Oct 12th, '10, 12:15
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by entropyembrace » Oct 12th, '10, 12:15
Stentor wrote:debunix wrote:If you have taste buds, and some interesting in learning more about tea, you are experienced enough! I started out some of them pretty darn 'incompetent' with a particular tea, and learned enough to pick up the rest of 'competent' on my own.
All right, sounds cool! I sort of meant that I'm afraid I might lack the vocabulary to describe to others what I'm tasting when I don't have any point of reference to a previous tea of the type being tasted. I would also need some pointers as to how to brew a completely unknown tea so as not to ruin the limited quantity but I guess that can be arranged, especially in a group.
Don´t be scared the OTTI´s are a great way to learn about tea!
I´ve participated in 2 of them so far and I´ve really enjoyed them...still have some of the #5 puerh left to try

Oct 12th, '10, 13:02
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by Chip » Oct 12th, '10, 13:02
Stentor wrote:debunix wrote:If you have taste buds, and some interesting in learning more about tea, you are experienced enough! I started out some of them pretty darn 'incompetent' with a particular tea, and learned enough to pick up the rest of 'competent' on my own.
All right, sounds cool! I sort of meant that I'm afraid I might lack the vocabulary to describe to others what I'm tasting when I don't have any point of reference to a previous tea of the type being tasted. I would also need some pointers as to how to brew a completely unknown tea so as not to ruin the limited quantity but I guess that can be arranged, especially in a group.
My most technical vocab for tastings is YUMMMM!
Tastings are great learning experiences as well.

Taste and learn, try to discern first on your own, then read what others may be saying. Expect a wide range of comments! Some of this is real and some is perceived.
But it is good discussion!
Oct 12th, '10, 13:14
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by Chip » Oct 12th, '10, 13:14
I have been "committed" to group tastings for a number of years. This should not surprise anyone I guess?
I think it is a great way to learn about new teas, and to share teas that are new to others.
Began the TD with a prelim tasting of a sencha with the Mrs. for a possible OTTI.
Followed up with OTTI 6 TGY, 5th grade ... I am learning in this OTTI!!! Or relearning.
Hmmm, if not for group tastings, I would just be content to sit in the TeaCave and slurp sencha day in and day out.
Tastings get me out of the TeaCave!
Oct 12th, '10, 13:20
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by olivierco » Oct 12th, '10, 13:20
Yes I have participated in some group tea tastings.
Ippoen gyokuro this evening.
Oct 12th, '10, 15:58
Posts: 65
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by theory » Oct 12th, '10, 15:58
I'm TRYING to (OTTI 6) if only USPS would come through on their end
No tea in my cup today

Ran out at the office, and forgot to restock.

Maybe a little dong ding later.
Oct 12th, '10, 17:03
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by geeber1 » Oct 12th, '10, 17:03
Chip wrote:I have been "committed" to group tastings for a number of years. This should not surprise anyone I guess?
I didn't know kitty-cats counted for group tastings, Chip!

Oct 12th, '10, 17:09
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by TwoPynts » Oct 12th, '10, 17:09
Taking part in my second OTTI now.

Oct 12th, '10, 17:14
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by laura99 » Oct 12th, '10, 17:14
I have participated in many of the OTTI's, its been very educational! It would have taken me a few years to sample that many different Shincha's
Chip wrote:My most technical vocab for tastings is YUMMMM!
That's about it for me as well

. I thought after sampling all these teas at the same time as others I may have picked up on ways to describe tea a bit better, but I have hit a road block in my head on that. Pretty much I love it, its OK or yuck. Thanks go to those of you that put out such great descriptions of your experiences!
Oct 12th, '10, 20:50
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by LauraW » Oct 12th, '10, 20:50
Just one so far, and it arrived today, so far so good on the front end - I'm excited to try the tea!!
Just one steep of Yunnan Noir this morning, had a really hectic day, but could never seem to make it back to the kitchen for more tea.
Oct 12th, '10, 20:54
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by Chip » Oct 12th, '10, 20:54
geeber1 wrote:Chip wrote:I have been "committed" to group tastings for a number of years. This should not surprise anyone I guess?
I didn't know kitty-cats counted for group tastings, Chip!

Hmm, does 1-2 kitties count as a group?
Back to sencha to finish the TD, a tasting of Hatsumi from O-Cha. A very curious flavor profile so far!
Oct 12th, '10, 22:41
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by Skippyandjif » Oct 12th, '10, 22:41
I have never participated in one, although it sounds cool. Often, I provide new teas for my friends to sample when I throw tea parties, though.
Rose congou this afternoon, currently drinking a chrysanthemum tisane.
Oct 13th, '10, 00:23
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by RaynBeatle » Oct 13th, '10, 00:23
No, I haven't...I would love that though.
Oct 13th, '10, 13:26
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by nickE » Oct 13th, '10, 13:26
I've participated in 4 OTTI so far, so
yes!
3rd grade TGY from the OTTI today.

Oct 13th, '10, 13:30
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by Chip » Oct 13th, '10, 13:30
RaynBeatle wrote:No, I haven't...I would love that though.
A chance is coming soon ...
