Hi Tea Friends,
In my reading here on teachat I connected to a couple of different tea videos that showed the use of aroma cups. (I am sorry that I can't find them now...at least one was a video by a vendor.) I also read somewhere that continuing to smell the aroma cup as it cools give you some different aromas.
Since I LOVE the aroma of my first (and only so far) oolong TKY from Adagio, I decided to see if there was anything to the use of aroma cups. I brewed up a bit in my gaiwan and poured it into two of my taller cups (not aroma cup shapes, but as close as I have right now). I gave it a good sniff...mmmmm, lovely, sweet, floral. I then poured it into other cups (serving as the tasting cups in this experiment). I rolled the warm empty cup between my hands....mmmm, lovely...and then the aroma did change as the cup cooled. It smelled like a sweet spice, entirely different than the original aroma. As I drank the tea I could find a taste that echoed that aroma.
It is so interesting how the different tea "ceremonies" have evolved to take advantage of the different aspects of the different teas....and all help calm the soul by involving the senses.
Peace,
Dreamer
Feb 19th, '09, 17:56
Posts: 495
Joined: Jan 31st, '09, 12:41
Location: midwest, Sanibel wannabe
Contact:
Dreamer
Hi Dreamer!
Usually with a gaiwan, since it's also porcelain like the aroma cup, we (meaning here in Taiwan), would smell the lid of the gaiwan. Aroma cups are more generally used when brewing from a clay teapot.
My favorite method of using aroma cups is to fill them about 2/3 full, place the drinking cup upside down on top of it (as a lid) and flipping it over. The flipping takes practice, so use 2 hands at first until you get the hang of it. Let it sit for a few seconds. The heat inside will push the aroma up into the bottom of the aroma cup. Tip the aroma cup, lift it off the tea, and give it a good whiff - pure heaven! Oh, one other thing - if it's very hot, don't sniff in too strongly, or you may scald your nasal passages (not that I'd -achem- know anything about that
).
I quite agree with you about 'calming the soul' - I often tell people that one of the major health benefits of brewing tea Chinese style ('gong fu' is a specific type of small teapot brewing - what most people generally call 'gong fu' is actually just 'brewing tea') is the relaxation that comes from the preparation, first of the utensils, and then the tea itself. Adding music, a flower arrangement, interesting rock, painting, etc. to one's layout all add to the effect and make the tea that much more enjoybable.
Usually with a gaiwan, since it's also porcelain like the aroma cup, we (meaning here in Taiwan), would smell the lid of the gaiwan. Aroma cups are more generally used when brewing from a clay teapot.
My favorite method of using aroma cups is to fill them about 2/3 full, place the drinking cup upside down on top of it (as a lid) and flipping it over. The flipping takes practice, so use 2 hands at first until you get the hang of it. Let it sit for a few seconds. The heat inside will push the aroma up into the bottom of the aroma cup. Tip the aroma cup, lift it off the tea, and give it a good whiff - pure heaven! Oh, one other thing - if it's very hot, don't sniff in too strongly, or you may scald your nasal passages (not that I'd -achem- know anything about that
).I quite agree with you about 'calming the soul' - I often tell people that one of the major health benefits of brewing tea Chinese style ('gong fu' is a specific type of small teapot brewing - what most people generally call 'gong fu' is actually just 'brewing tea') is the relaxation that comes from the preparation, first of the utensils, and then the tea itself. Adding music, a flower arrangement, interesting rock, painting, etc. to one's layout all add to the effect and make the tea that much more enjoybable.
"The meaning of life can be found in a good cup of tea."
Check out more Taiwan tea stories (with photos) at taiwanteaguy.com
Check out more Taiwan tea stories (with photos) at taiwanteaguy.com
Feb 20th, '09, 16:43
Posts: 495
Joined: Jan 31st, '09, 12:41
Location: midwest, Sanibel wannabe
Contact:
Dreamer
Hi Teaguy,
Thanks so much for your reply!
Funny, I never remember smelling the lid of any teapot, but everytime I've used my gaiwan I've done that...even pop it up for a whiff before the brew is done! Maybe I saw that somewhere in a video too?
I have seen the cup flipping you described...the cups I'm playing with won't work that way, but I love hearing about the science of concentrating the aroma..too cool!
I guess I need more tea ware (shock!)...I need another small clay pot (got a great fast pouring kyusu for my fav Japanese greens)...and some aroma/tasting cup sets. I see Yunnan has some small yixing pots (that won't break the bank) and they do have aroma cup sets...is this a reputable vendor?
I'm with you, Teaguy, on the health benefits of the preparation of the tea...every time I make any kind of tea it is like a little virtual vacation that settles my soul. Clearing stress is extremely beneficial to the body!
Happy Friday,
Dreamer
Thanks so much for your reply!
Funny, I never remember smelling the lid of any teapot, but everytime I've used my gaiwan I've done that...even pop it up for a whiff before the brew is done! Maybe I saw that somewhere in a video too?
I have seen the cup flipping you described...the cups I'm playing with won't work that way, but I love hearing about the science of concentrating the aroma..too cool!
I guess I need more tea ware (shock!)...I need another small clay pot (got a great fast pouring kyusu for my fav Japanese greens)...and some aroma/tasting cup sets. I see Yunnan has some small yixing pots (that won't break the bank) and they do have aroma cup sets...is this a reputable vendor?
I'm with you, Teaguy, on the health benefits of the preparation of the tea...every time I make any kind of tea it is like a little virtual vacation that settles my soul. Clearing stress is extremely beneficial to the body!
Happy Friday,
Dreamer
Hi Dreamer,
I won't ever argue with an "I need more tea ware" kind of statement - don't we all? Haven't ordered anything from Yunnan, so can't really say anything about them, but I'm sure someone in here has an opinion!
One suggestion I can make, however, is this: Van Morisson. Especially for solo tea drinking, he's got some great music (IMHO) - relaxing melodies with introspective lyrics + a great cup of tea. Really makes my day. His albums No Guru, No Method, No Teacher, Common One, and, well, actually about 20 others as well!
Maybe a "What music do you like with tea?" poll would be interesting. What do you think Chip?
I won't ever argue with an "I need more tea ware" kind of statement - don't we all? Haven't ordered anything from Yunnan, so can't really say anything about them, but I'm sure someone in here has an opinion!
One suggestion I can make, however, is this: Van Morisson. Especially for solo tea drinking, he's got some great music (IMHO) - relaxing melodies with introspective lyrics + a great cup of tea. Really makes my day. His albums No Guru, No Method, No Teacher, Common One, and, well, actually about 20 others as well!
Maybe a "What music do you like with tea?" poll would be interesting. What do you think Chip?
"The meaning of life can be found in a good cup of tea."
Check out more Taiwan tea stories (with photos) at taiwanteaguy.com
Check out more Taiwan tea stories (with photos) at taiwanteaguy.com