Tea Newbie

[expatCanuck]

I got the shipment from specialteas.com on Saturday. So far I've only had the Green #538 China Spring Blossom Pekoe and the White #551 China Silver Needle White.

China Silver Needle White
First Infusion: aprox. 2 heaping tsp. tea in a 6oz cup (preheated), water heated till steaming. Steeped for 3 minutes. Strained into another cup (preheated).
Grassy taste, very slight sweetness. Aroma of fresh cut grass.
Second Infusion: Same prep with the leaves from first infusion. Much better than first. Sweetness more pronounced, still grassy.
Overall an ok cup-o-tea. I'll finish what I have, but it will not be a staple.

China Spring Blossom Pekoe
First Infusion: aprox. 2 heaping tsp. in a 12oz mug (preheated), water heated till steaming. Steeped for 4-5 minutes. Strained into another cup (preheated).
Sweet and slightly nutty. Some astringancy. Sweet aroma. Light body.

Will try with a second infusion and post final comments.

No question that white tea isn't everyone's cuppa. But if sufficient sample remains, I'd recommend a 4 or even 5-min initial steeping before you make
a final judgment.

As for the 538, I find that 2 - 2.5 minutes gives me a happier brew.

- Richard (who's finishing off a mug of 619 between sentences )

 

[SCWilson]

538 China Spring Blossom Pekoe
Second Infusion: Same leaves as first infusion. Brewed for aprox 2 minutes.
Much nicer, overall, than first infusion. Same basic elements, but not as bitter (first infusion was only slightly bitter).

619 Formosa Bai Hao Oolong
Fisrt Infusion: 2 tsp in a 12 oz mug, brewed for 2 minutes with near boiling water. This tea is my personal favorite thus far. Not bitter, good flavor (even though I wasn't paying much attention, got swamped with work). It will probablly be a work staple for me, unless I find something I like better.

 

[expatCanuck]

538 China Spring Blossom Pekoe
Second Infusion: Same leaves as first infusion. Brewed for aprox 2 minutes.
Much nicer, overall, than first infusion. Same basic elements, but not as bitter (first infusion was only slightly bitter).

619 Formosa Bai Hao Oolong
Fisrt Infusion: 2 tsp in a 12 oz mug, brewed for 2 minutes with near boiling water. This tea is my personal favorite thus far. Not bitter, good flavor (even though I wasn't paying much attention, got swamped with work). It will probablly be a work staple for me, unless I find something I like better.

Yeah, 619 is my go-to.
Of course, I haven't got on that Pu-erh train. Yet.

I find that 619 is very tolerant regarding steeping parameters. I typically let it go for three minutes -- when I remember. Sometimes I get distracted, and 15 minutes or more go by, and the brew is still palatable.

 

[ouch]

Yeah, 619 is my go-to.
Of course, I haven't got on that Pu-erh train. Yet.

I find that 619 is very tolerant regarding steeping parameters. I typically let it go for three minutes -- when I remember. Sometimes I get distracted, and 15 minutes or more go by, and the brew is still palatable.

There. I fixed your font.

 

[SCWilson]

I haven't been bitten by pu'erh, yet, either. I do, however have a some samples that will be delivered today. The anticipation is really kililing me today! This is worse than knowing that a new razor is waiting for me when I get home.

 

[DrJ]

Nice! I added some notes above in blue. Make sure you post your tasting notes after you get them!

Which vendor are these from?

 

[SCWilson]

Which vendor are these from?

From SpecialTeas.com
Black #509 China Yunnan Royal Golden
Green #535 China Yunnan Green Imperial
Green #538 China Spring Blossom Pekoe
Oolong #513 China Anxi Oolong Select
Oolong #619 Formosa Bai Hao Oolong Special Grade
Rooibos #750 Green Rooibos Superior Grade Organic
Rooibos #950 Rooibos Superior Grade Organic
White #551 China Silver Needle White

And from Hou De sampls of:
2003 MengHai HK Henry
2003 Yi-Chan-Hao Yi-Ban Wild Arbor Cake
2006 Cheng Guang-Ho Tang Yi Wu Yeh Cha
2007 Xi-Zhi-Hao Autumn Nu Er/Xi Shang/Pu Zheng Tasting Set

Which vendor are these from?

Look at the Bold Red.

 

[merkurguy]

You should try some jasmine pearl. I love it. It is very relaxing.

 

[expatCanuck]

You should try some jasmine pearl. I love it. It is very relaxing.

Many folks love Jasmine tea. And Earl Grey.
And more power to them.

Others (this writer, fer instance) liken it to being as close to drinking cologne as I'd ever want to come.

As with any coffee or tea, YMMV.

 

[merkurguy]

You must overbrew a lot of things to give it that kick.

 

[DrJ]

Look at the Bold Red.

Oops. Thanks.

 

[expatCanuck]

So, Sam, what's the latest?