Would you guys consider this Kyusu to be glazed?

[campfire]

I'm looking at getting my first Kyusu and have heard to get a glazed one that way flavors don't settle into the pot itself, at least for starting out with Japanese greens:

http://www.hibiki-an.com/product_info.p ... ucts_id/35

I was also looking at this one from Den's:

http://www.denstea.com/teapots-cups-shi ... 5_327.html

The Den's one appears to be glazed. Which one do you guys recommend out of those two? Or do you have one in their price range that you would recommend?

Thanks!

[edkrueger]

There might be a coating on the red one. I'm not sure if it is a glaze, it might be something more industrial.

Also, I'd look on ebay for a teapot in that price range. Glazed ones are a bit harder to find. But here is one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Japanese-Hagi-w ... 1c2be09c9d

Tenpozan is a well know large production kiln.

[Chip]

Hi, welcome to TeaChat. I "activated" your links for you.

The Hibiki-an one appears to have a "slip" added to both inner and outer surfaces, but it could be a glaze as well since it is an entry level kyusu. I wonder if this one is made in China versus Japan. I doubt that it would readily pick up aromas, but who knows. It is BIG, but that is OK as for Japanese greens you do not have to fill the pot.

The Den's shincha kyusu is a nicer size, and obviously is glazed and they say it is made in Tokoname, Japan. Many members have picked that one as a first or extra kyusu for various reasons, including myself. I call it bombproof.

Between the two, in this case I pick the Den's.

[campfire]

Thanks for the comments guys! I've looked at TeaChat for quite some time now but finally decided to join.

Yeah, I am thinking about going with the Den's one simply because the price is pretty low and for a first Kyusu, it appears to be decent from other posts I've looked at.

Thanks for the Ebay link too, there are a lot of options on there!

Chip, since you have the Den's one I have a couple of quick questions:

I see it says it holds 9oz, are you able to get the full 9oz or how many ounces can you brew with it comfortably without it spilling out the top?

Also, it's hard to tell from the pictures, but where exactly is the mesh filter, and does it do a pretty good job filtering out the smaller leaves?

Thanks again

[Chip]

I used to have the Den's kyusu. It is now my sister's first kyusu. So, unfortunately I cannot answer your volume question.

The screen is a wrap around, 360* screen and it allows lightning fast, fail-proof pouring.

TBH, it is very rare for me to brew more than 5 ounces. I used to brew 7 almost each time I made sencha ... but with multiple steeps I realized that was way too much liquid, and I was using too much tea.

How much are you brewing for each steep?

Since there is a pretty wide assortment of kyusu-s at my disposal, and if I still had it, I would likely use it for the more aromatic roasted or genmai teas which can really leave behind those aromas ... and/or as a travel kyusu

[campfire]

Thanks for the reply.

Yeah I've been brewing about 8oz each steep but you're right, I'm using a lot of tea in doing so. I will probably lower to 5-6oz so I think this Kyusu will be sufficient enough.

[Chip]

Yes, for sure.

I will not presume to know how long you are along your TeaJourney, however usually the more seasoned the drinker, the steeps tend to get smaller. There are various reasons for this including the purchasing of often higher end teas.

By the way, there will be an OTTI tasting for members featuring sencha! This will be posted today under the OTTI/NOTTI forum of TeaChat.

[campfire]

Sounds good, yeah I've been drinking tea for quite some time now, but am new to Japanese style green. Actually just made my first sencha purchase with O-Cha.

I'll definitely check the OTTI out, thanks!

[Chip]

O-Cha! Excellent. What did you order?

Just posted the OTTI 16 topic actually ...

http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?f= ... 47#p229747

[campfire]

Actually just got the Daily Sencha as a starter and have been brewing it in a brew basket because I have yet to buy a Kyusu, but I will soon enough! First non store-bought sencha and it is very good and fresh.

Thanks, I signed up for OTTI 16, payment has been submitted