I'm trying to find a real yixing mug.
found this one, but can't even add to the cart
http://yunnansourcing.com/en/yixing-cla ... 340ml.html
or someone mentioned this ebay seller
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chinese-Yixing- ... 4d2a114308
or a cheaper one http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chinese-Yixing- ... 51c5786500
then i'm really wondering if it's worth it since i usually only really drink twinings or pg tips black everyday. I've never heard of Pu-erh tea before but would like to give it a go.
Thanks!
Jan 15th, '15, 10:51
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Evan Draper
Jan 15th, '15, 11:21
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futurebird
Re: looking for a yixing mug
Hey! Welcome to TeaChat. PG tips is basically a black tea, and among the supermarket teas in the west it's one of the better ones. You may find that you like roasted oolong tea like Dao Hong Pao or anything called a Wuyi cliff oolong. Puerh will be a bit different. There are three major types:
1. young raw/sheng
2. aged raw/sheng
3. ripe/fermented/shu
#2 is the "least challenging" for western drinkers. Many people like #3 but get a good sample. shu can be odd.
In any case, those are some thoughts on teas to try. Now on to the mug.
If you just like the shape and style of a tea mug go for it but try to get good clay. One caution is that clay is not compatible with milk or sugar... which both taste great in black tea. The fats from the milk will make the mug rancid if you just clean it by a hot water rinse...the method that builds up a layer of tea oil to enhance flavors. Celedon or some other smooth ceramic is a better bet if you like tea that way.
Another concern is that some of the cheaper bright colored clays are not organic, might have colorings or metals in them you don't want in your tea. I think this is a bit overblown-- I don't know of any cases, it's more of a rumor. Still, it's worth finding a clay with decent quality. It can certainly have an impact on the taste.
I think you'll find the best deals on alliexpress. I have never owned a big clay tea mug (they seem very masculine to me-- very Tough Guy) but I see some of the appeal for those who brew and drink "grandpa style" (also not for everyone)
Me? I need something with a built in filter for when I'm on the go. I have the exact thermos shown in this mug/thermos setand once it was seasoned it has become a great way to take tea with me.
Some of the mugs look OK even though I've heard them called "construction worker mugs" LOL. Any teachatters know how the primary brewing methods for these?
Do you plan on using teabags by the way?
Have you considered a clay lined thermos?
Anyway... we'll talk your ears off with tea advice.
1. young raw/sheng
2. aged raw/sheng
3. ripe/fermented/shu
#2 is the "least challenging" for western drinkers. Many people like #3 but get a good sample. shu can be odd.
In any case, those are some thoughts on teas to try. Now on to the mug.
If you just like the shape and style of a tea mug go for it but try to get good clay. One caution is that clay is not compatible with milk or sugar... which both taste great in black tea. The fats from the milk will make the mug rancid if you just clean it by a hot water rinse...the method that builds up a layer of tea oil to enhance flavors. Celedon or some other smooth ceramic is a better bet if you like tea that way.
Another concern is that some of the cheaper bright colored clays are not organic, might have colorings or metals in them you don't want in your tea. I think this is a bit overblown-- I don't know of any cases, it's more of a rumor. Still, it's worth finding a clay with decent quality. It can certainly have an impact on the taste.
I think you'll find the best deals on alliexpress. I have never owned a big clay tea mug (they seem very masculine to me-- very Tough Guy) but I see some of the appeal for those who brew and drink "grandpa style" (also not for everyone)
Me? I need something with a built in filter for when I'm on the go. I have the exact thermos shown in this mug/thermos setand once it was seasoned it has become a great way to take tea with me.
Some of the mugs look OK even though I've heard them called "construction worker mugs" LOL. Any teachatters know how the primary brewing methods for these?
Do you plan on using teabags by the way?
Have you considered a clay lined thermos?
Anyway... we'll talk your ears off with tea advice.
Re: looking for a yixing mug
jkluczyk,
I would recommend one if you like the look, feel, design of the cup. For the clay itself, that would be less important. I have been using one for Keemun tea and because it is nicely made it brings an added aspect of enjoyment which I don't feel with a common ceramic mug. If you use it often it will season, and the teas you are drinking will be fine in it.
Do you steep in the mug, or just pour off into it? It makes a nice teapot/mug combination.
- plus all the information future bird posted as I was writing my post and hadn't seen
I would recommend one if you like the look, feel, design of the cup. For the clay itself, that would be less important. I have been using one for Keemun tea and because it is nicely made it brings an added aspect of enjoyment which I don't feel with a common ceramic mug. If you use it often it will season, and the teas you are drinking will be fine in it.
Do you steep in the mug, or just pour off into it? It makes a nice teapot/mug combination.
- plus all the information future bird posted as I was writing my post and hadn't seen
Re: looking for a yixing mug
oh wow, thanks for all the answers. I have some new tea to hunt for!
I usually make a plain tea in giant 1L plastic cup and ice it down! (trying to cut the soda out)
I figured it would be fun to have a .5L clay mug for my daily tea at work.
I just didn't want to get a clay cup that had the extra dyes/materials that would seep out of it.
As for tea, i do like oolong, especially the one usually found at Chinese restaurants. Although, i have bought a few in chinatown chicago that were oolong but never quite tasted the same, always a little more bitter/earthy/sour?.
I usually make a plain tea in giant 1L plastic cup and ice it down! (trying to cut the soda out)
I figured it would be fun to have a .5L clay mug for my daily tea at work.
I just didn't want to get a clay cup that had the extra dyes/materials that would seep out of it.
As for tea, i do like oolong, especially the one usually found at Chinese restaurants. Although, i have bought a few in chinatown chicago that were oolong but never quite tasted the same, always a little more bitter/earthy/sour?.
Re: looking for a yixing mug
FWIW, I think the Yixing version of these mugs is mostly a novelty. Ceramic is probably more usual, and also more practical.