When some of you all start talking that green tea latin, I'm lost.
EW
Apr 23rd, '08, 10:16
Posts: 1953
Joined: Apr 6th, '08, 19:02
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Contact:
chamekke
I would rate myself around a 4-5. I still ask a lot of questions before I try to brew a certain tea. I don't have too many problems with black teas and haven't experimented with enough oolongs to get a solid ground for brewing them yet. I've had a heck of a time with greens lately while trying to clean out Adagio sample tins. I managed to ruin about 3 of the 4 that I tried, all for different reasons. Somehow even if I pay attention to temperature and time and amount, it still doesn't work right.
This morning is more White Tip Oolong. I can successfully brew this one since it responds well to a pinch of tea leaves and whatever temperature my Hot Shot is at when the light goes off to say the water is done. Three minutes later, I have an enjoyable cup of tea.
This morning is more White Tip Oolong. I can successfully brew this one since it responds well to a pinch of tea leaves and whatever temperature my Hot Shot is at when the light goes off to say the water is done. Three minutes later, I have an enjoyable cup of tea.
Apr 23rd, '08, 11:42
Posts: 281
Joined: Mar 6th, '08, 18:02
Location: immersed in tea
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trent
Apr 23rd, '08, 13:27
Posts: 20891
Joined: Apr 22nd, '06, 20:52
Scrolling: scrolling
Location: Back in the TeaCave atop Mt. Fuji
At the risk of sounding boastful, I voted 8-9, but I think there is a huge CHAsm between where I am at and a 10. I simply love to brew...as much if not more than to drink. I tend to lean towards TeaScience when brewing though, lacking the intuitiveness many TeaChatters possess.
But this is all in my head anyway!!! ...and the incredibly intelligent author said, "I like to think..."
I have few sencha choices to start out my TeaDay, so I went with the same ole Sencha Gyokuro blend. I would rate my proficiency around 9.84 for this session.
But this is all in my head anyway!!! ...and the incredibly intelligent author said, "I like to think..."
I have few sencha choices to start out my TeaDay, so I went with the same ole Sencha Gyokuro blend. I would rate my proficiency around 9.84 for this session.
I would give myself 3.5. I am a newbie, I listen to my elders and seek advice, and then - experiment. I can reach something close to perfection with teas I know, my standard blacks and most of my Japanese. I can also produce quite a mess with a new type of tea, as I have proven with my wuyi's. But I'd like to think I am trainable.
Wuyi Ensemble in the morning. Now finishing up the last of Sencha Fukamushi.
The new kyusu performs wonders - I swear my sencha's taste is deeper brewed in it. And while this may be subjective, here's an objective parameter. From the same sencha I could produce 3 steeps in my tetsubin with a brewing basket. The 3rd steep would be kind of weak, a good evening tea. The kyusu can make 4 steeps from the same amount of the same sencha, and the 4th steep is more flavorful than the 3rd from my tetsubin.
I now understand why people use specialized vessels, they make better teas.
Wuyi Ensemble in the morning. Now finishing up the last of Sencha Fukamushi.
The new kyusu performs wonders - I swear my sencha's taste is deeper brewed in it. And while this may be subjective, here's an objective parameter. From the same sencha I could produce 3 steeps in my tetsubin with a brewing basket. The 3rd steep would be kind of weak, a good evening tea. The kyusu can make 4 steeps from the same amount of the same sencha, and the 4th steep is more flavorful than the 3rd from my tetsubin.
I now understand why people use specialized vessels, they make better teas.
Apr 23rd, '08, 13:43
Posts: 20891
Joined: Apr 22nd, '06, 20:52
Scrolling: scrolling
Location: Back in the TeaCave atop Mt. Fuji
Indeed...I agree!!!RussianSoul wrote: The new kyusu performs wonders - I swear my sencha's taste is deeper brewed in it. And while this may be subjective, here's an objective parameter. From the same sencha I could produce 3 steeps in my tetsubin with a brewing basket. The 3rd steep would be kind of weak, a good evening tea. The kyusu can make 4 steeps from the same amount of the same sencha, and the 4th steep is more flavorful than the 3rd from my tetsubin.
I now understand why people use specialized vessels, they make better teas.
And congrats on your new found success. If you feel adventuresome, try a 5th sencha steep. When done right (boiling water!!! at least 10 min.) it is simply a sweet yet delightful TeaWater...I love it.
blah blah blah SENCHA blah blah blah!!!
Apr 23rd, '08, 13:48
Posts: 995
Joined: Feb 8th, '08, 14:22
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Contact:
auggy
I voted 4-5 for me. I look up suggestions online before brewing something new to get a ballpark then go from there. I do tend to cut brew times a bit for my taste and I think the shorter brew time makes my teas less forgiving if I don't get enough leaf (which is currently the issue I'm dealing with since switching to a scale but I think I'm finally getting that under control).
Of course, without my zojirushi and timer, I'd have to vote much much lower.
No tea today for me. Not up to brewing. Kitty passed away Monday (heart failure - he was 5) and I'm kind of lost. Maybe tonight I can put something on...
Of course, without my zojirushi and timer, I'd have to vote much much lower.
No tea today for me. Not up to brewing. Kitty passed away Monday (heart failure - he was 5) and I'm kind of lost. Maybe tonight I can put something on...
