2024 Sipdown Progress Thread
2024: Sipdown Progress Thread
The purpose of this thread is to track your progress on sipdowns over the year, encourage other Steepster members in their sipdown and/or general cupboard reduction/maintenance efforts, and most importantly, have fun while doing so!
Past Years:
2019: https://www.steepster.com/discuss/29734-2019-year-of-the-sipdown-challenge
2021: https://steepster.com/discuss/42494-2021-sipdown-progress-thread
2022: https://steepster.com/discuss/43802-2022-sipdown-progress-thread
2023: https://steepster.com/discuss/44707-2023-sipdown-progress-thread
What is a Sipdown?
A “sipdown” is drinking the last of a tea so that it is no longer in one’s cupboard. Since different people inventory their collection differently, some people count sipdowns of each individual package of the same tea, while others wait and only count the sipdown once that particular tea is completely gone from their cupboard. There is no right or wrong way to go about it; the purpose is to drink the tea one already has while reducing binge tea ordering habits to, ultimately, get a tea collection that feels “out of control” to feel more “under control!”
Ways to Sipdown
There are lots of ways to go about challenging yourself to sipdown more tea! Here are a few I’ve heard. Do you have a favorite method? Share your thoughts in the thread and I’ll add it to the list!
-Drink by Date: Clear out the oldest tea in the cupboard first, making room for the newer, fresher tea.
-Drink by Rating: Clear out lower-rated teas, either by experimenting with new ways of drinking them or gifting/trading them away!
-Sampler Sipdown: Focus on samplers or tea packages depleted to just a few servings, by making a dedicated area in the cupboard for teas that meet this criteria. They go quickly and can free up a lot of space!
-Randomizer: There are lots of different ways of using random generators to select a tea to focus on; the surprise from the random selection can be a lot fun!
-Keep Current on Subscriptions: Signed up to any tea subscriptions? Keep caught up on drinking subscription tea so it is out of the cupboard before the next subscription box shows up!
-A to Z of Tea: Drink a cup of tea with each tea name beginning with a different letter of the alphabet, in alphabetical order! It’s a good way to work through cups while having a lot of variety!
-Tea Bracket Tourney: Select 16 teas (or more or less, depending on your preferences) and pair them off in a bracket-style tournament to see which tea makes it to the end! This is a great way to get several cups in of a single tea that is doing well in the tourney!
-Cupboard Clearout: Have packages of tea that have been sitting around because they just aren’t favorites and you can’t seem to get through the packages no matter how hard you try? Then consider hosting a cupboard sale at the Official Stash Sales Thread (https://www.steepster.com/discuss/6840-official-stash-sales-thread), or heading over to the Tea Swaps Board (https://www.steepster.com/discuss?category=tea-swaps&page=2) and starting a Traveling Tea Box or seeing if you can trade/gift your unwanted tea!
The Zen of Sipdown: Acquiring Less Tea The best sipdown efforts in the world become a moot point if the amount of new tea acquisitions from orders, trades, tea boxes, and gifts exceeds the amount of tea being sipped down. The idea of decreasing the total amount of tea in the stash to a point of feeling in control and happy (note that this “amount” will be unique and different for everyone!) is to drink more tea that you already have than you are bringing in. Here are some tips to help make that possible: -If you order a lot of tea, set a budget that can’t be exceeded to help curb impulse or binge buying. -Unsubscribe from tea company mailing lists to resist the urge to jump at every sale e-mail that comes in. -Go “window shopping”: create carts on tea sites but wait a week before buying. Often the browsing/cart building is the most “satisfying” part, and a week later you may feel different about actually purchasing the items! -Do not be afraid to say “no” or not participate in teaboxes, tea exchanges, and group-buys. -Don’t be part of “enabler culture” when you know someone is working hard toward sipdown goals/reducing their cupboard; for some, saying “no” to proposed teaboxes, tea exchanges, and group-buys on a site filled with fellow tea-lovers can be very difficult! Remember to always be supportive of someone working toward sipdown/cupboard reduction goals and never take someone’s decline for a swap personally. Remember, working towards proper cupboard management does not mean you can never place a new tea order or jump into a teabox or tea swap: it’s about finding and maintaining the right balance for you and your cupboard. Create sipdown goals for yourself! If you meet those goals, feel free to reward yourself with some new tea! Attempt to keep new orders coming in less than the amount of tea cleared out, and cupboard numbers will start to drop!
Monthly Sipdown Challenge
This month, try to find and drink as many teas from this scavanger hunt item list as possible! (Feel free to interpret the items as you see fit, and remember, don’t make a new tea purchase just to “check off” an item from the list… if you are missing something, consider it a reminder of your excellent cupboard management progress!
November
November 2 – Cookie Monster’s birthday: you know what to do!
November 11 – World Origami Day: have puerh (cake or tuo) and admire the wrapping job!
November 30 – Prepare for the Advent Onslaught: have a favorite tea and make a note before
the calendar countdowns begin!
A tea that means autumn to you
Tea from your highest shelf/drawer/storage
Tea from your lowest shelf/drawer/storage
Tea with caramel or maple flavor (you can add your own!)
Your oldest black tea
Your cheapest tea
A tea for which you are especially thankful
I did not make my goal of 75 teas in cupboard last year but I did make good progress! I do not list samples and swaps in my cupboard unless they are large amounts, so I actually did lots of sipdowns, more than the 145 reported, updated my cupboard to reflect about 30 teas that were not listed before, and sipped down all teas that were past the “best by” date. (I think!)
My new goal for this year is to get down to 65 teas in my cupboard. Beginning cupboard without samples and swaps – 102
Sipdowns – M 4 Y 90
January
January 1 – Happy New Year – Drink a tea you’d love to have all year! Jardin Bleu by Damman Freres
January 12 – National Hot Tea Day – Have a tea that is close to a sipdown! Reserve Laoshan Black by Verdant
January 20 – National Coffee Break Day – Take a break with a coffee flavored tea, and if you don’t have one, just take a break with a favorite cuppa! Mocha Chicory by Teeccino
[X] A CTC tea – White Christmas by Lupicia
[X] A grocery store blend – Rooibos des Vahinès by Palais des Thes
[X] A winter inspired blend – White Christmas by Lupicia
[X] A small business blend – Cute and Clever Cocktail by 52Teas
[X] A blend made in another country – Tihna by Fares
[X] A blend made in your home country – Blackcurrant by Elmwood Inn
[X] Your oldest tea – White Anastasia by Kusmi
February
February 13 – Mardi Gras! Drink colorful tea or tea from your most colorful tin! Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster from Bird and Blend
February 14 – World Library Lovers’ Day – Drink a tea that reminds you of a favorite book! Vanilla Comoro by Harney and Sons
February 23 – World Quiet Day – Drink tea in silence, deep inhale for aroma, and no screens allowed! King’s Jasmine Pearls by King’s Zen Tea
[X] A tea that makes you feel extra cozy – Da Hong Pao by Bellocq
[X] A tea that energizes you – Chocolate Vanilla Mate by Savoy Tea Co.
[X] A tea ordered online – Alice In Wonderland by Harney and Sons
[X] A tea bought “in-store” – Warm Bread Pudding by The Spice and Tea Exchange
[X] An unflavored black tea – Lost Malawi by Rare Tea Company
[X] Your cheapest tea – Premium St. Valentine by Czar Nikolas
[X] Your most unusual tea – Thailand “Jin Xuan” Sticky Rice Oolong by What-Cha
March
March 8 – International Women’s Day – drink a tea from a woman-owned company or named for a woman. Queen Catherine by Harney and Sons
March 14 – Pi Day and Einstein’s Birthday – drink a tea to celebrate the many, many March birthdays of Steepster! Alishan Jin Xuan Oolong Winter by Lupicia
March 20 – International Day of Happiness – drink a tea that makes you feel happy! Jardin du Luxembourg by Dammann Freres
[X] A breakfast tea – Brigadoon Breakfast by Adagio
[X] A floral tea – Bouquet of Flowers by Kusmi
[X] An evening tea – Busuioc Si Lamaie by Fares 1929
[X] An unflavored green – Matcha Green Tea by Ito En
[X] Your tea with the shortest name – Carol by Lupicia
[X] Your tea with the longest name – 2004 Yunnan Menghai Old Tree Ripe Puerh Tea Brick
[X] Your current favorite daily drinker – Bouquet of Flowers No. 108 by Kusmi
April
April 1 – April Fool’s Day – Don’t have tea. Just kidding! Have a fun cuppa! Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster by Bird and Blend
April 22 – Earth Day – lift your cup in tribute to the tea farms and those who bring us our favorite beverage – bonus points for an earthy tea! 2004 Yang Ping Hao Kong Que Zhi from Liquid Proust
April 29 – World Wish Day – drink a tea you wish you could always have on hand! Merci Mille Fois by Lupicia
[X] A convenient tea – Sakurambo by Lupicia
[X] A pantry staple – Vanilla Comoro by Harney and Sons
[X] A tea from a swap or a sample – Organic Mamaki by Mountain Thunder
[X] A tea that reminds you of a garden – Jardin du Luxembourg by Dammann Freres
[X] A tea that comes in a special shape – Premium Jasmine Dragon Pearls by Teavivre
[X] A tea with a special meaning to you – Tower of London by Harney and Sons
[X] Your current favorite flavored black tea – Yume by Lupicia
May
May 4 – Herb Day: drink an herbal tea – Lavender Lace by S&V Tea
May 10 – Clean Your Room Day: tidy a tea box of shelf and drink something neglected – Jardin Sauvage by Lupicia
May 20 – Pick Strawberries Day: drink a strawberry (or fruity) tea – Decaf Carol by Lupicia
[X] A floral green – Jasmine Dragon Pearls Long Zhu Green Tea by Teavivre
[X] A floral black – Yunnan Golden Jasmine by Verdant
[X] A bowl or grandpa style tea – J.E. Oolong Milky by Theodor
[X] Your oldest non-puerh – Peppermint Herbal by Harney and Sons
[X] Your tea closest to sipdown – Decaf Sakurambo by Lupicia
[X] Your tea farthest from sipdown – Super-Blue Lavender by Harney
[X] A “guest favorite” tea – St. Valentine’s Tea by Czar Nicolas II
June
June 5 – World Environment Day – drink an organic tea Grapefruit Creme Brulee by 52teas
June 18 – International Picnic Day – have tea outdoors – Orange Tabby Soda by 52teas
June 28 – Cream Tea Day: have tea with pastries or tea with cream/milk – Big Ben by Palais des Thés
[X] A white tea – White Grape White Tea by Tin Roof Teas
[X] A peachy tea – Vanilla Peach Apricot #12 by Portal
[X] A tea from India – Mountain Morning by Perennial Tea Room
[X] A tea from Africa – Lost Malawi by Rare Tea Co.
[X] A refreshing summer tea – Happy Dreams by Dammann Freres
[X] A tea you bought multiples of – Cerisier by Lupicia
[X] Your oldest oolong – JE Oolong Milky by TheOdor
July
July 1 – World Watercolor Month: drink a tea whose color you love – Mango Fruit Tea by Harney and Sons
July 7 – World Chocolate Day: drink a chocolate tea or tea with chocolate notes – Cacao Tea by Mi Cacao
July 20 – International Chess Day: drink a black tea and a white tea – Decaf Paris by Harney and Organic White Peony by Teavivre
[X] A minty tea – Peppermint Herbal by Harney and Sons
[X] A fruity tea – Vanilla Peach Apricot by Portal Tea
[X] An iced tea – Black Iced Tea by Rare Tea Company
[X] Your oldest green – Yunnan Pine Needles by Tea Runners
[X] A tea you will re-order – White Grape White Tea by Tin Roof Teas
[X] A tea you can’t repurchase – Tilluel Menthe by TheOdor
[X] Tea from your prettiest tin – Premium St. Valentine by Czar Nikolas in F&M tin
August
August 2 – International Beer Day: drink a malty or hoppy tea Lost Malawi by Rare Tea Co.
August 8 – International Infinity Day: drink a tea you’ll love forever Jardin Bleu by Dammann Freres
August 24 – Strange Music Day: drink tea and listen to strange or new-to-you music Christmas by Adagio
[X] A teabag tea – English Rose by Private Selection
[X] A grassy tea – Zodiac Auspicious Tea Year of the Dragon by Ujien
[X] A wake-up tea – Seven Dials Blend by Adagio
[X] A calming tea – Violette by Dammann Freres
[X] Your biggest leaf tea – Plum Blossom Chinese Oolong by Tea Grotto
[X] Your poshest tea – Mûre Sauvage by Dammann Freres
[X] Tea with the smallest amount left – Midsummer Night’s Tea by Harney & Sons
September
September 8 – World Literacy Day: drink tea while reading a favorite book or story Lewis Carrol’s Black Tea Blend by Simpson & Vail
September 22 – Fall Equinox: drink a tea for the new season – Momijigari by Lupicia
September 27 – World Tourism Day: have a tea from a place you want to visit or have visited Single Estate Lost Malawi by Rare Tea Co.
Let’s celebrate the premier of The Muppet Show in September 1976 with a few fun prompts!
[X] A tea from India – Sakura and Berry by Lupicia
[X] A tea from Africa – Satemna Antlers White Tea by What-Cha
[X] A tea that Kermit would drink – Lost Malawi by Rare Tea Co.
[X] A tea Miss Piggy would drink – Jardin du Luxembourg by Dammann Freres
[X] A tea Animal would drink – O’Connor’s Cream from Tin Roof Teas
[X] A tea from China – Chinese Emperor’s Breakfast by Rare Tea Co.
[X] A tea from Taiwan – Kotobuki by Lupicia
October
October 4 – World Smile Day: drink a tea that puts a smile on your face! Single Estate Lost Malawi by Rare Tea Company
October 16 – World Food Day: have tea with a favorite food Lemon Biscotti iced with homemade honey nut chicken salad
October 25 – International Artist Day: drink tea and make something, even a doodle! Pleine Lune by Mariage Freres
[X] A brisk tea – Black Iced Tea by Rare Tea Company
[X] A tea with cinnamon or clove – Thai Rooibos by Harney & Sons
[X] A tea with beautiful color – Carol by Lupicia
[X] A tea with maple syrup or flavor – Chocolate Chai Supreme by Harney and Sons
[X] A tea that reminds you of falling leaves – Malawi Mountain Moto by Rare Tea Co.
[X] A tea with a unique name – Yasha’s Book of Flowers
[X] A tea from a favorite fall cup or mug – Apple Cinnamon Coffeecake by S&V
November
November 2 – Cookie Monster’s birthday: you know what to do! Almond Sugar Cookie by S&V
November 11 – World Origami Day: have puerh (cake or tuo) and admire the wrapping job! Fengqing Ripened Tribute Cake 2013 by Teavivre
November 30 – Prepare for the Advent Onslaught: have a favorite tea and make a note before
the calendar countdowns begin!
[X] A tea that means autumn to you – Momijigari by Lupicia
[X] Tea from your highest shelf/drawer/storage – Black Iced Tea by Rare Tea Co.
[X] Tea from your lowest shelf/drawer/storage Decaf Carol by Lupicia
[X] Tea with caramel or maple flavor (you can add your own!) – Toffee Apple by F&M
[X] Your oldest black tea – Bailin Gong Fu Black by Teavivre
[X] Your cheapest tea – Harris Teeter Family Size Bags
[X] A tea for which you are especially thankful – Cache-cache by Lupicia
Thanks for doing the prompts again this year, ashmanra! I didn’t make my goal of 150 for 2023 since I was away from my tea collection for about half the year, but I think I did a decent enough job with 110 sipdowns.
goal for 2024: 150 sipdowns (Note of how many unique teas I started the year with in my Steepster cupboard on Jan 1: 1,134. egads. Note: even if I have one teabag of something, I usually add it to the cupboard…)
2019 Sipdown total: 92
2020 Sipdown total: 102
2021 Sipdown total: 156
2022 Sipdown total: 150
2023 Sipdown total: 110
2024 Sipdown total: 80
January
[X] January 1 – Happy New Year – [52Teas – Champagne Golden Monkey]
[X] January 12 – National Hot Tea Day – [Rakkasan – Andean Black + Cacao]
[X] January 20 – National Coffee Break Day – [Herbal Infusions – Moose Tracks]
[X] A CTC tea – [Utopia Tea – Assam CTC] *not a true sipdown
[X] A grocery store blend – [Organic India – Tulsi Original]
[X] A winter inspired blend – [Simpson & Vail – Winter Wonderland Rooibos] *not a true sipdown
[X] A small business blend – [Simpson & Vail – Imperial Yunnan]
[X] A blend made in another country – [Bird & Blend – Maple Bacon Pancakes] *not a true sipdown
[X] A blend made in your home country – [Juniper Ridge – White Sage & Wild Mint]
[X] Your oldest tea – [The Tea Merchant – Silk Dragon]
February
[X] February 13 – Mardi Gras! – [Tealux – Feng Shui Wellness]
[X] February 14 – World Library Lovers’ Day – [Simpson & Vail – Bronte Sisters’ Black + Bird + Blend – Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster]
February 23 – World Quiet Day – Drink tea in silence, deep inhale for aroma, and no screens allowed!
[X] A tea that makes you feel extra cozy – [New Mexico Tea Co – Roasted Kukicha]
[X] A tea that energizes you – [Zest Tea – Earl Grey] *not a true sipdown
[X] A tea ordered online – [Bird & Blend – Rhubarb & Custard]
A tea bought “in-store”
[X] An unflavored black tea – [Teavivre – Organic Hong Songzhen (Pine Needle) Black]
[X] Your cheapest tea – [Bird & Blend – Christmas Cake] *not a true sipdown
[X] Your most unusual tea – [Tealyra – Green Vitality] *not a true sipdown
March
[X] March 8 – International Women’s Day – [Butiki – Three Friends] *not a true sipdown
[X] March 14 – Pi Day and Einstein’s Birthday – [Bird & Blend – Vicky’s sponge cake] *not a true sipdown
March 20 – International Day of Happiness – drink a tea that makes you feel happy!
[X] A breakfast tea – [Bird & Blend- Breakfast Boost] *not a true sipdown
[X] A floral tea – [Yunnan Sourcing – Ripe Pu-erh tea and Noto-Ginseng Flower Mini Tuo]
[X] An evening tea – [Steenbergs – Organic Red Chai]
[X] An unflavored green – [Beautiful Taiwan Tea Co – Premium Fish Hook] *not a true sipdown
[X] Your tea with the shortest name – [Tea-adventure – Fushou] *not a true sipdown
[X] Your tea with the longest name – [SBT: Pumpkin Pie Crepe with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and Chocolate Sauce]
Your current favorite daily drinker
April
[X] April 1 – April Fool’s Day – [Bird & Blend – Strawberry Split] *not a true sipdown
[X] April 22 – Earth Day – [Mellow Monk – Top Leaf] *not a true sipdown
April 29 – World Wish Day – drink a tea you wish you could always have on hand!
A convenient tea
[X] A pantry staple – [Simpson & Vail – Coconut Macaroon] *not a true sipdown
A tea from a swap or a sample
[X] A tea that reminds you of a garden – [Della Terra Teas – A Rabbit’s Garden] *not a true sipdown
[X] A tea that comes in a special shape – [Mandala – Ripe Pu’er Mini-Tuocha Variety Package] *not a true sipdown
[X] A tea with a special meaning to you – [Element Tea – Creme Earl Grey] *not a true sipdown
Your current favorite flavored black tea
May
May 4 – Herb Day: drink an herbal tea
May 10 – Clean Your Room Day: tidy a tea box or shelf and drink something neglected
[X] May 20 – Pick Strawberries Day – [52Teas – Cherry Marshmallow Treat] *not a true sipdown
[X] A floral green – [Zen Tea – Jasmine Dragon Pearl] *not a true sipdown
[X] A floral black – [Mountain Witch Tea Co – Black Jasmine Cream] *not a true sipdown
A bowl or grandpa style tea
[X] Your oldest non-puerh – [Georgia Tea Co – Carnival Blend]
[X] Your tea closest to sipdown – [Teavivre – Keemun Aromatic Snail]
[X] Your tea farthest from sipdown – [Maya Tea – Raspberry black] *not a true sipdown
A “guest favorite” tea
June
[X] June 5 – World Environment Day – [Davidstea – Cold 911 (Organic)]
June 18 – International Picnic Day – have tea outdoors
June 28 – Cream Tea Day: have tea with pastries or tea with cream/milk
[X] A white tea – [TeaRunners – White Pearls]
[X]A peachy tea – [Bird & Blend – Peach Melba] *not a true sipdown
[X]A tea from India – [TeaSource – Raspberry Lemonade]
[X] A tea from Africa – [TeaGschwendner – Rooibush Panna Cotta Rhubarb Cream] *not a true sipdown
[X] A refreshing summer tea – [Lupicia – Melon White] *not a true sipdown
[X] A tea you bought multiples of – [Tiesta Tea – I Gotta Colada] *not a true sipdown
[X] Your oldest oolong – [Adagio – Jade Oolong]
July
[X] July 1 – World Watercolor Month: drink a tea whose color you love [Tealux – Tropical Breeze] *not a true sipdown
[X] July 7 – World Chocolate Day – [Davidstea- White Chocolate Chai]
[X] July 20 – International Chess Day – [Lupicia – Melon White + Harney – Malachi McCormick’s blend] *not true sipdowns
[X] A minty tea – [Traditional Medicinals – Organic Peppermint] *not a true sipdown
[X] A fruity tea – [Zen – Cranberry Acai]
[X] An iced tea – [Southern Boy Teas – Lime Cola] *not a true sipdown
[X] Your oldest green – [Tea Forte – Sencha]
[X] A tea you will re-order – [Bigelow – Pumpkin Spice] *not a true sipdown
[X] A tea you can’t repurchase – [Teavivre – Organic Nonpareil She Qian Dragon Well Long Jing Green]
[X] Tea from your prettiest tin – [Harney & Sons – Vanilla Comoro] *not a true sipdown
August
August 2 – International Beer Day: drink a malty or hoppy tea
[X] August 8 – International Infinity Day – [Harney & Sons – Chai] *not a true sipdown
August 24 – Strange Music Day: drink tea and listen to strange or new-to-you music
A teabag tea
A grassy tea
[X] A wake-up tea – [TeaMaze – Coffee]
[X] A calming tea – [ESP Emporium – Tiramisu / Mascarpone]
[X] Your biggest leaf tea – [Zen Tea – Jasmine Dragon Pearl]
Your poshest tea
[X] Tea with the smallest amount left – [Zen Tea – China Keemun]
September
[X] September 8 – World Literacy Day – [Simpson & Vail – Beatrix Potter] *not a true sipdown
September 22 – Fall Equinox: drink a tea for the new season
[X] September 27 – World Tourism Day – [New Mexico Tea Co – Scottish Breakfast] *not a true sipdown
[X] A tea from India – [Fusion – Assam Black]
[X] A tea from Africa – [Davidstea – North African Mint] *not a true sipdown
[X] A tea that Kermit would drink – [Teavivre – Organic Bai Hao White Downy Green] *not a true sipdown
[X] A tea Miss Piggy would drink – [Tealyra – Parisian Sparkling Wine] *not a true sipdown
[X] A tea Animal would drink – [ESP Emporium – Wild Grey]
[X] A tea from China – [Teavivre – Yunnan Gongfu Fragrant]
[X] A tea from Taiwan – [What-cha – Taiwan GABA oolong]
October
[X] October 4 – World Smile Day – [52Teas – Peach Cardamom]
[X] October 16 – World Food Day: have tea with a favorite food – [Bird & Blend – Honey, I’m Comb] *not a true sipdown
October 25 – International Artist Day: drink tea and make something, even a doodle!
[X] A brisk tea – [Market Spice – Connoisseur’s Blend]
[X] A tea with cinnamon or clove – [Indigo Tea Co – Red Hot Cinnamon Black]
A tea with beautiful color
[X] A tea with maple syrup or flavor – [Tealyra – Canadian Dream/ Maple tea] *not a true sipdown
[X] A tea that reminds you of falling leaves – [DavidsTea – Oh Canada!] *not a true sipdown
[X] A tea with a unique name – [Puerhshop – 2013 Yiwu Pinweizhichun Puerh] *not a true sipdown
A tea from a favorite fall cup or mug
November
November 2 – Cookie Monster’s birthday: you know what to do!
November 11 – World Origami Day: have puerh (cake or tuo) and admire the wrapping job!
November 30 – Prepare for the Advent Onslaught: have a favorite tea and make a note before the calendar countdowns begin!
[X] A tea that means autumn to you – [Bird & Blend – Bonfire Toffee] *not a true sipdown
Tea from your highest shelf/drawer/storage
Tea from your lowest shelf/drawer/storage
[X] Tea with caramel or maple flavor – [Della Terra – Cappuccino Caramel Crunch] *not a true sipdown
[X] Your oldest black tea [American Tea Room – Brioche Organic] *not a true sipdown
Your cheapest tea
[X] A tea for which you are especially thankful – [Bird & Blend – Spiced Pumpkin Pie] *not a true sipdown
Thanks again @ashmanra for another year with prompts. Want to definitely get those done every month. Appreciate your time and creativity. :)
2024 overall goals:
*Start getting my tea/teaware organized.
*Make my tea room (spare bedroom) a nice place, not just a junk storage unit
*Support my favorites/staples (Tea Thoughts, 52teas, Friday Tea, Dessert by Deb and occasional purchases from David’s Tea, white2tea and High Garden Tea) but be open to new companies.
*More involved on steepster and IG regularly also would love some real-life tea friends.
Note, for me, any size (package, tin, teabag, etc.) counts as one sipdown.
2024 total sipdowns: 72
2023 total sipdowns: 427 (average 35.6 a month. overall goal for year: 600. Worst month December with 18. Best month Feb + Mar with 53.)
2022 total sipdowns: 602 (average 50.1 a month. overall goal for year 660. Worst month January with 34. Best month November with 70.)
2021 total sipdowns: 514 (average 42.8 a month. Worst month August with 31. Best month December with 55.)
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2024 overall sipdown total (through 5/31/24): 72 / giveaway total: 16
May sipdown total: / giveaway total: unknown
April sipdown total:/ giveaway total: unknown
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March 2024
March sipdown total: 25 / giveaway total:
2024 overall sipdown total: 72 / giveaway total: 16
March 8 – International Women’s Day – drink a tea from a woman-owned company or named for a woman.
March 14 – Pi Day and Einstein’s Birthday – drink a tea to celebrate the many, many March birthdays of Steepster!
March 20 – International Day of Happiness – drink a tea that makes you feel happy!
A breakfast tea
A floral tea
An evening tea
An unflavored green — 3/5/24 High Garden Tea 4 oz green
Your tea with the shortest name
Your tea with the longest name
Your current favorite daily drinker
February 2024
February sipdown total: 23 / giveaway total: 3
2024 overall sipdown total: 47 / giveaway total: 16
February specific goals: *TBD
February SIPDOWN CHALLENGE (completed 4-8 – did not complete: 1-3, 9, 10)
1) February 13 – Mardi Gras! Drink colorful tea or tea from your most colorful tin!
2) February 14 – World Library Lovers’ Day – Drink a tea that reminds you of a favorite book!
3) February 23 – World Quiet Day – Drink tea in silence, deep inhale for aroma, and no screens allowed!
4) A tea that makes you feel extra cozy Townshend’s Rooibos Chai Concentrate made as a hot latte on the stove with vanilla almond milk for Micah 2/5/24 Didn’t intend for it to be for him but as it turns out he came back from a run + put a few spoons of brown sugar and had it with his dinner. :)
5) A tea that energizes you Friday Tea – Baby’s Blend (my daily workday morning drinker roughly Nov or Dec 2023 to Feb 2024 to finish an 8 oz bag)
6) A tea ordered online High Garden Tea – Golden Roots (in 2020 after was unable to visit in person due to tornado destroying their physical store just before the pandemic)
7) A tea bought “in-store” David’s Tea – The Spice is Right (wrote a Steepster note 2/15)
8) An unflavored black tea Justea – African Breakfast
9) Your cheapest tea
10) Your most unusual tea
January 2024
January sipdown total (same as 2024 overall total): 24 / January giveaway total (same as 2024 overall total): 13
January Specific goals: *Sipdown David’s Tea Festive Favorites Sachet Wheel & NABO advent calendar 2022
January SIPDOWN CHALLENGE (completed 1-2, 5-10 – did not complete: 3, 4)
1) January 1 – Happy New Year – Drink a tea you’d love to have all year! Dessert by Deb Matcha Cream Puff and Lavender Coconut Macaroon (each one a 25g packets). Not sure if I’d drink these specific teas all year (although do have multiple packets of these teas) but been a Dessert By Deb fan since the beginning!
2) January 12 – National Hot Tea Day – Have a tea that is close to a sipdown! Dessert by Deb Holiday Cranberry Crumble 75g packet. This was a sipdown! Have 3-5 of these (all unopened from my bin of older Deb teas) and they are from December 2020 so I need to get creative on how to use the rest. Love Cranberry but not a rooibos fan and hmm….
3) January 20 – National Coffee Break Day – Take a break with a coffee flavored tea, and if you don’t have one, just take a break with a favorite cuppa!
4) A CTC tea - still searching to see if I have any CTC teas.
5) A grocery store blend — Elderberry & Echinacea by Pukka
6) A winter inspired blend — NABO advent calendar 2022 (1 full calendar of the 27. Purchased 1 or 2? in fall 2022, then in early 2023 bought like 25 more? on clearance.)
7) A small business blend Fava Tea Sunny Sangria (sample packet from old Sipsby box??)
8) A blend made in another country — Great Divide Tea by Teadore
9) A blend made in your home country — Mango Lemonade by 52teas
10) Your oldest tea — David’s Tea Festive Favorites Sachet Wheel
I completely lost track last year, but I hope this year will be different (but somehow a bit difficult as well). Definitely buying ban for some time and then maybe some new teas. In bold are fullfiled prompts. Prompts fullfiled by single session are counted here as well, but not as a sipdown number.
January prompts:
January 1 – Happy New Year – Drink a tea you’d love to have all year!
January 12 – National Hot Tea Day – Have a tea that is close to a sipdown!
January 20 – National Coffee Break Day – Take a break with a coffee flavored tea, and if you don’t have one, just take a break with a favorite cuppa!
A CTC tea
A grocery store blend
A winter inspired blend
A small business blend
A blend made in another country
A blend made in your home country
Your oldest tea
February 13 – Mardi Gras! Drink colorful tea or tea from your most colorful tin!
February 14 – World Library Lovers’ Day – Drink a tea that reminds you of a favorite book!
February 23 – World Quiet Day – Drink tea in silence, deep inhale for aroma, and no screens allowed!
A tea that makes you feel extra cozy
A tea that energizes you
A tea ordered online
A tea bought “in-store”
An unflavored black tea
Your cheapest tea
Your most unusual tea
March 8 – International Women’s Day – drink a tea from a woman-owned company or named for a woman.
March 14 – Pi Day and Einstein’s Birthday – drink a tea to celebrate the many, many March birthdays of Steepster!
March 20 – International Day of Happiness – drink a tea that makes you feel happy!
A breakfast tea
A floral tea
An evening tea
An unflavored green
Your tea with the shortest name
Your tea with the longest name
Your current favorite daily drinker
Happy 2024! So I did decently last year, reducing my tea count by just over 60. As usual, I did pretty great in the first half of the year, but started to go downhill after that.
Total 2021 Sipdowns: 520
Total 2022 Sipdowns: 450
Total 2023 Sipdowns: 419
TOTAL 2024 SIPDOWNS: 148
Starting cupboard size: 214
Ending cupboard size: TBD
Goals:
- Under 150 teas by the end of 2024
- Maximum of 1 order per month
- Limit advent calendars to 5
January
Sipdowns: 6
Teas In: 6
February
Sipdowns: 0
Teas In: 0
March
Sipdowns: 7
Teas In: 6
Subscriptions: Old Barrel
April
Sipdowns: 0
Teas In: 19
Subscriptions: Obubu
Ending Cupboard Size: 219
May
Sipdowns: 36
Teas In: 63
Ending Cupboard Size: 245
June
Sipdowns: 17
Teas In: 33
Subscriptions: Obubu, Old Barrel
Ending Cupboard Size: 256
July
Sipdowns: 40
Teas In: 1
Ending Cupboard Size: 241
August
Sipdowns: 13
Teas In: 8
Ending Cupboard Size: 234
September
Sipdowns: 10
Teas In: 11
Subscriptions: Old Barrel
Ending Cupboard Size: 236
October
Sipdowns: 14
Teas In: 19
Ending Cupboard Size: 240
November
Sipdowns: 5
Teas In: 1
Ending Cupboard Size: TBD
My sipdown progress for 2023 was abysmal. Thank goodness this is all just for fun. I ended the year with a higher count than I started, due in part to a hefty TTB (I typically add everything to my cupboard, even little samples). There were also plenty of tea purchases – I didn’t restrict myself too much there. I’m going to keep a similar goal for 2024. The plan is to finish off all of the older teas in my cupboard (anything older than three years) and anything with a “best by” date in 2024. It’s a lofty goal and one I’ve never met, but it’s a practical challenge.
2023 Sipdown Total: 122
2024 Sipdown Goal: 285
Starting cupboard size: 481
January: 25
February: 28
March: 13
April: 0
May: 0
June: 3
July:
2024 Sipdown Total: 69
Ending cupboard size: ???
1st Sipdown of 2024 — Forest Joy (Skogsförjd) by Nabo
Final Sipdown of 2024 — ???
2024 Sipdown Progress Challenge – January
x January 1 – Happy New Year → Forest Joy (Skogsförjd) by Nabo
x January 12 – National Hot Tea Day → Blueberry by The Dark Tickle Co. Newfoundland
x January 20 – National Coffee Break Day → Dark Chocolate by Teeccino
x A CTC tea → Assam CTC by Lupicia
x A grocery store blend → Vanilla Comoro by Harney & Sons
x A winter inspired blend → Sparkling Sugar Plum by The Whistling Kettle
x A small business blend → Mordor by Liquid Proust Teas
x A blend made in another country → Perseus by THEODOR
x A blend made in your home country → Immortal Monk by High Garden
x Your oldest tea → Lapsang Souchong by Mountain Rose Herbs
2024 Sipdown Progress Challenge – February
x February 13 – Mardi Gras → Matcha Blueberry by Simpson & Vail
x February 14 – World Library Lovers’ Day → Earl Grey Supreme by Harney & Sons
x February 23 – World Quiet Day → Enchanted Christmas by Trader Nicks Tea Company
x A tea that makes you feel extra cozy → Chroning by Gnat and Bee
x A tea that energizes you → Sunskate Mini by white2tea
x A tea ordered online → Merci Mille Fois by Lupicia
x A tea bought “in-store” → 1777 Tea Party by Wedgwood
x An unflavored black tea → Tea Break by Lupicia
x Your cheapest tea → Vana Holy Basil Tulsi by Mountain Rose Herbs
x Your most unusual tea → Lumberjack Black by Jolie Tea Company
2024 Sipdown Progress Challenge – March
x March 8 – International Women’s Day → Scorpio’s Passion by Satori Tea Company
x March 14 – Pi Day and Einstein’s Birthday → Classic Bai Lin Gong Fu “Golden Monkey” Black Tea of Fuding by Yunnan Sourcing
x March 20 – International Day of Happiness → Strawberry by Lupicia
x A breakfast tea → Kilimanjaro by Lupicia
x A floral tea → Tennessee Honeysuckle by High Garden
x An evening tea → Strawberry Decaf by My Cup of Tea (USA)
x An unflavored green → Kuki Cha by Sugimoto America
x Your tea with the shortest name → Yume by Lupicia
x Your tea with the longest name → Darjeeling The First Flush by Lupicia
x Your current favorite daily drinker → Jin Jun Mei (Unknown from China)
2024 Sipdown Progress Challenge – April
x April 1 – April Fool’s Day → Squirrely by Adagio Custom Blends, Christa Y
x April 22 – Earth Day → English Breakfast by High Garden
x April 29 – World Wish Day → Black Magic by High Garden
x A convenient tea → Masala Chai by Rishi Tea
x A pantry staple → Two Seasons by teakruthi
x A tea from a swap or a sample → Cranberry Tea (TF27) by Upton Tea Imports
- A tea that reminds you of a garden
x A tea that comes in a special shape → 2012 Gold Mini-Brick Ripe by Mandala Tea
x A tea with a special meaning to you → Antelope Flats by Tea Hive
x Your current favorite flavored black tea → Lychee Congou Black by High Garden
2024 Sipdown Progress Challenge – May
- May 4 – Herb Day
- May 10 – Clean Your Room Day
- May 20 – Pick Strawberries Day
- A floral green
- A floral black
- A bowl or grandpa style tea
- Your oldest non-puerh
- Your tea closest to sipdown
- Your tea farthest from sipdown
- A “guest favorite” tea
Last year I wanted to reach 75 sipdowns, but I ended up with 58. Not great, but not terrible!
This year I’m keeping my goal of 75 sipdowns… why not be aspirational!? I consider something a sipdown if I originally had at least two servings of it.
2024 sipdown goal: 75
January: 8
February: 2
March: 4
April: 6
May: 3
June: 2
July: 1
August: 4
September: 3
October: 4
November: 6
December:
Total 2024 sipdowns so far: 43
January Sipdown Challenge
_ January 1: Happy New Year! – Drink a tea you’d love to have all year!
_ January 12: National Hot Tea Day – Have a tea that is close to a sipdown!
_ January 20: National Coffee Break Day – Take a break with a coffee flavored tea, and if you don’t have one, just take a break with a favorite cuppa!
_ A CTC tea
_ A grocery store blend
[x] A winter inspired blend: Candy Cane Marshmallow Treat Genmaicha (52Teas)
[x] A small business blend: Brown Butter Custard Genmaicha (52Teas)
[x] A blend made in another country: Elbhangglück (Teerausch)
[x] A blend made in your home country: Blueberry Lemon Fluff (52Teas)
_ Your oldest tea
Additional sipdowns:
Found Family (Call Me Sweetea)
Cherry Blossom (Harney & Sons)
Peach Praline Green Tea (52Teas)
Maple Apple Kukicha (52Teas)
Earl Grey Cheesecake (52Teas)
Total: 8
February Sipdown Challenge
_ February 13: Mardi Gras! Drink colorful tea or tea from your most colorful tin!
_ February 14: World Library Lovers’ Day – Drink a tea that reminds you of a favorite book!
_ February 23: World Quiet Day – Drink tea in silence, deep inhale for aroma, and no screens allowed!
_ A tea that makes you feel extra cozy
[x] A tea that energizes you: Don’t Gimme No Bammer (Hella Tea)
_ A tea ordered online
_ A tea bought “in-store”
_ An unflavored black tea
_ Your cheapest tea
_ Your most unusual tea
Additional sipdowns:
Chocolate Malt Dream Black Tea (52Teas)
Total:
2
March Sipdown Challenge
[x] March 8: International Women’s Day – Drink a tea from a woman-owned company or named for a woman: Strawberry Jam & Toast (Dessert by Deb)
_ March 14: Pi Day and Einstein’s Birthday – Drink a tea to celebrate the many, many March birthdays of Steepster!
_ March 20: International Day of Happiness – Drink a tea that makes you feel happy!
[x] A breakfast tea: Tea Bread Black Tea (52Teas)
_ A floral tea
_ An evening tea
_ An unflavored green
_ Your tea with the shortest name
[x] Your tea with the longest name: Never Rub Another Man’s Rhubarb Black Tea (52Teas)
_ Your current favorite daily drinker
Additional sipdowns:
Purple Needle Black Tea
Total:
4
April Sipdown Challenge
_ April 1: April Fool’s Day – Don’t have tea. Just kidding! Have a fun cuppa!
_ April 22: Earth Day – Lift your cup in tribute to the tea farms and those who bring us our favorite beverage – bonus points for an earthy tea!
_ April 29: World Wish Day – Drink a tea you wish you could always have on hand!
_ A convenient tea
_ A pantry staple
[x] A tea from a swap or a sample: Cherrifier (Brutaliteas)
_ A tea that reminds you of a garden
_ A tea that comes in a special shape
_ A tea with a special meaning to you
_ Your current favorite flavored black tea
Additional sipdowns:
Cinnamon Rooibos Chai (DavidsTea)
Cranberry Creme Black Tea (52Teas)
Lychee Congou (Simpson & Vail)
Inka Chocolade (Tante T)
Banana Eggnog Oolong (52Teas)
Total:
6
May Sipdown Challenge
_ May 4: Herb Day – Drink an herbal tea
_ May 10: Clean Your Room Day – Tidy a tea box or shelf and drink something neglected
_ May 20: Pick Strawberries Day – Drink a strawberry (or fruity) tea
_ A floral green
_ A floral black
_ A bowl or grandpa style tea
_ Your oldest non-puerh
_ Your tea closest to sipdown
_ Your tea farthest from sipdown
_ A “guest favorite” tea
Additional sipdowns:
Grape Sencha (Den’s Tea)
Banana Marshmallow Treat Genmaicha (52Teas)
Mystery black tea of unknown provenance
Total:
3
June Sipdown Challenge
_ June 5: World Environment Day – Drink an organic tea
_ June 18: International Picnic Day – Have tea outdoors
_ June 28: Cream Tea Day – Have tea with pastries or tea with cream/milk
_ A white tea
_ A peachy tea
_ A tea from India
_ A tea from Africa
_ A refreshing summer tea
_ A tea you bought multiples of
_ Your oldest oolong
Additional sipdowns:
French Vanilla Marshmallow Assam Black Tea (52Teas)
Panettone Black Tea (52Teas)
Total:
2
July Sipdown Challenge
_ July 1: World Watercolor Month – Drink a tea whose color you love
_ July 7: World Chocolate Day – Drink a chocolate tea or tea with chocolate notes
_ July 20: International Chess Day – Drink a black tea and a white tea
_ A minty tea
_ A fruity tea
_ An iced tea
_ Your oldest green
_ A tea you will re-order
_ A tea you can’t repurchase
_ Tea from your prettiest tin
Additional sipdowns:
Pancake Breakfast Black Tea (52Teas)
Total:
1
August Sipdown Challenge
_ August 2: International Beer Day – Drink a malty or hoppy tea
_ August 8: International Infinity Day – Drink a tea you’ll love forever
_ August 24: Strange Music Day – Drink tea and listen to strange or new-to-you music
_ A teabag tea
_ A grassy tea
_ A wake-up tea
[x] A calming tea: Deltangam (Tea Thoughts) // Lavender Rose Vanilla (Leaf & Petal/Vida pour Tea)
_ Your biggest leaf tea
_ Your poshest tea
_ Tea with the smallest amount left
Additional sipdowns:
Banana Peach Green Tea (52Teas)
Pineapple Whip Green Tea (52Teas)
Total:
4
September Sipdown Challenge
_ September 8: World Literacy Day – Drink tea while reading a favorite book or story
_ September 22: Fall Equinox – Drink a tea for the new season
_ September 27: World Tourism Day – Have a tea from a place you want to visit or have visited
_ A tea from India
_ A tea from Africa
[x] A tea Kermit would drink: Tea & Toast (Bird & Blend)
_ A tea Miss Piggy would drink
_ A tea Animal would drink
_ A tea from China
_ A tea from Taiwan
Additional sipdowns:
Wild Blueberry Black Tea (52Teas)
Wild Marshmallow Black Tea (52Teas)
Total:
3
October Sipdown Challenge
_ October 4: World Smile Day – Drink a tea that puts a smile on your face!
_ October 16: World Food Day – Have tea with a favorite food
_ October 25: International Artist Day – Drink tea and make something, even a doodle!
_ A brisk tea
[x] A tea with cinnamon or clove: Breakfast in Bed Black Tea (52Teas)
_ A tea with beautiful color
_ A tea with maple syrup or flavor
[x] A tea that reminds you of falling leaves: Bonfire Toffee (Bird & Blend)
[x] A tea with a unique name: Never Rub Another Man’s Rhubarb Black Tea (52Teas)
_ A tea from a favorite fall cup or mug
Additional sipdowns:
Chocolate Orange Black Tea (52Teas)
Total:
4
November Sipdown Challenge
[x] November 2: Cookie Monster’s Birthday – You know what to do! Sugar Cookies (52Teas)
_ November 11: World Origami Day – Have puerh (cake or tuo) and admire the wrapping job!
_ November 30: Prepare for the Advent Onslaught – Have a favorite tea and make a note before the calendar countdowns begin!
_ A tea that means autumn to you
_ Tea from your highest shelf/drawer/storage
_ Tea from your lowest shelf/drawer/storage
[x] Tea with caramel or maple flavor: Maple Apple Blondies Green Tea (52Teas)
_ Your oldest black tea
_ Your cheapest tea
Additional sipdowns:
Lemon Dream Herbal Tisane (52Teas)
Peanut Butter & Raspberry Jelly Black Tea (52Teas)
Elf Help (DAVIDsTEA)
Cashew Turtle Black Tea (52Teas)
Total:
6
Thank you for doing this again, ashmanra! Didn’t reach my sipdown goal last year, but I did successfully finish off all my lingering advent calendars and countdown boxes. Aiming for 100 this year and feeling optimistic.
January
sipdown: 3
a blend made in your home country – Flyest Not Coffee Vol. 2
February
sipdown: 4
a tea ordered online – Adagio Ginger
a tea bought “in-store” – DavidsTea Throat Rescue
March
sipdowns: 2
an evening tea – Herald Tea Organic Field Blend (previously Organic Chamomile Hojicha)
April
sipdowns: 7
a tea that comes in a special shape – Tea Thoughts Flower GABA Cake
a convenient tea – Java Momma Tropical Peaches
May
sipdowns: 3
a tea closest to sipdown – Beautiful Taiwan Tea Company Dong Ding Oolong-Heavy Roast
June
sipdowns: 6
July
sipdowns: 6 (5 technically given away, but they’re out of my stash!)
August
sipdowns: 6
September
sipdowns: 6
October
sipdowns: 6
November
sipdowns: 8
Last year was a writeoff when it came to sipdowns. It didn’t help that I went on yet another tea-buying spree. As usual, I’d like to have more tea going out than coming in.
January
Oriental Beauty by Floating Leaves (60 g)
Shan Lin Shi Oolong by Cha Yi (15 g)
Chilai Shan by Cha Yi (15 g)
Dong Ding Ms. Lin by Camellia Sinensis (50 g)
Tong Mu Guan by Cha Yi (25 g)
Ma Su Old Bush Lapsang by Wuyi Origin (25 g)
February
Alishan by Cha Yi (50 g)
Margaret’s Hope Premier Moonlight 2023 FF by Thunderbolt (25 g)
March
Meizhan Jin Jun Mei by Wuyi Origin (25 g)
Bamboo Forest Lapsang 2023 by Wuyi Origin (25 g)
2023 Anji Bai Cha by Teavivre (50 g)
April
Huang Guan Yin Jinjunmei by Sipscollection (25 g)
Shanlinxi Little-Tieguanyin Oolong by Sipscollection (50 g)
Castleton Floral Spring CL FF 2023 by Thunderbolt (25 g)
May
Winter 2023/2024 Baozhong by Ethan Kurland (30 g)
Spring 2023 Longfengxia by Ethan Kurland (50 g)
Crimson Beauty by Floating Leaves (60 g)
June
2024 Meng Ding Huang Ya by Treasure Green (50 g)
Mingqian Bi Luo Chun by Treasure Green (25 g)
First Pluck Bi Luo Chun by Seven Cups (25 g)
Handmade Ming Qian Dong Ting West Mountain Bi Luo Chun by Teavivre (50 g)
July
2023 spring Baozhong by Bok (75 g)
August
Lion Mountain Long Jing Master Craft by Treasure Green (25 g)
2023 Winter He Huan Shan by Ethan Kurland (50 g)
Shi Feng Longjing by Seven Cups (25 g)
September
Da Fo Long Jing by Seven Cups (25 g)
Spring 2024 Baozhong by Bok (75 g)
Organic Nonpareil Ming Qian Long Jing by Teavivre (50 g)
October
Diva High Mountain Oolong 2021 by Floating Leaves (25 g)
Li Shan Bi Lu Xi Oolong by Wang Family Tea (25 g)
In: 1,655 g
Out: 1,120 g
You’re welcome to everyone who said thank you for doing the sipdown prompts! I wanted to respond to each of you individually but I didn’t want to mess up your lay-out for keeping track of your sipdowns by inserting a comment, but finally realized I could respond as a separate post!
Thank YOU to all who participate! This really adds to the fun of Steepster for me and I love seeing your posts here on the best community ever!
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