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Huang Zhe Xiang from Silk Road Teas
During this year’s first Chicago International Tea Festival, I had the pleasure of meeting Ned and Catherine of Silk Road Teas. Sharing conversation and their excitement for the quality of leaves they were sampling was a treat in itself, as I had been able to spend ample time on the quieter day 1 of 3…
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TEA.L : Tea Ceremony Collection
When I dove into my Foundations: A Look into Longjing, I had no idea it would come across the eyes of Zhao Lu, Co-founder of TEA.L. Founded on the principle of togetherness, he and his partner have used the values rooted in respect and reverence toward individuality and the celebration of both people and tea…
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Experiencing Jade Star IV
Ask anyone familiar with Mei Leaf’s portfolio of curated teas and you’ll find Jade Star holds a signature place in the minds of many. The series features aged white tea cakes and Jade Star IV is a blend of Mu Dan and Shou Mei material from 2010; boasting powerful psychoactive properties to the individual(s) drinking.…
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3 Teas from Senbird Tea: Fukamushi, Gyokuro, Sobacha
I appreciate the strength Japanese tea provides in my tea journey, and seek the bold, balanced flavors sought through fertile cultivation and precision in processing techniques. When Senbird Tea, a Japanese family-owned tea business who utilizes independent tea farmers reached out to offer a balanced selection of teas to try, I felt the calling to…
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My Practices for Tasting Tea + Overall Thoughts
Early in my tea drinking journey I wondered, “how can someone describe tea so well?” I’d heard wine experts discussing the minute differences in profiles and mouthfeel, and I sought out ways in which to expand both my vocabulary and knowledge of tea. I’m always thinking of 1,000 ways to explain or approach a particular…
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Hojicha Hanamitsu from Hojicha Co.
There’s excitement in the changing of seasons, and right now I look forward to Autumn’s arrival in the midwest. Brisk mornings compliment warm rich sunlight and leaves gracefully end their lush emerald display in an encore of vibrant yellows and cherry reds. My tastes in tea align to match the elements and experiences of another…
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Longjing (Dragonwell) 2019 from UNYtea
Longjing tea is a staple when it comes to Chinese green teas. Known for its nuttier profile and smooth taste, it presents a different side of the flavor spectrum when compared to Japanese green teas like Sencha or Gyokuro. Panned-roasted by hand and lighter in color with yellows and sun-lit greens, it’s visually recognized by…
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2012 Yiwu Wild Sheng Puer from Moylor
Honored that Moylor sent me two teas to try (I’ll be reviewing a shou puer soon), I sat down after these last two weeks of being away ready to break into this massive cake. Overall, it’s a pleasant sheng that is warming and gives pronounced profiles of cedar wood smoke and apricots. For the size…
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Foundations: A Look into Longjing (Dragonwell)
Heralded as the most famous Chinese green tea and legendary around the world, Longjing or Dragonwell, is one tea we’ll want to know a thing or two about. Accessible in flavors and simple to prepare for taste, let’s dive into this smooth tea known for its roasted chestnut, fresh beansprout, and creamy flavor and mouthfeel…
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Investing In A 10 Step Tasting Process
In the fast-paced environment of accessible consumer goods, tea can provide solace and a source of introspection with mindfulness and observation to the senses. The value of quality tea is understood, no, experienced, through attention to aspects of its preparation and enjoyment – particularly in Gong Fu style brewing. It is through a 10 step system…
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