The aged oolong market in the west leaves a lot to be desired. Most of the time the teas are usually significantly flawed (re-roasted/sour), overpriced, or more often than not both. A couple years ago, I was lucky enough to sample a number of aged oolongs from Tony of Origin Tea that were offered off-shelf. This helped to give me some perspective on aged oolongs, but also move me into the cranky, old curmudgeon category of a drinker who seems constantly dissatisfied and cynical with the online tea scene at least for this tea genre. Don’t get me wrong, I’m nowhere near an expert but I have gotten a taste of the Taiwanese market to at least know that the idea of aged oolongs being good value teas with consideration to age (true in TW) is not extended to the western market. (more…)
Author: James
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How I Care For My Yixing — TeaDB James InBetweenIsode Episode #76
One of the frequently asked questions. How I care for my yixing teapots.
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2014 Tea Urchin Spring Xikong [Episode 152]
2014 production of a Mengla county from Tea Urchin.
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Awfully Proper Special Episode [Episode 151.5]
Thank god we’re not in comedy..
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2006 Xizihao Black Wrapper Lao Banzhang — TeaDB James InBetweenIsode Episode #75
A Lao Banzhang production from Taiwanese boutique operation, Xizihao. This tea retails for more than $1000 in Taiwan and has gained a reputation for its qi.
Thanks to Dignitea for the sample!
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Single Origin Tea’s Jun Chiyabari Nepal [Episode 151]
Episode 151, Denny and James continue into unknown territory with a tea from Nepal and Single Origin Tea.
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Pu’erh Blogs & Resources
It’s a lonely world out there for those discussing pu’erh. We don’t have the same accessibility to in-person tea or pu’erh communities like urban centers in the east. This is a straightforward post detailing a few different resources and blogs that you might find valuable or useful. (more…)
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2005 Dayi Mengsong Peacock — TeaDB James InBetweenIsode Episode #74
A well-regarded, famous (and expensive) Dayi from 2005, the Dayi Mengsong Peacock. Stored in Guangdong, this is an example of why Dayi is so well-regarded in the pu’erh community.
Thanks to Grill for letting me try!
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Smacha’s Maofeng [Episode 150]
Another oddity. This one is provided by local company Smacha, their Maofeng. Similar to the Darjeeling this uses largely improvised brewing parameters.
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2001 Yiwu Spring Buds [Teas I Own] — TeaDB James InBetweenIsode Episode #73
Another loot from Hong Kong and one I wish I picked up more of. This tea is traditionally stored Yiwu Spring Buds.