Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Brewing Tip – The Benefits of Double Steeping

 

To “Double Steep” is to consecutively steep the tea twice, combine the results before subsequently serving the tea. It is a simple practice that has many benefits when utilized in the right way. Here I share a few common situations that can benefit from double steeping and thus enhance our enjoyment of tea.

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Handcrafted Incense – Age Nerikoh Balls

Dear fellow Tea Enthusiasts,

I have recently completed a small batch of Nerikoh incense. I am making available a portion to my readers interested in using the beautiful aroma to complement a tea session, meditation, and for relaxation. I started making this batch in January of 2017 so it has taken me 1 year to complete. This unique and high quality incense presents a rich and purity of scent that can only be credited to the quality of the raw natural materials and traditional process. Heating one little incense ball will provide scent to a small room for easily over an hour. This batch of Nerikoh incense was intentionally crafted with the potential for long term aging and with time the aromas will transform and mature into something very special.

Monday, January 22, 2018

Understanding and Appreciating the Qualities of Age Tea

Very old Guang Yun Gong teacake, 40+ years old

An increasing number of tea enthusiasts are interested in age tea and have started collections with the hope of nurturing and aging their own tea. Being a tea collector myself of almost 20 years I can attest that it is a wonderful and fulfilling hobby. In this article I would like to share my experience through what I have encountered with the process of aging and the qualities that are enjoyed in age tea.

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Tea Group - Vertical Tasting of Ban Zhang (2005-2013)

 
Photo credit goes to Ty Pip. See Facebook group post for complete listing

Last Sunday a group of tea enthusiasts gathered to share and learn from one another under the theme of Ban Zhang. Ban Zhang stands as one of the most famous regions in Yunnan Province for producing puerh tea. The moniker “King of Tea” is bestowed to Ban Zhang tea for its strong and powerful character. An article titled “Liquid Gold, Exploring Ban Zhang Tea by Wang Hau, Lou Ying Tin, Wu De” referenced the astounding prices that the region’s raw materials command in the tea market.

Thursday, November 9, 2017

Frankincense & Myrrh Nerikoh Balls

Traditional handcrafted incense is the nurturing and cultivation of nature’s scent.