I am new to this forum and have been reading posts and feverishly searching the site for online retailers, aside from our wonderful host Adagio. I have accumulated about 20-30 samples, 10 of which are blacks. I really enjoy the Yunnan Jig, that one stands out the most to me. Of the samples, I may dislike maybe 2 of the black ones, a fairly small percentage.
My question is, what are the best online retailers to try out with regards to black teas? I found a great post with regards to some green teas, but I have struggled to find a good list for blacks. I would post the link but I have read that is a no-no for us noobs. I have typed in "online retailers" into the search box and just haven't had that much luck finding anything about black teas.
I have seen some wise tea-masters posting on here and I hope those sages take the time to help out a poor lil noob like myself. Thanks in advance.
Seems pretty unanimous, TeaSource it is, I shall check it out this evening.
I look forward to adding more to my library of teas, thanks folks.
I was looking at that last night. I saw on the Green Tea section that Seven Cups was recommended and I think the Dian Hong looked very similar to the Yunnan Jig I like so much.Seven Cups for me. I like gong fu blacks.
I look forward to adding more to my library of teas, thanks folks.
Last edited by Tea Noob on Dec 30th, '08, 20:10, edited 1 time in total.
Dec 30th, '08, 20:07
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Ron Gilmour
Seems that Upton is making a late push! I was very eager to get a darjeeling sample and I did with my 2nd order from Adagio. I definitely enjoyed it and I look forward to trying more. I really enjoy darker Greens and lighter Blacks and I think the Darjeeling nicely fits in that spectrum.
I am currently enjoying Oolong #8 from my library of Adagio samples. I got stuck in a TEAnado last night of sample trying. About 3 steeps each of a green, a white, an oolong, and a rooibos. Some of it wound up being put in the fridge as Iced Tea but it sure was a wild ride down the tea highway.
EDIT: While I was writing this Upton got a Negative, therefore TeaSource is where I will start. I was on there site and they do not have pictures of anything. They also don't sell samples of your choosing. At this point of my habit I am trying to pin down my tastes and may wait a bit to try this site.
I am currently enjoying Oolong #8 from my library of Adagio samples. I got stuck in a TEAnado last night of sample trying. About 3 steeps each of a green, a white, an oolong, and a rooibos. Some of it wound up being put in the fridge as Iced Tea but it sure was a wild ride down the tea highway.
EDIT: While I was writing this Upton got a Negative, therefore TeaSource is where I will start. I was on there site and they do not have pictures of anything. They also don't sell samples of your choosing. At this point of my habit I am trying to pin down my tastes and may wait a bit to try this site.
If your palate is leaning toward Darjeelings, I've had some pretty good ones from Upton and SpecialTeas, but nothing compared to the fantastic ones from Tea Emporium... straight from India, and the best Darjeeling I've had. I can't wait for Spring harvest, as most of the best ones are sold out. 
+1 for TeaSource... loved their Glenburn Wiry Vintage and Glendale Handmade Nilgiri. Don't forget to try Nilgiri... a great variety if you like lighter blacks and Darjeelings.
Sarah
+1 for TeaSource... loved their Glenburn Wiry Vintage and Glendale Handmade Nilgiri. Don't forget to try Nilgiri... a great variety if you like lighter blacks and Darjeelings.
Sarah
***This organic blend is earthy & spicy, with a fragrant aroma & smooth flavor to captivate the senses. Naturally sweetened in the Kentucky sunshine & infused with natural energy. Equally delicious when served piping hot or crisply chilled.***
I read another post about the Nilgiri and how heavily several people were recommending the Handmade one. I think I saw you on that one glowing about it. I shall check it out if I place an order with TeaSource. I sent them an email to see if I could get different samples then they offer in sample packs. If they let me I will definitely get some of that to try.+1 for TeaSource... loved their Glenburn Wiry Vintage and Glendale Handmade Nilgiri. Don't forget to try Nilgiri... a great variety if you like lighter blacks and Darjeelings.
Sarah
I have noticed Rishi at Whole Foods and didn't know anything about their products. They seemed pretty good but I wanted to check back on here to see what the consensus was. It doesn't seem that many people on here have written about it. It is good to hear that you enjoy their products. I will give it a try sometimes. I am kind of a Whole Foods addict so it won't be long before I am staring down some Rishi items.I always get great Blacks from Rishi but that is also because Organic/Fair Trade is important to me. They have also been very consistent in their tea quality.
I will look in to that. I see that upton sells samples so I may order from them first if TeaSource doesn't want to sell me smaller amounts.Upton has the best selection of Black teas anywhere...at least sign up for their catalog. It provides plenty of interesting reading...
Welcome to the forum!
EW
(I am currently drinking English Breakfast)
2oz packages really aren"t too much tea. Don't let that phase you too much. They are slightly bigger than normal samples, but small enough that it is not overwhelming, especially with the black teas.
I will second (or third or fourth) both Glendale Nilgiris from TeaSource, as well as their Earl Grey White Tip if you like Earl Greys.
I will second (or third or fourth) both Glendale Nilgiris from TeaSource, as well as their Earl Grey White Tip if you like Earl Greys.