TeaChat

Lots of people will agree to that, as long as their stock is not too big (can't expect 50 samples for 100RMB, for example...)

They're very willing to give you a bit of a discount too if you're buying more.

That's a great idea TwoDogs: I'll definitely give that a shot! I seem to be able to get myself understood with Google Translate. They probably think I'm dyslexic or something with the translation errors I make

jayinhk wrote: They probably think I'm dyslexic or something with the translation errors I make

You could start every conversation, "Pardon my sloppy grammar, I am really, really drunk. Do you offer tea samples?"

that might be worth trying just for the heck of it.

In all seriousness though, the samples idea is a great one. I hear the vendors do throw in samples anyway, so let's see what I get. I'm expecting my cakes to arrive tomorrow!

They normally throw in some samples. You can also ask them for ones you're interested in. If you buy something from them, they'll almost always oblige, unless it's a really high priced cake.

There are also guys selling sample packs sometimes.

Ah yeah, I've seen the sample packs for sale. Taobao really is a treasure trove of tea, although I'm quite enjoying visiting the local stores and buying small amounts to try. There really is an overwhelming amount of tea right in HK!

jayinhk wrote:Ah yeah, I've seen the sample packs for sale. Taobao really is a treasure trove of tea, although I'm quite enjoying visiting the local stores and buying small amounts to try. There really is an overwhelming amount of tea right in HK!

Like Marshaln mentioned, there is a lack of good younger cakes in HK. But, there is also a lack of good younger cakes on Taobao. Good young cakes are not easy to find. Visiting local stores is the way to go.

Absolutely, there's no substitute for trying before you buy!

If you're living in China / HK and want super cheap Pu Erh that tastes better than Tuo Cha and has some Qi:

http://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?spm=a1 ... 2402002637

Can't really beat 30RMB for 2 cakes, but thats not really something for the connoisseurs.

Bought the 118RMB package a couple months ago as I just wanted some Pu Erh to drink.

This cake is nothing special and not better than the 15RMB cake:

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z ... 0130560759

Threw this one away because it was tasting kinda musty moldy:

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z ... 0130646281

Did anyone try the official Haiwan tmall shop yet?

http://laotongzhilh.tmall.com/

Nope, never tried them. Haiwan is a dime a dozen on Taobao though...

Taken off the rack already, but I tried it, and it's not very good. Tea vendor friend said she suspects it's Simao material. It certainly doesn't taste like Yiwu, which is what is advertised

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z ... 4708513033

Can someone please help tell what the story behind this 2010 Laotongzhi tea? Thank you.

http://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?spm=a1 ... 7557409067

135F2 wrote:Can someone please help tell what the story behind this 2010 Laotongzhi tea? Thank you.

http://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?spm=a1 ... 7557409067

Wah, expensive. Cooked pu. Supposedly nice material, but it's cooked, soo...

Using some formula from a 2005 award winner, but that's pretty much meaningless.

1868 RMB for ONE bing of 2010 shu?

There is no picture of the actual cake. Automatic fail.

Also, no reasonably new shu is worth that much. Even Sanhetang doesn't charge more than a bit over $200 for '08 shu/bing. This price is roughly what a 90's Nantian 8582 costs.

Ooooooh bugger it.

This is what a nice Sanhetang 2012 Guafengzhai or Wangonzhai sheng costs. In prettier wrappers. Nobody sane pays $300 for new shu.