Monday TeaDay 08/10/09 TeaJourney, yes or no?

[Cinnamon Kitty]

I have tried a few times, when I was desperate, to enjoy a tea bag, but it was not the same. I don't get all sophisticated with the most expensive award winning leaf in a highly specialized tea brewing vessel, though I admit my collection of four kyusu may be a bit excessive as a solo tea drinker. Either way, I agree with Sal in that Leaf + Water = Tea, and it really can't get much simpler than that. The closest I have gotten to going back to basics is going back to the Earl Grey that I was raised on, though this time in loose leaf instead of tea bags. It is much more enjoyable as loose leaf and works wonderfully as a breakfast tea.

Current brew is iced Darjeeling mixed with Orange Blossom Oolong, served very happily in a pint glass. It is still a little too warm this evening to make something hot, though I thoroughly enjoyed a travel mug and thermos full of Earl Grey earlier.

[Chip]

Who thinks of these questions anyway?

It seems that I am still pretty basic as Sal managed to simplify for me. I am actually in some ways more basic than when I stated drinking tea 10 years ago. Back then I seemed to complicate so many aspects of tea prep and enjoyment.

Began the TD with Yamata shincha, full of wonderful "hika" ... from Rishi. SweeTea demanded a fair share ... Pyrit demanded head rubs.

Next up, Yutaka Midori from O-Cha, always da bombe!

[DoctorD]

I'm with the majority/plurality here--a bit beyond the basics, and I see no reason to go back. I flatter myself to think I've learned enough over the years to understand what the masters are talking about even if I don't necessarily feel a compulsion to go sit at their feet, my palate is trained enough to be able to distinguish really good from plenty good enough from fuggeddaboutit--and I've gotten mellow enough along the way to be satisfied with plenty good enough most of the time. TeaLife is good.

Had some decent Drum Mountain white tea this afternoon, cleaning out the last of a batch from SpecialTeas that's about at the end of its shelf life, but still eminently drinkable. Tonight it's back to an everyday Pi Lo Chun from Enjoyingteas, which I think I've finally gotten the knack of brewing right. Time to see whether there's one more steep in those leaves...

[silvermage2000]

I recently had a cup of adagio hazelnut black.

[Salsero]

Have you been drinking Tie Guan Yin lately?

Since I was a wee grasshopper!

But actually, I have to admit I was disappointed in the Barbarian's tea.