far, the best tea place is Upton Tea (http://uptontea.com/shopcart/home.asp) in Boston. Hundreds of different teas from hard to find locations. All sorts of equipment, etc. last year I purchased 1 % of the world output of a particular white tea from them. Fabulous!!!
Other good places to buy tea: Teavana (http://teavana.com/). Kind of commercial, but they have good stuff.
When I'm in Canada, I shop at Say Tea (http://saytea.com/) in Toronto. Again, a class act.

I enjoy just about any sort of tea, and in the afternoon I look at the selection and decide what will feel best. here are a few tea tips. Regardless of what kind of tea you're drinking, the rule is 2.25 g per 6 oz water. The temperature of the water will, of course, depend upon the type of tea, as will the steeping time. No tea bags in this house--it's whole leaf only, and there are enough different devices to ensure that you strain the leaves out.
here's an interesting tea to try Pu-Erh. It's a doubly fermented tea that some people say tastes the way a barn smells. it's a love it or hate it proposition, but my wife and I are crazy about it.

I'm also heavily into coffee, and the morning usually starts out with a cup of French press. Then I have an Olympia Cremina espresso machine (also a Saeco, but there's really no comparison.) My friends know the house as the place to get the best tea or coffee in town. anywbody want to start a coffee thread? :w00t:
I heat some water and make some tea.

[mpisarcik]

best iced tea i've ever had:

Tejava. Its good cold or hot. As far as strictly brewed hot tea: green, black, passonfruit, jasmine, or whatever i have on hand. I usually brew a huge pot every two days. :biggrin:


http://www.tejava.com/benef/image/main.gif

[MasonM]

One of my favorite things to do when I am in a new place is to look for teas that I have never tried. My mainstay is Constant Comment, but I have a whole kitchen cabinet dedicated to teas and always am searching for new tea balls and mugs. I am addicted to iced tea in the summer times and make it usually by the gallon often with honey. It doesn't last long.

Last summer I found a cherry/burgundy wine tea in a store in Ohio and it made the best iced tea I have ever had in my entire life. I think there is a teaspoon left. I am out in the RV, but will check when I get home. I am going to want more of this myself... it's time to try it hot also.... ;-) I will be home tomorrow and will post the name of this... it was a FIND!!! :001_tt1:

Bear Hugs!!

Sue
Sounds interesting.
RV?

[MasonM]

I drink coffee during the day, but I prefer tea in the evening.

For many years Earl Grey was my favorite tea, but recently I am trying different brands of Chai. I find the spiciness of Chai is very pleasant after dinner. I believe the authentic way to brew Chai is by placing the tea in boiling milk. I, however, cheat: I use the North American-friendly way of simply putting the bag in water.

Cheers,
Chai is quite good.

[MasonM]

best iced tea i've ever had:

Tejava. Its good cold or hot. As far as strictly brewed hot tea: green, black, passonfruit, jasmine, or whatever i have on hand. I usually brew a huge pot every two days. :biggrin:


http://www.tejava.com/benef/image/main.gif
Every two days? I find fresh is best.

[Steelforge]

Tea is the main thing I drink, at all times of the day (ok I'm from Britain!).

I usually drink traditional english brands like Tetley, PG Tips, Typhoo etc, but occasionally drink a fruit tea or camomile tea in the evening to relax. I love it as it's much lighter than coffee, I do like a coffee occasionally but usually I find it too heavy and 'thick'.

[MasonM]

I do like a coffee occasionally but usually I find it too heavy and 'thick'.
Actually that's what I like about coffee.

[Steelforge]

I do like a coffee sometimes (I had a cup about 30 minutes ago), but I feel it leaves some kind of coating in my mouth which I can still sense/taste for ages afterwards. I don't like it so much in the summer, but it's great on a winters morning. Tea I can drink any time all year round, and it always leaves me feeling refreshed. :smile:

[Stauff]

For Breakfast I usually drink pure Assam (mostly Whittard).
In the afternoon it's Darjeeling, Earl Grey or Ceylon (whittard or Taylors of harrogate -their EG is out of this world.
Recently I got a tin of Whittards Royal Blend (Darjeeling and Assam) which is great. In the evening it's often fresh mint or chinese gunpowder.
I'm not really a twinings fan, apart from their Prince of Wales, which IMHO is a wonderful lunch tea.

Coffee on the other hand, is pure poison for my constitution. Makes me thirsty, stubborn and aggressive (well, what's a little exaggeration?).
No, I'll drink coffee in café's because Italian espresso is everywhere, whereas decent (English) tea is nowhere to be found in my barbaric country...:frown:

[Scotto]

I am a tea fanatic. Somewhere on this board there is another tea thread I started some time back. In any case, I find Upton's teas past their prime, so I don't do business with them anymore. I have had consistently above average to excellent teas from Special Teas and In Pursuit of Teas for many years.

I drink black (red) tea in the morning, usually a Keemun, or sometimes Assam. I have a hot pot in my office, and I keep a steady suppply of oolongs and Chinese greens there which I partake of during the day.

[Suzuki]

I enjoy a good tea. I have always preferred a good Earl Grey but with all of the press regarding the health benefits of green tea I have switched. It doesn't taste quite as good but as I am concerned for my health I drink a cup or two with my afternoon cigarettes. While I love my morning coffee there is something quite civilized and even a bit soothing about having a nice cup of tea in the afternoon.

Do you enjoy tea? How do you take it?

I love tea - my preference are teas from the Tea House in Covent Garden in London. Very reasonably priced, but the shipping is a killer - whenever I have a friend going to London, I always ask them to grab me a few packages - the loose tea is great and they put a lot of great tea in bags, which is perfect for work.

Mason - as for your green tea woes, here's my suggestion - Earl Grey Green Tea! Yes, it exists and its not bad. As far as readily available brands who make an Earl Grey green tea, there is Twinings; Bigelow and Taylors of Harrowgate - I particularly like the last one. None of these are crazy expensive (I think the Taylors was about $8 - $10 for 50 bags), but are a little more than "grocery store" tea.

[Chagidiel]

I just have to mention it - IMHO the best of them all, Lapsang Souchong - Highgrown heavy smoked tea. A very strong tar-ish taste, smoky and very smooth.. No everybodys cup of tea (pun truly intended) but I find it superior.. Anyone tried it?

[majkeli]

I switched from coffee to tea several years ago. I still have an espresso every so often, but I rarely drink a cup of joe anymore.

I drink primarily China greens, my daily teas are Pi Lo Chun, mild and fruity, almost peach-like taste, and Lung Ching, a little more solid, with a chestnut-like flavor. But I like a cup of Genmai-cha, Japanese sencha with toasted brown rice, every so often in the afternoon.

Also worth trying are Tongyu Mountain Green, which can be brewed quite strong without getting too tannic, and Silver Needle, which is an expensive but delicious white, full leaf tea.

In Black teas I like Chinese Keemuns, they have a dark, almost chocolate flavor, and Darjeeling Puttabong, which is fruity, almost citrus tasting.

I've ordered from most of the online tea shops and I've found specialteas.com to be the best. They also give you a free sample with every order so you can try some teas you might not want to pay for.

Try and brew them like they recommend, getting the times and temperatures too far off can really change the taste.

[BlackLabelBrewer]

I worked in a Starbucks for a number of years, so I had constant access to their TAZO line of teas. TAZO Earl Grey is my favorite, and is the best Earl Grey I've had yet. Highly aromatic.

Anyone else have a favorite Earl Grey?


Second is the TAZO Zen -- a blend of green tea, lemon verbena leaves, spearmint, lemongrass, etc.

I alternate between the two, but the Zen on ice is excellent for an upset stomach.

Straight black tea? Typhoo.

[letterk]

I'm not a tea guy per say, but am slowly seeing the light. Two teas have helped me understand what a proper cup should taste like.

Yin Zheng Bai Hao Jasmine Silver Needles
Zheng Shan Lapsang Souchong

Fantastic. I'm a big fan of the Lapsang Souchong. I bought both from QED.

[Dennis]

Any recommendations on pots, anyone? I am thinking cast iron, but thought I would ask first.

Dennis

[fuerein]

I normally get Stash Teas. They're good loose teas, I avoid teabags if at all possible.

I like greens/whites/oolangs. Blacks I'm a little more hesitant to get get because I only like some. I have never liked Earl Grey (too strong a flavor) but some basic blacks I don't mind. I've got a container of Pu-Ehr tea... someone else I heard describe it as reminiscent of coffee and I'd have to agree, much darker and thicker than normal teas and it has a bolder flavor, much like coffee.

I'd like to get a tetsubin, however they are more than I'm currently willing to pay for a teapot right now. Not to mention that the truth is I need to invest in a new kettle right now. My previous one was cheap and impossible to clean. I'd like to get either the Staub cast-iron kettle or a Le Creuset enamel-on-steel kettle, but both are also expensive.

Speaking of which... I need to order some new tea...

[MasonM]

I'm actually a bit surprised that there are so many tea drinkers here.

I have heard of some of these teas mentioned, some I have not.

I like both Twinnings' Earl Grey and Green.

[moses]

I am not a tea expect, but I've tried a few, and like a good cup. The best I've ever had, I think, was some Jasmine I bought in China. Rolled up in little balls that were really fun to watch open up into whole leaves when the hot water went in. Recently though, I've been hugely enjoying a tin of lychee black tea I bought at an asian market in Ithaca. Don't remember the name. Red and black square metal tin with a little gold. About 3.5 inches. Loose whole leaf. Really really surprisingly good stuff. Fantastic, actually. Especially since it was $4 for the 4oz tin.

-Mo

[fuerein]

Has anyone seen the teas that are bundled up and "bloom" into flowers as they steep? Numi is the only company I know of that makes them... Would look really cool at a social event.

Such as:
http://www.worldpantry.com/numitea/img/sidenav/flower.jpg

[moses]

No. But that's bloody cool. I mean, mid quality Jasmine tea often has little whole jasmine flowers, but I've never seen anything like that. Well, there was something in China somewhere - but they were still pretty small. One inch or so. At a restaurant, so I do not have any idea of where it came from.

-Mo

[Chagidiel]

Any recommendations on pots, anyone? I am thinking cast iron, but thought I would ask first.

Dennis

As far as I know, cast iron is not the best - some teas might take taste from the iron. I say go for classic china or porcelain...

[letterk]

Has anyone seen the teas that are bundled up and "bloom" into flowers as they steep? Numi is the only company I know of that makes them... Would look really cool at a social event.

Such as:
http://www.worldpantry.com/numitea/img/sidenav/flower.jpg

We have some of that tea. When I bought it, it was called "display tea". Kinda fun to watch.

[letterk]

Got the display tea here: http://www.adagio.com/misc/display_teas.html?SID=92d2d983fbc65e4c869ee4f07746 a8c9

[BlackLabelBrewer]

Alton Brown did an awesome show on tea once (I have it on tape somewhere...). As far as pots, he did recommend the cast iron, because they held heat well (cast iron, porcelain-lined shaving mug anyone?), especially if you pre-heated the pot with water from your kettle, emptied, and then refilled with your brew.

Moving forward, a thermal-insulated stainless steel teapot would be great, if such a thing exists. I know that they do this for coffee pots nowadays.

[fuerein]

As far as I know, cast iron is not the best - some teas might take taste from the iron. I say go for classic china or porcelain...

Most cast iron teapots (AKA tetsubin) are enameled on the interior to prevent the iron from getting into the tea. They are normally considered wonderful for tea because if you preheat them (pour hot water in and let sit for a sec and then dump it out) the cast iron retains the heat very well and will keep the tea warm for longer.

[Dennis]

So the tetsubins are nice pots then? I am looking at the Special Teas website but they are not listing their cast iron pots as specifically tetsubin-type of pots. I will have to shoot them a note I guess...

[Suzuki]

Most cast iron teapots (AKA tetsubin) are enameled on the interior to prevent the iron from getting into the tea. They are normally considered wonderful for tea because if you preheat them (pour hot water in and let sit for a sec and then dump it out) the cast iron retains the heat very well and will keep the tea warm for longer.

I have a tetsubin - I like the looks and it does keep the tea hot for a long time. My favourite pot is a contemprary stainless steel pot with double walls - you heat the pot the same way as you would any other, but the airspace between the walls acts as an insulater and keeps the tea hotter than my tetsubin. Also, I only paid something like $25 for a pot that makes three large mugs of tea.

The other thing to look for is a pot that comes with a basket that allows you to steep loose leaf tea in the pot and then pull it out to prevent the tea from becoming bitter. Better yet, find one with a handle so you can lift it out without burning yourself or making a mess!

[fuerein]

So the tetsubins are nice pots then? I am looking at the Special Teas website but they are not listing their cast iron pots as specifically tetsubin-type of pots. I will have to shoot them a note I guess...

Their cast-iron teapots would be labeled as tetsubin on other sites... aside from maybe the Biku style they have. I've never seen a tetsubin like the Biku, but may still technically be a tetsubin. Tetsubin are cast iron teapots made in Japan (at least according to definition). I've never really seen a cast-iron teapot outside those made in Japan (seems to be a Japanese thing). I know the Chinese tend to make teapots more often from earthenware.

[Stauff]

Any recommendations on pots, anyone? I am thinking cast iron, but thought I would ask first.

Dennis

I have small hand painted Chatsford Clipper. Brews 2 to 3 cups. Nice little pot really. I saw a gorgeous Villeroy et Boch: cream coloured kind of flowery-Jugendstil design with an iron lid. They have matching cups :001_wub:

[fuerein]

Just out of curiousity, has anyone tried Mate (pronounced like sake)? It's from Argentina, Bolivia, etc... and is traditionally brewed in a hollowed-out gourd with a drinking straw called a bombillo. I had some on a trip to Argentina and found it really good, had a lesson on how to make it, bought the stuff to make it, and realized I stink at brewing it once back in the US. It isn't technically tea, it is similar to rooibos (red tea) in that it is primarily from a bush local to the area.

[moses]

Ten Ren has some very interesting clay teapots. http://www.tentea.com/teapots.html

[Dennis]

Ooooh, looking around their site I like the looks of this one:
http://www.specialteas.com/Bodum+Chambord+Teapot/item_no=APO+BO+CH/product_detail.html

Scotto - any recommendations on the tea samplers from this site? Looks like an order is going in... Damn TAD. :biggrin:

[galopede]

If I drink any tea, it has to be Lapsang Souchong. About once a month.

Earl Grey is foul! Like drinking aftershave.

It's coffee for me.

Gareth

[JAG]

Like John I also got some tea from Charles at QED.

Very nice.

I recommend adding it to your next order from him.


As for Mate I used to drink it (just got lazy). A mix of regular or lime mate, a mint tea of some kind and some sugar.

A good thing about mate is that you can get several steeps out of each pot. It's got a 'smoother' buzz than caffeine but a stimulant just the same. Worth a try if if the opportunity presents itself.

Regards,
Bob

[moses]

A roommate got some lemon mate in tea bags from trader joes, I think. Probably not very high quality stuff, but I really liked it. Good for staying alert while studying without getting as wired as caffeine tended to cause.

[Phog Allen]

Mason it's a pity you can't try Spring White Dragon Phoenix Jasmine Pearls from QED. No one can right now. There isn't any! When Charles brought this to market a couple of years ago, I immediately grabbed up the 250g option. It came in 5, 50g packs and I've hoarded a couple back. A more sublime and perfect tea I cant' imagine. It comes in a pearl format. I think the base is a white tea and it's infused with the most magnificent jasmine you could think of. It is almost like drinking an essence of the flower. It's not sickly floral but just...yeah. If if ever comes back I'm getting a LOT more of it. I also like Taylor of Harrogate's Tippy Assam. Dark, thick and heady it's a real eye opener.

Regards, Todd

[MasonM]

Mason it's a pity you can't try Spring White Dragon Phoenix Jasmine Pearls from QED. No one can right now. There isn't any! When Charles brought this to market a couple of years ago, I immediately grabbed up the 250g option. It came in 5, 50g packs and I've hoarded a couple back. A more sublime and perfect tea I cant' imagine. It comes in a pearl format. I think the base is a white tea and it's infused with the most magnificent jasmine you could think of. It is almost like drinking an essence of the flower. It's not sickly floral but just...yeah. If if ever comes back I'm getting a LOT more of it. I also like Taylor of Harrogate's Tippy Assam. Dark, thick and heady it's a real eye opener.

Regards, Todd
I'll keep an eye out for it's return. It sounds interesting.

[Tinzien]

I'm not a tea guy per say, but am slowly seeing the light. Two teas have helped me understand what a proper cup should taste like.

Yin Zheng Bai Hao Jasmine Silver Needles
Zheng Shan Lapsang Souchong

Fantastic. I'm a big fan of the Lapsang Souchong. I bought both from QED.

I agree, and absolutely love the Yin Zheng Bai Hao Jasmine Silver Needles with either snow berry honey or cranberry honey. Mmmmm.....

[Dapper_Dave]

I have some tins from Harney & Sons that I am drinking now, Earl Grey, Earl Grey Supreme, and Viennese Earl Grey (love the bergamot!) They also make a very good Holiday Tea.

I saw a mention of Whittards. I recognize the name but have not tried any of their teas.

Has anyone experience with Fortnum & Mason? Is there a difference in quality or will I just be paying for a name and warrant?

[Scotto]

I have several Chatsford tea pots; they work great, and are readily available.

[sparky5693]

For a kettle I use a bravetti electric. It has a digital thermostat and can hold the selected temperature. I'm not sure where you can buy these as this place is sold out. It works great for my green teas.

http://www.hsn.com/cnt/prod/default.aspx?pfid=458233&club_id=458233&sz=5&sf=QC0020&rdr=1&cm_mmc=ShoppingEngine*BizRate*qc0020*458233

[majkeli]

I use one of these at work: Jenaer Jumbo Cup with Infuser (http://www.dragonwater.com/product_detail.tf/122_jenaer_jumbo_cup_w_infuser.html)
It works great and no one looks at me too oddly when I use it.

[sparky5693]

I think I enjoy the odd. If my electric pot had a flux capacitor I'd be in heaven :)

[kozulich]

Just out of curiousity, has anyone tried Mate (pronounced like sake)? It's from Argentina, Bolivia, etc... and is traditionally brewed in a hollowed-out gourd with a drinking straw called a bombillo. I had some on a trip to Argentina and found it really good, had a lesson on how to make it, bought the stuff to make it, and realized I stink at brewing it once back in the US. It isn't technically tea, it is similar to rooibos (red tea) in that it is primarily from a bush local to the area.
Yep, I was raised on Mate. Had it about every day for breakfast for my entire childhood. I had an Uncle in Buenos Aires that kept us supplied. I still drink it when the weather is cold. My wife hates it but my kids love it. Good stuff.

[Mottern Man]

I enjoy a good tea. I have always preferred a good Earl Grey but with all of the press regarding the health benefits of green tea I have switched. It doesn't taste quite as good but as I am concerned for my health I drink a cup or two with my afternoon cigarettes. While I love my morning coffee there is something quite civilized and even a bit soothing about having a nice cup of tea in the afternoon.

Do you enjoy tea? How do you take it?

Green Tea with Honey.

I love cold plan Green Tea too (Its big in Japan).

[Xert]

Has anyone ever tried ordering from Golden Moon Tea (http://www.goldenmoontea.com/)?

[_JP_]

I'm actually a bit surprised that there are so many tea drinkers here.

I have heard of some of these teas mentioned, some I have not.

I like both Twinnings' Earl Grey and Green.

I got lucky with getting some Twinning's Earl Grey. My local Giant Eagle had several of them on closeout, a pack of ten bags for .50 cents each pack! I took it all. The aroma is a bit light for an Earl Grey (because of age?) but I'm still working my way through them.

[Kyle Stoner]

Homemade Chai tea is one of the finest cups I've lost myself in. I have been priveledged had some of the most divine chai ever, just from aquaintences that make it thier business to enhance the pleasure of others by concocting such wonderful brews. I am forever in search of the perfect Chai...

Anyone know where to get some of the wonderful Dragon Pearl Jasmine Blossoms discussed on the QED website?

[Areler67]

yes, Chaï tea is very good!!

But you should also try this one : http://www.yogitea.com/Organic-Tea/Tea.asp?Tea_ID=ET01
It's fab!

[Effigy]

I gave up coffee several years ago, but I still like the aroma of fresh coffee.

My everyday tea is Assam, made with real leaves (not in a bag).
I also enjoy green tea, particularly after a meal.

[fuerein]

I pretty sure this is the same type of tea, the names are only slightly different, but it could just be because Stash Tea ommitted the first two words of Charles "Spring White Pheonix Jasmine Pearls".

Dragon Phoenix Pearl Jasmine (http://shopstashtea.com/113824.html)

[MacArthur Mike]

I used to get a Caramel Tea that I could only find in France. It had an elephant on the wrapper, come to think of it I think that was the name brand Elephant The. I had a girlfriend who was over there a lot and used to get it for me. She's gone now and I am now married to the love of my life, however, I do miss that tea.

[Kyle Stoner]

Yes, I've had Yogi Chai. It's pretty good! I think the best 'consumer' chai is GoodEarth Chai.