TeaChat

JRS22 wrote:Here it is just noon and I've already had 3 tea sessions. My new greens from Jing Tea Shop taste excellent brewed in my Hong Il pot, even though I'm not finished experimenting with the exact parameters needed for this pot as compared to a gaiwan. Then I had the penultimate session of 2011 Sencha Otsuusan Karigane from O-Cha. A bag of the 2012 is on the way, along with 2 gyos so I'll probably have just enough time to air out the canisters before the 2012 teas arrive.

Tomorrow I'm going to take photos to share of the TPHK. It's as beautiful as it's delicious!

Tai Ping Hou Kui photos, I cannot wait!

I recently obtained 2 of my fave 4 Chinese greens from an "unlikely source." Although pretty inexpensive, they are both pretty good, I am surprised actually.

Long Jing and Luan Gua Pian are currently back on the menu. It has actually been several years since I have purchased a Chinese green (however thanks mostly to generous TCers, I have managed to have some nice selections from time to time), but I may have to change that.

2012 Spring Wu Liang Mountain "Zhen Mei" via YS

This is a sensitive one be gentle! (beware, if you screw up the first two infusions there is really no going back bitterness wise), but taking care with it does have its many rewards. Very fairly priced. I do thoroughly enjoy it now for a more contemplative slow session, taking in all the bodily effects and wonderful smells of previous infusions as the water for the next steep cools. Also the visual transformation the darker dry leaf takes as it springs out of its slumber into something bright and lively is fun to watch

Here's a picture of the 2012 Tai Ping Hou Kui from Jing Tea Shop.

Sadly, after the first day I wasn't able to obtain the same vegetal sweetness that was so apparent the first day. I tried 150*, 165* and 180*, gaiwans and teapots, but could not achieve a satisfying brew. Maybe I've just been spoiled by the intensity of Japanese greens. Fortunately I have a new supply of those for consolation - my sencha otsuusan as well as 2 unopened bags of gyo.

I find TPHK does well with a first quick hotter infusion--sort of a flash rinse at 180 degrees--and then drop it back to 150 or 160 to keep going with more usual infusions.

Please send the TPHK to me for testing!

Opened up the last shincha I had in the TeaFridge, Hibiki-an's Shincha Super Premium which IMHO shows more promise than the near buck a gram Pinnicle Shincha which failed to impress through the entire bag.

Sencha on hand is dwindling, but fortunately some really good sencha will arrive on Monday, hopefully.

Chip wrote:Please send the TPHK to me for testing!

There isn't enough left to justify the postage. I'm thinking of trying TPHK from Seven Cups, so I would be happy to use the box from the Gyokuro OTTI to send you some of that for tasting.

In the meantime I'll use the last bits of tea to test Debunix' brewing advice.

JRS22 wrote:

Chip wrote:Please send the TPHK to me for testing!

There isn't enough left to justify the postage. I'm thinking of trying TPHK from Seven Cups, so I would be happy to use the box from the Gyokuro OTTI to send you some of that for tasting.

Very clever.

I cold-brewed the last of the Botan shincha from OTTI 14 Hakoniwado. It was not as lovely as it was hot, but cool and refreshing nonetheless.

Okumidori Futumushi by Thés du Japon.

Chip wrote:

JRS22 wrote:

Chip wrote:Please send the TPHK to me for testing!

There isn't enough left to justify the postage. I'm thinking of trying TPHK from Seven Cups, so I would be happy to use the box from the Gyokuro OTTI to send you some of that for tasting.

Very clever.

If I was really clever I would have specified the box from the Premium Gyo OTTI!

brandon wrote:

Okumidori Futumushi by Thés du Japon.

A bit of topic
Really nice photo, what did you use for lighting it?

Xell wrote:

brandon wrote: Okumidori Futumushi by Thés du Japon.

A bit of topic
Really nice photo, what did you use for lighting it?

Thanks Xell. I just got a pair of small (studio wise) strobes from a friend.
One is just above 'eye level' with the tea, camera left with a small soft box. The other is high above on camera right, aimed down, shot through a white umbrella for a big, soft fill light.

brandon wrote:

Xell wrote:

brandon wrote: Okumidori Futumushi by Thés du Japon.

A bit of topic
Really nice photo, what did you use for lighting it?

Thanks Xell. I just got a pair of small (studio wise) strobes from a friend.
One is just above 'eye level' with the tea, camera left with a small soft box. The other is high above on camera right, aimed down, shot through a white umbrella for a big, soft fill light.

I see, thanks for info, thought it's at least 2 sources. White porcelain and dark tea sure not that easy to get right in photo. I'm struggling a bit with only one flash on quite crude stand, not flexible enough. Once have more resources to spend will get second one. Will be posting more tea photos then



And not to be completely OT here. Finally opened a can of matcha Seiju. I think i give a try at koicha again. For first try made usucha with 5 scoops and 90ml, great balance of flavors. Difficult to put more in words. I'll be sure to take some photos of my koicha attempt

I've been having this exact same Okumidori for a week now. Very nice. As a matter of fact, I've ordered all the sencha from Miyasaki at Thés du Japon.

Sadly I'm drinking the last of the Kinari from Maiko that I had ordered. Well I guess I have to wait till next year now.