Spring is in full bloom which means it’s time to taste new matcha! The deep green hues are in many ways reflective of the blooming life around us and it is with excitement I share matcha from a new vendor! The folks at Bonsai Cha asked if I would share my thoughts on their Hoku […]
Tag: steapd
From Gardens to Cities: Tasting Lu’An Melon Peel From Volition Tea
Looking at my phone, I saw a message from Annie Xiang, complete with an introduction or her experiences and passion for tea. She was pivoting from a career in tax accounting to the wilderness of tea leaves as we met over many infusions of tea at a local tea house. From that first conversation, I […]
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 […]
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 […]
Tea for Rainy Days: Umbrella 2020 from W2T
The pitter-patter of rain pelts the navy blue umbrella of a gentleman in a dapper suit as he thoughtfully hurries up the steps. He’s careful to not splash water from the rushing stream flowing down the street gutter. A seagull caws overhead seeking some semplance of shelter as it begrudgingly settles under the building awning […]
One Year Later
Today marks the first anniversary of this written space! It wouldn’t be what it is without you; the curious mind that has chosen to direct their attention to my evolving perception and relationship within the tea. The photo above is of my first gaiwan and has served a reminder that all storms pass and that […]
The Good Fortune of Jin Kong Que “Golden Peacock”
Back with another partnered blog article with Masters Teas by Adagio, I taste and dive into this well-balanced Yunnan black tea. Its versatility and well-rounded malt and sweet potato attributes make this pleasant year-round. Click on The Good Fortune of Jin Kong Que Tea to see my exploration! Steep well! -Marco
An Exercise In Decisiveness
I grew up in an environment where everything felt predetermined as either right or wrong. Being raised in a boarding school campus and a house with 9 other kids my age meant that topics with innate fluidity in morality and decision-making were automatically placed on the pendulum of good and bad. This created order amid […]
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 […]