Wednesday TeaDay 2/24/10 What's in a name?

[Chip]

I may look for some semblance of authenticity in a name, especially if it is a newer vendor for me. I like the native names first, with possibly a translation second. And while cute English names do not entice me, the poetic Chinese names somehow do. Japanese names tend to be more matter of fact or descriptive.

However Karigane is more poetic than most for Japanese teas ... something like "Geese on the water." Which is actually what the tea stems look like floating in the Kyusu. Its other name, Kukicha is a more down to earth name. Karigane is more commonly sold from prestigious Uji, while Kukicha is sold from more down to earth regions like Shizuoka. This always fascinated me a bit.

Began the TD with a 2009 shincha. This came out quite good this time around. SweeTea joined me for tea while Pyrit and Ceylon passed through.

Bracing for another nor'easter here.

[TubbyCow]

I prefer names that are as descriptive as possible. I don't like when companies name a blend something like "McAwesome Rooibos of Awesome" then post a description that doesn't really explain what it is. I'd much rather it just be called "Vodka Cranberry Spam Rooibos" or whatever it is.

I prefer descriptive to artsy because I am so very, very lazy.

[LauraW]

"Vodka Cranberry Spam Rooibos"

I know it was just a random example, but yowza that sounds like a terrible idea for tea (mostly the spam-flavor, and I imagine vodka would give a sort of odd rubbing-alcohol smell). Bsteele, don't get any ideas Wouldn't want you to try to top the Tea Burger

Also, some Caramel Delight to finish off the work-day (needed something sweet after lunch), probably some sencha after I get home.

[Skippyandjif]

Names only influence my tea-buying habits to the extent that they tell me about the tea, so I far prefer traditional or descriptive names to poetic ones (although running up to my roommate with a cup of Bi Lo Chun and telling her I was drinking snails was really fun ). The poetic names of a lot of Chinese teas are quite lovely, but they do not compel me to make a purchase unless I recognize the name as something that I've wanted to try.

Right now, I'm about to drink my first-ever cup of gunpowder green tea and hoping that this snow/slush lets up...

[tea-guy]

Names do actually influence my purchasing decisions. However, how I'll lean is altered by mood and some other stuff I am sure.

I have tended to prefer more traditional names or direct translations as opposed to 'creative' names... but a name does not a tea make.


Today it's been a 2009 Shincha from Maeda En.

[Tazbell]

Names can sometimes make my decision. It really varies on my mood and what I'm looking for. If there is a poetic sounding name and direct translation that are exactly the same in every other way, I'm more likely to pick up the poetic named one.

Drinking some Mango flavored black tea this afternoon for a pick me up.

[Chip]

Zencha Yame Matcha earlier in yet another Cory Lum chawan with Mrs. Chip ... and currently Fenghuang Dan Cong from H & S 2005.

Oh, and also sipping Pu-erh from yesterday. Might go a third day.

[brad4419]

I have to admit yes to this one because when Im looking to try a new tea I first look for qualities in taste that I tend to prefer such as nutty or slightly smokey but after that I am influenced by a teas name and any interesting story about it.