Hello from a newbie
I am new to the forum and to the tea world. Just wanted to say hello and also add that any advice on what teas a newbie should try where to get them is welcomed. Thanks.
May 20th, '09, 18:25
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Herb_Master
I am from Charleston, WV and I am a computer geek for a living. As far as what has grabbed my interest, well I would say green tea and maybe Oolong tea. But I am willing to try any of them. I just did not know if there was maybe one that was considered to be for beginners. I have never tried loose tea before, so anything I have had has been bagged tea.
May 20th, '09, 19:23
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Welcome p_funk
Have you had a look at Adagio, out hosts, site? They offer a wide selection of loose leaf in sampler sizes which might be ideal.
If you become hooked on something in particular then you will find plenty of recommendations for specialist vendors here, or you may just become hooked on everything in which case your bank account will shed a tear or two.
For greens I would recommend Long Jing, also known as Dragonwell, as it is the most famous of the Chinese greens. And some sencha from Japan as there is quite a difference between the two styles - the Chinese greens tend to be a little more subtle.
For oolong I would say some Tie Kuan Yin, usually on the greener side of oolong and something of a wuyi nature which is usually on the darker side of oolong. Maybe something from Taiwan as they do produce some damn fine oolong.
And of course don't forget to pick up some stuff due to impulse buying.
Have you had a look at Adagio, out hosts, site? They offer a wide selection of loose leaf in sampler sizes which might be ideal.
If you become hooked on something in particular then you will find plenty of recommendations for specialist vendors here, or you may just become hooked on everything in which case your bank account will shed a tear or two.
For greens I would recommend Long Jing, also known as Dragonwell, as it is the most famous of the Chinese greens. And some sencha from Japan as there is quite a difference between the two styles - the Chinese greens tend to be a little more subtle.
For oolong I would say some Tie Kuan Yin, usually on the greener side of oolong and something of a wuyi nature which is usually on the darker side of oolong. Maybe something from Taiwan as they do produce some damn fine oolong.
And of course don't forget to pick up some stuff due to impulse buying.
May 20th, '09, 20:52
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Proinsias
If you're wanting to aim a little higher TeaSpring have some great greens in small sizes and Hou De Asian Art have some great oolongs in 2oz packs.
I've not tried the 2009 offerings from either of them yet but if previous years are anything to go by they should be a pretty solid bet for quality imo.
Edit: For Japanese greens Dens Tea do a $3 sampler kit with a money back thing on your next order, I've not tried it but that's because I live on the other side of the Atlantic. I've heard good things about Den's.
I've not tried the 2009 offerings from either of them yet but if previous years are anything to go by they should be a pretty solid bet for quality imo.
Edit: For Japanese greens Dens Tea do a $3 sampler kit with a money back thing on your next order, I've not tried it but that's because I live on the other side of the Atlantic. I've heard good things about Den's.
May 20th, '09, 22:20
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+1 the dens sampler for 3 bucks is definitely worth it if you haven't had any variety of japanese green teas. they are all quite tasty tooProinsias wrote:
Edit: For Japanese greens Dens Tea do a $3 sampler kit with a money back thing on your next order, I've not tried it but that's because I live on the other side of the Atlantic. I've heard good things about Den's.
Welcome!
I agree with Proinsias for the sellers he recommended.
You can also have some japanese greens from http://www.o-cha.com or http://www.hibiki-an.com
I agree with Proinsias for the sellers he recommended.
You can also have some japanese greens from http://www.o-cha.com or http://www.hibiki-an.com
Welcome! I would try Adagio first to get a feel for loose leaf and what your favorites are. I'd stay away from the oolong sampler unless you really love jasmine. I'd opt for ordering individual samples of the oolongs that sound appealing, or by rating, instead.
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May 21st, '09, 12:04
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May 21st, '09, 13:33
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May 21st, '09, 14:23
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May 21st, '09, 14:59
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At adagio there are samplers for each variety of tea.p_funk wrote:Thanks for all of the help guys/gals. One last question if you do not mind. Do any of the site offer a variety sampler? Like with 2 or 3 different teas. I quickly looked on the sites that were provided, but did not see anything. Thanks again.
Ex: If you go to green there should be listings for green sampler and green savant sampler