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A Teahouse For The Times
The song of summer’s cicadas reverberates from the tree outside my window as I find my seat in the sunlit tea room. Adjacent trees cast shadows across the ceiling, lapping leaf patterns back and forth. On my table stands a white porcelain gaiwan. Traditionally, the gaiwan is called “San Cai Wan” (Chinese: 三才碗 , translated:…
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Tea Tasting: Jade Star V
Ah, the hype of Jade Star and its iterations. My first experience with this series of tea cakes was during the release of Jade Star IV, which I’ve previously reflected upon. Known for its effects on the body, the experience is worth sharing in words and in person! Grab some tea and join me as…
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Japanese Matcha Bowl – Beige Hakeme Kyo-yaki Chawan
Gifted by the kind team at Tezumi, this 300mL Chawan has been a pleasure to use in my matcha preparation rotation. The hakame brush stroke presents an added level of artistry to the experience of whisking any matcha, and the beige color allows the green vibrancy to really pop! About TezumiConsisting of three tea-enthusiasts, David,…
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International Tea Day 2021
There are limitations to my knowledge and experience – and so I constantly seek to widen the lens through listening to stories, asking questions, and sitting in reflection. What do I seek? Why? And how can the opportunities for a closer connection to tea be made available aplenty for more individuals? From journeys taken a…
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Tea Happenings: Soocha Tea and Friends – Lu Ann Pannunzio
If you were to think of a tea blogger, who would be the first to come to mind? How about tea author? Lastly, who would you turn to when it comes to pairing tea and scones? For myself, Lu Ann Pannunzio is one of the first individuals that come to mind, and she’s always around…
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Himalayan Treasures: Four Teas From Ketlee
From Ketlee’s humble beginnings in 2015, they’ve provided a spectrum of tea experiences through their dynamic portfolio. My relationship with Indian tea is still a personal focus as I move through adjacent regions, and so I was thrilled to accept a handful of teas to reflect upon and further my understanding. My first experience with…
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Crimson Radiance: Ruby Red from Teawala
Mention Ruby Red to anyone and eyes light up in joy. The long and thin leaves of TRES #18 are marked by contrasting sensations of cool fresh air and cozy warmth, providing an unforgettable experience. As I hadn’t tasted this tea myself until very recently, I knew it was a time when I revisited the…
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Foundations: A Look into Dan Cong Teas – Ya Shi Xiang (Duck Shit Fragrance)
Jasmine, almond, orchid, and cinnamon fragrances are just a few of the numerous aromas that come to mind when we think of Dan Cong teas. In addition to the Shan Yun (山韵) or Mountain Rhyme felt with high-quality Dan Cong teas, the versatility they bring almost guarantees that you’ll find one to fall in love…
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10 Memorable Teas from 2020
It’s difficult to believe that another year is coming to a close. I remember last December I sat with a kyusu of hojicha, recalling fond memories of numerous teas while looking forward to a new year. 2020 has been a different year for us all, and the times I searched for a tea to fit…
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Experiencing Living Tea
I remember the first time I discovered Gong Fu Cha and its style of brewing. I was astounded in giddy happiness and awe! Though I had been working within tea for five years prior, my exploration caused me to rethink the tea education I had learned. My role within the tea industry was training and…
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