Monday TeaDay 12/22/08 Blending teas.

[gingkoseto]

I haven't gotten around to doing any of my own blending, but plan on it.

I drank a pot of Huang Guanyin (黄观音） today. Huang Guanyin is an Oolong varietal from Wuyishan. I actually think this particular one is a blend of a few different varietals, so it shouldn't really be called Huang Guanyin.

I am very curious about this! I heard huang guan yin is a hybrid between tie guan yin and golden osmanthus oolong. And then there is this new variety called golden guanyin, which is also hybrid of the same 2 varieties. I wonder how different they are or they are pretty much the same thing from different locations. I recently just read something about the new variety golden guanyin. It's produced in Zhe Jiang and Jiang Xi, which are not traditional TGY provinces. Besides, there are more than 10 provinces producing TGY now. A lot of people are concerned about the negative competition involved.

[gingkoseto]

I haven't tried any blending yet. Recently someone suggested blending greener roast tie guan yin and regular shui xian oolong. I haven't tried it yet, but that sounds interesting to me

[Cofftea]

I get the weirdest looks at some of my combos!

[Cinnamon Kitty]

I have three signature blends. I have sold a grand total of one of them, according to when I checked this morning after forgetting how many that I made. The one that sold is called Pumpkin Pie and is a blend of pumpkin spice with masala chai. I actually played around with it a bit before I created the blend and I think it should be pretty good, but I haven't purchased one yet. I still haven't put photoshop on this computer so unfortunately, I haven't done any fun labels yet. All of my signature blends where results of me playing around with my teas at home, so I definitely do both kinds of blending.

No tea yet today. I haven't figured out what I want yet.

[geeber1]

I haven't done any blending, with the exception of combining Assam Melody and Ceylon Sonata for iced tea. I don't really consider this a blend, though, because it's pretty basic.

Speaking of Assam/Ceylon blends, I'm starting the morning out with some Adagio Irish Breakfast and looking outside at the additional 6 or so inches of snow we got last night, for a total of about 18 inches. I'm so glad I don't have to drive to work today, but we do have to visit the Post Office.

[Charlotte]

I'm one of those people who really can't leave a recipe alone. I always tweak it. So other than some really good teas - I start messing around. When I didn't like the sencha premier (steeping to long) I was adding mint to it and that really helped cut the "newly cut lawn grassy" flavor. Other times, I'll add white tea to some thing with more umpf (or fruity) if I want the health benefits but a stronger tasting tea. Orange rinds and spices to black tea.

Anyway I could go on. Some creations are good and others - YIKES!

I've had the last of my monkey picked and some jasmine this morning. I'm probably heading to the white teas this afternoon.

[olivierco]

Keemun Mao Feng Imperial right now.

[Saifuddin]

I blend Assam and Ceylon to make my own breakfast blend.

Currently having a cup of chamomile, to cure my uneasy stomach.

[Chip]

I do some blending on my own. Currently doing a lot of blending with Japanese teas, I like the results quite a lot. I also do blending for iced teas quite a bit. And then there are the dribs and drabs that I cannot bring myself to throw away, sometimes they work and sometimes not.

Started the day with a nice Fukamushi Maki. Sweetie liked it, Wulong was much more interested in wrapping herself around my neck, which was nice on a very cold morning.

[Shelob]

Sometimes I blend leftover bits so as not to waste them.

Ditto Usually do this with my Japanese greens! Not much into blending other types together, but it looks like some teachatters do like to do that.

After Macha, Mom and I will be enjoying White Peony, before we go out for a bit of holiday madness!

Merry Christmas everyone and much thanks to my sister for typing all the posts for me today!

Welcome to all the newbies that I haven't welcomed in 'Introduction'. I'll catch up with you all when I get back

Have a FAB TeaWeek and great TeaDays!

[Victoria]

Having a nice cup of FLT AliShan Traditional.
I have finally got the temp up from 52 degrees to a toasty
55 degress in the office so far today.
Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!

[Lainie P]

In my cup: TeaGschwendner's Assam Boisahabi Malty Second Flush TGBOP

Not a blender, though have an idea for a blend that I am going to try this afternoon.

[Pentox]

Having a nice cup of FLT AliShan Traditional.
I have finally got the temp up from 52 degrees to a toasty
55 degress in the office so far today.
Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!

Ooo that sounds nice and warm. Cold weather makes tea taste better, didn't ya know that >.>

[chamekke]

I have three signature blends. I have sold a grand total of one of them, according to when I checked this morning after forgetting how many that I made. The one that sold is called Pumpkin Pie and is a blend of pumpkin spice with masala chai. I actually played around with it a bit before I created the blend and I think it should be pretty good, but I haven't purchased one yet.

I may be purchaser #2 ... although I don't drink many flavoured blends, I do love pumpkin pie

Sadly I'm not terribly creative in the blending department. My idea of being daring is to add extra chopped coconut to Adagio's Coconut Tea!

[jazz88]

I think blending is just fun and makes a great personal gift. Particularly for men I dunno maybe it's just me but I always find it difficult to find a suitable gift for a man. If you can't afford to give a car or a boat ... then what? Tea at least is something anyone can enjoy!
I have 18 signature blends. That's a lot, I know
60 -70% of the tea I drink is unflavored but once in a while I really enjoy some some flavored ones as well.
Just had a delicious cup of Dragonwell from Adagio.