Shopping for a new kyusu

[Herb_Master]

There have been a few Teachatters who have reported back on buying these.

A search found this one
http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?f= ... 30#p193894

Maybe you could PM David R and ask how the Red and Black ones compare on roasted Oolongs.

by David R. » 7th Apr 11 7:23 am

Thanks. I think that new red Shimizu Ken clay pots work better with aroma, but black ones seem to do a better job boosting the after taste.

I haven't tested the new red ones... yet

[David R.]

The two Shimizu Ken's clays do lead to different outcomes. One is not really better than the other, it all depends on your own preferences and on the tea you are brewing.

The reduction baking (black clay) brings more depth in the end, but it may be at the expense of some aroma and flavor. So, you might be disappointed if you are looking for those especially. That's why Akira told you that it might be better to use his red clay for teas which are famous for these qualities, such as oolong.

But if you'd like to emphasise the aftertaste, the flavour which lingers in your mouth after you swallow, sometimes for a very long time, the reduction clay is better.

In the end, if you are looking to brew yancha, greener oolongs, green tea and sometimes black teas, especially in the same vessel, it would probably best to look for a nice bone china gaiwan, which will work with all your teas.

But you cannot go wrong with a Shimizu Ken's kyusu. Just be careful not to mix too many different teas in it. You want to keep roasted and unroasted teas in a different vessel if possible.

[MIKE_B]

Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge with me, guys. The Biri Shusen is on it's way and I am waiting to hear back from Hojo about my Shimizu Ken choice.
Researching this stuff has been a blast. I am choosing the black reduction-fired clay mainly because he didn't have an oxidized in the size that I am looking for. I am really on the fence between the two.
I am sure I will end up buying a red one at some point.
...and a nicer Yixing (my old one is a cheapo and too large.)
...and a Gaiwan (I don't own one of those.)
....and...and...and.
Really, I am not nearly as experienced in the art of tea as many people here are. I am not sure if my unsophisticated palate warrants all the fuss I am making.
But, I'm having fun.
Thanks for indulging me.

[David R.]

But, I'm having fun.

Nothing's more important ! Please keep us informed.

[Chip]

But, I'm having fun.

Nothing's more important ! Please keep us informed.

Teaware shopping is indeed ... fun! Sometimes analysis paralysis works best, however!!!

[iannon]

But, I'm having fun.

Nothing's more important ! Please keep us informed.

Teaware shopping is indeed ... fun! Sometimes analysis paralysis works best, however!!!

AP has saved me from impulse buying many times

[Chip]

AP has saved me from impulse buying many times

+1!

[Herb_Master]

Sadly AP rarely grips me - I have just spent money that I should not have on another piece of Teaware

[MIKE_B]

AP has kept me from pulling the trigger on an expensive pot from Hojo (also waiting for his emails). But it didn't stop me from ordering the Tokoname from Yuuki-Cha.
Arrived today. Breaking it in now. Loving it.

[sherubtse]

AP has saved me from impulse buying many times

+1 for me, though not nearly as often as I have wished.

Best wishes,
sherubtse