Tuesday TeaDay 1/19/10 TEA Vendor selection how to?

[geeber1]

In the early days, I just Googled - that's how I found Adagio. Most of the sites I visit now, though, I'd read about on TC.

Me, too!

Nilgiri Glendale in my cup today!

[Janine]

My new tea vendor discernment happens very simply: I try their teas. I talk with the vendor. That's my method.

Today I am drinking a 1997 puerh from Chaikhana. This one is marked "7592" "Customized Private Production"

It's aged beautifully. I've had it for at least a year, perhaps two. The tea is absolutely clear, a dark cognac. Smoothe to drink, no mustiness at all. There is something in here of a hint of lavender, and something else I've never experienced in a tea. More akin to wine. I can't put my finger on it, I'll have to drink some more. The effect in my head and body and well-being is as much a part of this tea that is mysterious as any flavor or physical quality to the tea itself. I haven't really experienced this kind of vitality in another puerh and I have tasted superb puerhs.

[Dresden]

I first found Adagio on Google. Since then, TeaChat has been my go-to resource.

[brad4419]

Teachat and thats it!

I can't say word of mouth because other than you people on teachat I don't know anyone who drinks good tea..or tea at all really. I can't wait for the tea vender guide to really get up and moving Im sure it will be my first resource for new venders. Unfortunatly though this comming year I don't plan on trying any new vendors. Im sticking to my usual vendors trying to cut costs a bit this year by drinking mostly my favorites and trying a few new ones.

Having some shou mei today

[Chip]

TC makes it a lot easier to weed through the longer and longer list of vendors. Although I might be pretty independent of TC for most greens, I am all over the forum if I am considering just about any other tea type. So, I withdraw info for most teas, while I deposit info for greens ...

I will certainly be looking at the TeaVendor forum as well. Also reviews and blogs and a lot of google and vendor searches, scouring vendor sites seeing if they are legit or pretend.

And finally communication with the vendor when necessary ... but if everything else doesn't seem right on, I won't bother.

Began the TD with Den's Shin-Ryoku in Seigan Blue Hagi, SO #5. SweeTea lapped some up while Lili just wanted a lap.

Next up was a tasting of Zencha Fuga LE. And currently some home roast mugi/genmai.

A great TD.

[LauraW]

Got home from work and had some Darjeeling while making dinner. Contemplating some white earl, but think it might be a little late for tea..

Maybe I'll just wait until tomorrow.

[Victoria]

Aww thanks subdude1 and artmom, your fan club t-shirts are on the way!


This afternoon I had TGY in a little compressed vacuum single serving, that was unfortunately past its prime. Meanwhile the rains here today were torrential! We even had tornado warnings, I can't remember the rain pouring that hard.

Now of course I'm craving a nice hot cuppa, but I will have to wait till the morning.

[Seeker]

TC these days for sure.
Organic silver needle in a Matt Brown yunomi that I quite love, even more than my Hagi's (tho it is quite hagi like ).