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 […]
Category: Oolong
Annie Celebrates Volition Tea’s 1st Anniversary & I Taste Black Jade Dan Cong Wulong
Dan Cong tea is widely known and celebrated for its broad lexicon of aromas. 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 with. It is an exciting endeavor to attempt to taste them […]
10 Memorable Teas in 2021
Winter’s frost gets my mind busy at work as I sift through a year in reflection of the teas I’ve tasted and the ones that stand out. Just like 2019 and 2020, it’s time to share the 10 memorable teas in 2021! The teas shared below are in no way ranked and though there are […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
A Complete Guide To: Zhang Ping Shui Xian (漳平水仙茶)
Impressed by all aspects of this compressed oolong from Masters Teas by Adagio, I’ve been fortunate to have shared my thoughts and the history of this tea on their website. Click on A Complete Guide To: Zhang Ping Shui Xian (漳平水仙茶) to see my exploration! Steep well! -Marco
Shui Jin Gui + Whiskey
Shui Jin Gui yancha boasts chocolate, orange, and mineral rock profiles. Complimented by the spice and oak richness of a whiskey, I experience fruit-forward and depth unknown before. How I made this: Brew 8g/100mL of Shui Jin Gui gong fu style (I encourage you to play with other rock teas as well) for roughly 3 […]
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 […]