Yixing pots for oolong tea

[coconut]

I am relatively new to the tea world, about two years worth of tea-loving and tea-brewing. Any opinions on whether it's better to use a yixing pot with oolong teas or try it in a gaiwan? I heard that some teas taste better in a gaiwan, while others are better with an yixing teapot. I know that oolongs favor higher temps so a clay pot would be ideal, but i guess it depends.. Thanks for your help

[Maitre_Tea]

I'll leave it to the true experts to explain the details, but it depends on what type of Oolong you're dealing with. More highly roasted Oolong teas would do nicely in an Yixing; however, greener oolongs might fare better in a Gaiwan.

[tingjunkie]

Lots of good info out there in this forum already. Use the advanced search.

I'm no expert, but from what I can gather, Yixing (especially made from a particular type of red clay called zhuni) is highly regarded for oolongs around here. However, pot shape, age of clay, quality of clay, and a bunch of other considerations all go into it. It's fun to learn about, but you are about to enter a confusing, mythical, subjective realm of opinions and info!

The best advice I got when looking into the topic was that if you hone your brewing skills, you should be able to get great results from almost any brewing vessel, but especially gaiwans and yixing for oolongs.

[Tead Off]

I am relatively new to the tea world, about two years worth of tea-loving and tea-brewing. Any opinions on whether it's better to use a yixing pot with oolong teas or try it in a gaiwan? I heard that some teas taste better in a gaiwan, while others are better with an yixing teapot. I know that oolongs favor higher temps so a clay pot would be ideal, but i guess it depends.. Thanks for your help

You should try both ways since your own experience will inform you which you prefer. If you want my personal opinion after drinking oolongs for more than 20 years, nothing beats a good yixing teapot. I suggest you read some of the older threads on this subject to find out the ins and outs of what constitutes 'good' Yixing teapots. This should keep you busy for the next couple of years!