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A Sip-by-Sip Look at Taiping Houkui 2025 from Rivers and Lakes Tea
Taiping Houkui is a visually striking tea, known for its distinctive long, pressed “spears.” The name itself carries significance and is associated with an orchid-like aroma. I enjoy teas like this because they reward a deeper understanding of their context. When we grasp what defines Houkui, we can appreciate it more fully. The tea either…
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Gong Ting (宫廷) Ripe Pu-erh: What the Grade Signals and The Cup Confirms
I’m sitting at home in Chicago seeking solace from the -20 to -40 wind chills today, so a bold ripe Pu-erh is calling. Gong Ting (宫廷) often shows up on ripe Pu-erh labels as a promise of “top grade”. Though it sounds like a guarantee in quality, it is not. In most ripe Pu-erh contexts,…
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Pagoda Red: A Blend of Tradition and Herbal Elegance
Our journey through the Trapped in Amber series concludes with the intriguing Pagoda Red—a tea that artfully combines the robust character of Zhenghe Red with the refreshing qualities of Eau de Cologne mint and anise hyssop flowers. This tea represents a cross-cultural collaboration that brings together the best of both worlds. Cultivating Connections Across Continents…
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Gardenia Red: Embracing the Bouqet of Tea and Gardenia
Exploring teas that seamlessly blend tradition with innovation is always a delight, and the Gardenia Red from Volition Tea’s Trapped in Amber series is a perfect embodiment of this harmony. This tea invites us into a world where the rich depths of Zhenghe Red meet the delicate allure of gardenia blossoms, resulting in an experience…
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Barrel-Aged Red: Unveiling the Alchemy of Tea and Bourbon Barrels
There’s a unique allure in teas that tell a story, and the Barrel-Aged Red from Volition Tea’s Trapped in Amber series is one such narrative that intertwines tradition, innovation, and science. This tea isn’t a flavor gimmick; it’s about the journey from leaf to cup and the meticulous processes that transform it along the way.…
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Annie Shares the Challenges and Innovations of Tipsy Garden White Tea
Last year, as I took my first sip of Tipsy Garden, the experimental 70-day gin-barrel-aged white tea from Volition Tea, I was transported to a realm of sensory complexity I had never expected. The delicate yet bold notes of juniper, oak, and a subtle botanical sweetness danced on my palate, leaving me in awe of…
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Japanese Tea Cultivars: Secrets Behind the Perfect Brew
Step into the enchanting world of Japanese tea, where centuries of tradition blend with the artistry of cultivation. As you sip a steaming cup of freshly brewed tea, have you ever wondered about the intricate nuances that make each sip a unique experience? Beyond the delicate leaves and the meticulous brewing techniques lies the secret…
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Steap’d in Storytelling: Taniya Gupta Shares What it Takes to Build Inclusive Tea Programming
Taniya Gupta is the creator of Yoga Tea Poetry and resides in Toronto. Originally from a small town of fewer than 30,000 people in Punjab, India, Taniya moved to Canada in her teenage years to pursue higher studies. As a tea enthusiast and poet, she aims to empower and enable women to live a life of…
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10 Memorable Teas in 2022
In the overcast skies of December, I warmly sit inside at the tea table to review the year 2022. As done in previous years, I love allowing my mind to wander through the forest of teas and greeting each as if an old friend. The teas shared below are in no way ranked, and though there…
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Tea Review: Top of the World Tea Reserve – Nepal Tea Collective
When you think of high-elevation tea, what comes to mind? You may recall how the slow growth and hot/cold temperatures significantly impact the development of sugars in the leaf or the elasticity in its texture. Hailing from Bhakanje, Solukhumbu, the home of Mount Everest, Nepal Tea Collective has sourced a series of black teas. They…
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