Just placed my first tea order

[americanarmsdealer]

Well, I just pulled the trigger on my first order of teas from Upton. Now the waiting game begins to try my first tea that's not bagged. I ordered the Tie-Guan-Yin Oolong First Grade, the China Jasmine Da Zhang Select Organic for my wife, and a sample of the Roasted Oolong. Can't wait to try them out!

 

[Jake]

Upton Tea is a great supplier of loose leaf teas. Their quality is quite good and the service and range of choices are excellent. After trying them -- you'll have to continue your search and try some of the other excellent online suppliers.

 

[craig87c]

Yet another slippery AD slope courtesy of B&B!

 

[Hobbesoxon]

You're doomed

If you like fresh summer wulong, it's hard to beat M. Erler's Taiwanese wulong from teamasters.blogspot.com. Not cheap, but the quality is unrivalled.

For fresh green teas, I quite like Teaspring.com. They have good, well-priced tea and lots of information for the newer drinker.

You won't be staying with Upton for long, after you've tried some of the special vendors, I bet.


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

 

[americanarmsdealer]

Thanks, guys. Yeah I finally got RAD completely under control, as I haven't bought any razors in probably 2 months or so, and here I go on yet another new thing I've never done before!Any suggestions on how to regulate the proper amount of leaves for a cup? I don't have a scale, and I'll be steeping in something similar to this. http://www.jas-etea.com/products/Chinese-Calligraphy-Mug.html Also, any hints on steeping times?

 

[Hobbesoxon]

Thanks, guys. Yeah I finally got RAD completely under control, as I haven't bought any razors in probably 2 months or so, and here I go on yet another new thing I've never done before!Any suggestions on how to regulate the proper amount of leaves for a cup? I don't have a scale, and I'll be steeping in something similar to this. http://www.jas-etea.com/products/Chinese-Calligraphy-Mug.html Also, any hints on steeping times?

Chuck loads of leaf in, throw the water in quickly, then almost instantly pour it out (assuming small gaiwan, or small teapot - under 150ml). If it's too bitter, take some leaves out and remember to use fewer in future. If it's a bit weak, throw in some more leaves. Don't buy scales.

Do this water-in, water-out zero-second infusion for a few rounds, until your tea gets weaker. As the infusions wear on, and your tea gets weaker, keep the water in for a little bit longer - just so long as to give more flavour, but without becoming too bitter.

I use the above technique for everything from hardcore young shengpu, to mature old shengpu, through wulongs green or roasted, to green teas of all descriptions. It makes awesome tea taste awesome, in my experience.

Let us know how you get on!


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

 

[americanarmsdealer]

Thanks, Hobbes. And here I was about to start pricing scales. My order shipped out yesterday, so hopefully I'll have it in hand by Friday or Saturday, maybe even sooner. Can't wait to try this out!

 

[mdevine]

Upton puts their suggested volume of tea and steeping time and temperature on the label of each tea they ship. I have always had great experiences with them.