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Yancha Firing Levels
Handmade or traditional Yancha processing is one of the most intricate, processing methods of any tea. This process coupled with the rich terroir of inner Wuyi are paramount to making premium Wuyi tea. Missing either of these can make the difference between amazing and disappointing tea. Despite much hubbub about true Da Hong Pao, the…
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About Shui Xian and Three Different Uses of Shui Xian and other Yancha
Along with Rou Gui and Da Hong Pao, Shui Xian (also Water Lily) is one of the most represented Yancha in the western tea market. It lacks the sensational origin story or marketing potential of Da Hong Pao but is still sold far more frequently than any of the other famous bushes and possibly even…
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Aged Oolongs [March 2014 Tea Drinking Report]
Since the beginning of 2014, I’ve dedicated each month to a specific type of tea. This means I drink that genre of tea in some form at least once a day. This could mean gong-fu, grandpa, or even a cold-brew. I’ll still consume other teas, but the primary focus is understanding and building a palate…
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Shui Xian Sea Dyke Wuyi Oolong [Episode 49]
Episode 49, Denny and James review a big Chinese supermarket staples, Sea Dyke. Retailing for $1.50/125grams, James picked this one up from a local (Seattle) Chinese market.
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Da Hong Pao, What’s in your Cup? Blending & Popular DHP Surrogates
Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe) is one of China’s ten most famous teas, owns a mythic origin story and is as close to a household name as exists in tea. Given this, it is unsurprising that the name Da Hong Pao is a great marketing term for purveyors of tea. The name Da Hong…
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2003 Shui Xian Hui Yuan Origin Tea Wuyi Oolong [Episode 48]
In Episode 48 Denny and James review a premium top-tier Yancha from Origin Tea. This one is a Shui Xian grown deep in the Wuyi natural reserve.
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Shui Jin Gui Jing Tea Shop Wuyi Oolong [Episode 47]
In Episode 47, Denny and James review another Yancha. This one comes from old, reliable Jing Tea Shop.
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Three Chinese Yancha Brands, Supermarket Yancha, Feat. Sea Dyke, Wuyi Star, Huiyuan
The Chinese tea industry is largely composed of big businesses, large factories and corporate brands. While this frequently results in inexpensive, mediocre tea for the casual tea consumer, some of these factories also dabble in higher-end commercially available tea. A few bigger brands can be purchased in North America, usually in a Chinese or Southeast…
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2000 Shui Xian Life in a Teacup Wuyi Oolong [Episode 45]
Episode 45 completes their two-episode series on Life in a Teacup‘s Yancha. Up next it is their excellent 2000 Shui Xian.
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Medium-Roast Da Hong Pao Life in a Teacup Wuyi Oolong [Episode 44]
Episode 44 begins a two-part series on Life in a Teacup‘s Yancha. This episode Denny and James drink their medium-roast Da Hong Pao.