You can taste a broad spectrum of flavors when talking about Indian teas. Recently, we poured a collection of teas from India for the community here in Chicago. The purpose – share how unique and special the region is in tea cultivation and production methods. Ketlee is one of my go-to sources; I knew they […]
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 […]
As I open the Tiger Box to kick-off a 15-day exploration of Chinese tea and culture, I am excited to taste one of my favorites from Volition Tea, Colorful Peony. I had a brief taste when Annie and I first met over tea last Summer, yet it has remained cemented in my tasting lexicon. Join […]
Have you been in earshot of discussions regarding the Spring Festival, Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year? Curious as to what it’s all about? I don’t have all the answers yet I’m learning more each day! There are some wonderful people connected to the world of tea that are planning experiences geared toward cultural […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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
When it comes to white tea, I’m always ready for a cup. With its processing largely transparent and the classifications based on picking, there’s an ebb and flow to discerning quality that’s exciting. The careful balance the producer must traverse to effectively manage humidity and temperature during drying provides ample information when tasting the finished […]
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