Let my mistake be a reminder to us all – temperatures really matter.
The Sainted Lena gave me some of this tea the other night. It’s the first tea I ever remember putting on my shopping list. I’ve been wanting to try this forever. I’m in a hotel without anything but a little coffee maker, but I did bring my gaiwan.
And I thought – eh, it’s probably around 190, definitely not boiling, and I’ve got an appropriate vessel. I’ll give it a shot.
Yeah, well… maybe not the best idea. This is not the glorious “experience” others have had. IThank goodness I have a little more to give it a go at home, because I’m a little dissapointed. I know this tea from the aroma can be better.
Also – even though it mentions gaiwan brewing, this is not really ideally suited to it. At least not from my limited gaiwan experience. Big-leafed oolongs are great in a gaiwan, but I’ve been picking ancient yellow buds out of my teeth so far too. Blea.
Let’s all cross our fingers that my weekend tasting experience with this tea goes a lot better.
well damn…hopefully you have enough to go home and make a few wonderful cups.