If anyone is interested, Lupicia has happy bags. I went to their store and bought a $60 bag which contained 12 loose leaf teas, 1 loose leaf tea in a limited edition tin, and 1 bag of 10 tea bags. I didn't mind not knowing what teas I would receive, but I'm very pleased that I got a fair assortment of green, black, and oolong teas.
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Tea |OT| Oh, tea.
- Thread starter morningbus
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Head of Vengarl
Banned
I'm glad to hear that! I was hoping that would happen when Starbucks bought them out it's a company known for treating its employees well.
xxjuicesxx
Member
Love tea, got a nice kettle for christmas. Like to fill it and get ready for my day, when I hear that whistle I know its time. Its time to get down.
Small scoop of sugar and then I just go nuts dipping whatever teabag I'm feeling that particular morning.
I like that Bigelow Mint.
Small scoop of sugar and then I just go nuts dipping whatever teabag I'm feeling that particular morning.
I like that Bigelow Mint.
-Pyromaniac-
Member
I'm all about that Butterfly Jasmine now. Simply majestic.
anonymous_abc
Member
morningbus
Serious Sam is a wicked gahbidge series for chowdaheads.
Went for a trip up to Canada recently and visted David's Tea again. I ended up buying a lot more stuff than I had expected. Some of my favorite pick-ups:
Ceramic Mate "Gourd"
&
Plastic Bombilla
Which really came in handy during my trip as the hotel's tea selection was pretty bad.
One thing I found out, which really surprised me as I follow the company on twitter, is that David's Tea has expanded pretty aggressively into the US. I remember them just having the store in Illinois a little under a year ago, but now they're also all over the North East, with stores in New York, Connecticut, and 2 stores in Boston. Really worth checking out, especially if you like Teavana, as I've always maintained that David's Tea is the Teavana concept done correctly.
Upon figuring it out did you go, "Ohhhhhhh... tea!"
Ceramic Mate "Gourd"
&
Plastic Bombilla
Which really came in handy during my trip as the hotel's tea selection was pretty bad.
One thing I found out, which really surprised me as I follow the company on twitter, is that David's Tea has expanded pretty aggressively into the US. I remember them just having the store in Illinois a little under a year ago, but now they're also all over the North East, with stores in New York, Connecticut, and 2 stores in Boston. Really worth checking out, especially if you like Teavana, as I've always maintained that David's Tea is the Teavana concept done correctly.
Upon figuring it out did you go, "Ohhhhhhh... tea!"
Train of Midnight
Banned
Plastic Bombillas are out of stock noooooooooo
morningbus
Serious Sam is a wicked gahbidge series for chowdaheads.
Try changing the color on the site.
Train of Midnight
Banned
success!
Got Matcha's deal is back:
https://www.google.com/offers/ppo/S...OlByIgNDAIPLOcRNixA4GMtv2PupLU4EkpdJwsUCRlr1s
https://www.google.com/offers/ppo/S...OlByIgNDAIPLOcRNixA4GMtv2PupLU4EkpdJwsUCRlr1s
Arsenic Yellow
Member
Nice! I'll have to buy those three next time I'm there, running low on Royal Coconut, so I'm hoping to make a trip at the end of the month. I also want to buy a few white teas and more green teas there, seems like all I have are black/oolongs/rooibus.
D
Deleted member 12837
Unconfirmed Member
How reliable/accurate is the temperature dial on the Adagio kettle mentioned in the OP, and how important is temperature control really?
I need a kettle and am thinking about getting one with variable temperature, but with the exception of the aforementioned one, they tend to be WAY more expensive than standard kettles. The Adagio one seems to be a compromise in price, but that's probably because the dial doesn't have exactly temperature measurements.
I need a kettle and am thinking about getting one with variable temperature, but with the exception of the aforementioned one, they tend to be WAY more expensive than standard kettles. The Adagio one seems to be a compromise in price, but that's probably because the dial doesn't have exactly temperature measurements.
morningbus
Serious Sam is a wicked gahbidge series for chowdaheads.
I've never had a problem with that Adagio Kettle, and for the price ($45.00 on Amazon right now), it's really hard to beat. The dial is accurate enough, where I usually switch between the two clearly defined Green/White and Black settings and a non-marked spot in-between the two for Oolong.
I have fairly precise temperature measuring equipment, including instant-read infrared, and the temperatures are always about where I need them to be.
The kettle has been my workhorse, getting multiple uses daily for 4 years running. Incredibly reliable and the only maintenance I've ever done is boil some white vinegar to clean out some water deposits.
Now, having said that, if I could go back in time and redo my setup with what I know now, I'd probably have gone for this electric kettle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005YR0F40/?tag=neogaf0e-20 It looks a little silly, but it has some excellent features, including precise control from 140 degrees and up. It's only 80 dollars, and, considering how much use you'd get out of it, it really isn't that expensive.
So, basically what I'm saying is that the Adagio kettle is great, especially considering the price, but if you're willing to spend a little more, there are features you definitely want that the Adagio kettle is missing.
D
Deleted member 12837
Unconfirmed Member
That was the other one that I was looking at but decided was out of my price range : ) . I also like that the pouring spout is stainless steel. It looks like the Adagio might have some plastic around where the water comes out. Could you confirm/deny that?
At least I've narrowed it down to those 2, thanks for the info. I'll think about it some more.
morningbus
Serious Sam is a wicked gahbidge series for chowdaheads.
The Adagio kettle is almost completely stainless steel, except that it has this little mechanism on the interior wall of the kettle towards the spout that has a mesh screen and a "window" on the side of the kettle that shows the water level.
The mesh screen is to help prevent over-pouring and scalding, but it can easily be removed if desired (though I'd be extra safe while pouring, just in case). The plastic window is bpa-free, so it shouldn't be too much of a worry.
terrdactycalsrock
Member
Quick question. Im on Adagio's website and Im wondering how many cups of tea comes in a 3 oz order
Never shopped at adagio but it would really depend on the tea. Big difference between a light green tea and a chat with lots of spices. A serving is usually a teaspoon per 8 oz though I go a little heavier then that
morningbus
Serious Sam is a wicked gahbidge series for chowdaheads.
What hom3land said is absolutely true. Also something to consider: some teas take rebrewing better than others. I have high quality blacks teas that I've resteeped over 7 times without a serious impact on taste. If I don't resteep my oolong at least a few times, I feel like I've wasted it.
What were you looking at? We would be able to give you a good estimate if we knew.
CheesecakeRecipe
Stormy Grey
Placed my first order with Davids, ordered the Second Flush Darjeeling for my afternoon writing tea and Sweet Dreams for something to pull me down at night. Gonna take a while to get here so i'm subbing my current Harney and Adagio stash with coffee to stretch out what I have left. Really excited though, Davids' stuff looks pretty much excellent no matter what you go for.
Gettin happy about leaves, GAF.
Gettin happy about leaves, GAF.
Bought some red and green (looks white) Pu'Er a couple of days ago, packed like a cake and from Yunnan. Can't wait to drink it but going to wait for my Black Stone tea set first!!
Also going to Yunnan next week to check the place out, hopefully go to some tea farms and see what its like, so excited!
Will post you guys some pictures soon.
Keep up the good work Tea Gaf!!
Also going to Yunnan next week to check the place out, hopefully go to some tea farms and see what its like, so excited!
Will post you guys some pictures soon.
Keep up the good work Tea Gaf!!
Train of Midnight
Banned
My awesome plastic bombilla straw came in last night, but I forgot to bring it to work this morning. Oh well, next week!
Went on a shopping spree at Tealuxe today, picking up a lot of styles I haven't tried yet. Honestly, English Breakfast and Oolong are the only specific styles from this list I've had before, and I haven't had their versions yet.
Brattle Street English Breakfast
Organic Gunpowder
Imperial Lapsang Souchong
China Oolong
Almond Rooibos
Vanilla Rooibos
Spearmint
Mocha Nut Mate
Brattle Street English Breakfast
Organic Gunpowder
Imperial Lapsang Souchong
China Oolong
Almond Rooibos
Vanilla Rooibos
Spearmint
Mocha Nut Mate
morningbus
Serious Sam is a wicked gahbidge series for chowdaheads.
That's the only one off your list that I've had and it's really good. I usually always try to visit Tealuxe when I'm up in Boston. If I remember correctly, I believe their Mocha Nut Mate is actually just Guayaki's Dark Roast Java Nut: http://guayaki.com/product/2522/Java-Mate-Dark-Roast-[1-lb.].html. It might be worth checking it out if you end up liking it.
Also, If you ever get an opportunity, check out David's Tea. they have a location in Downtown Crossing, apparently.
Train of Midnight
Banned
Woot has a nice 1.5 Quart Capresso water heater for $35. You can't set the temp, but it's a nice looking boiler.
Train of Midnight
Banned
Drinking hot tea through a straw is an interesting change, but it's a perfect solution to drinking loose leaf at work. Plastic bombilla works great!
Their site says it's the regular mate mixed with the nuts and mocha. Though their site is kinda ghetto, who knows when that information was updated.
I'll check out David's tea. I've also been meaning to try some Mem Tea, which is a tea company based in Boston that supplies to local coffee shops and markets. They have a lot of interesting sounding blends, including some with Somerville's Taza Chodolate. One of those, that Mate Cascarilla( http://shop.memteaimports.com/index.php/mate/mate-cascarilla.html ), might be good if you like mate+chocolate. Next time you're in Boston, walk into pretty much any cafe/market (includng Cardullo's across the street from Tealuxe) if you want to try it out.
Also, Bloc 11 Cafe in Somerville makes a mean London Fog.
morningbus
Serious Sam is a wicked gahbidge series for chowdaheads.
Awww yeah. It is definitely one of the best tea straws I've used (and I've used a lot of different kinds of tea straws).
The last time I had the mocha nut at Tealuxe, I peeked inside the teapot and it was definitely a roasted yerba mate base. It could have changed since then, as that was years ago, when they still have their Newbury Street location.
Is Mem Tea open to the public now? Last time I looked into them, they were still only doing business with restaurants, but said they would be opening to the public soon. I'll have to check them out.
I've had the mate cascarilla, too, and it is really great. They use the cocoa shells left over from the Taza Factory's chocolate making process (I suggest taking the tour, too. Really fun if you're ever in Somerville).
While we're talking 'bout Boston, definitely check out Formagio Kitchen in Cambridge. They have a nice selection of teas (including some Mem Tea) as well as tons of fancy, exotic food. It's a must-visit if you consider yourself any kind of fine-food snob. The were even selling fresh Bergamot oranges for a while (the fruit that gives Earl Grey its distinct flavor)!
I'm not aware of Mem Tea having a physical store, but you can apparently order from their site. Looks like the price is per pound. On Taza: I actually live in Somerville and have gone to do the factory tour. Great tour, and their chocolate is phenomenal. The aforementioned Bloc 11 is right over there in Union Square. Across the street is a new cafe owned by the tango school next door. The friendliest, most social cafe I've ever been to--the only one I've seen that has nobody on laptops.
edit: I guess Mem Tea had a storefront on Highland in Somerville, but they recently outgrew it and moved to Watertown. And buying there is the same as buying from the site: Only in 1lb+ increments
they'd be smart to give you guys at least some samples. You should all know the different types of teas and the taste. Last time I went in a teavana they laughed and told me they don't get paid enough to buy the tea. I told them either did I lol .
Well you can make as many drinks as you'd like.. I just always find one I like and drink just that. Right now it's the that Mt oolong. Before that the spice mangarain orange oolong.
Head of Vengarl
Banned
Sorry if this has been answered already, but what are the benefits of using a straw to drink your tea?
tea stains your teeth. Using a straw you don't have to worry as much
I've been drinking strong teabag PG Tips half a dozen times a day for several decades, and loving it. After reading this thread I'm starting to think I've been fooling myself and doing it all wrong..!
The thought of using my cafetière to make loose-leaf tea is intriguing though. It's been used exclusively for making coffee up until now, and it never even occurred to me that it could be used to make tea.
The thought of using my cafetière to make loose-leaf tea is intriguing though. It's been used exclusively for making coffee up until now, and it never even occurred to me that it could be used to make tea.
morningbus
Serious Sam is a wicked gahbidge series for chowdaheads.
There's a few benefits, that may or may not interest you: 1) the teeth staining thing and 2) It works really well in scenarios where your tea won't overbrew if left in the brewing liquid (something like yerba mate, herbals, oolong, or white tea). It would also be good for doing an on-the-go cold brew method, where the tea is left in the cup.
Go for it, man. And report back!
It depends on where you get it, but "milk tea" is usually a mixture of green or black tea, a dairy product like milk, creamer, or even sweetened condensed milk, and sugar.
I don't think there is an American company selling a prepackaged milk tea with black tea, milk powder, and sugar, but such a thing is available in Asia, so try checking a Chinese grocery store if you can.
Or do something like this: brew double strength tea (either use half the water than a usual cup, or double the amount of tea per cup), add a lot of sugar, pour over a large glass filled with ice, then add milk to taste. If you want those tapioca peals, too, that's a whole other kettle of fish and something I've never bother with, personally.
Train of Midnight
Banned
It's not really feasible for me to have a french press and everything at work.
SolarPowered
Member
Are the electric tea kettles with temp controls really worth the extra cost compared to an average steel kettle? I'm at a loss right now even though I'm in the middle of replacing my old one.
I think I could make due with a bunch of time measurements that I'd record per temperature(160,175,185,200 and 212) since the temperature controlled ones are pretty damn expensive.
I think I could make due with a bunch of time measurements that I'd record per temperature(160,175,185,200 and 212) since the temperature controlled ones are pretty damn expensive.
morningbus
Serious Sam is a wicked gahbidge series for chowdaheads.
They're not that much more expensive, though. Especially when you factor in how long and how often you'll be using it.
$60 will get you this model: http://www.adagio.com/teaware/utiliTEA_kettle.html
$90 will get you this even fancier one: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005YR0F40/?tag=neogaf0e-20
Sure, you can get a junk electric kettle for $15 - $20 and a standard stovetop for 10 to 15, but it isn't excessively expensive. Keep in mind, the $60 kettle above has worked perfectly for me for over 4 years now, with no signs of needing to replace it. The build quality is excellent, the performance is great, and the convenience of correctly and quickly heated water cannot be oversold. I can heat 4 cups of water in my electric kettle faster than I can heat up 1 cup of water in a standard, stovetop kettle and the temperature is where I want it immediately.
SolarPowered
Member
Ah, I should have clarified. I'm going to go electric no matter what(temperature reader or not). I also read like a hundred reviews for the Adagio(Bonavita and Cuisinart too) and I'm leaning towards it, but I'm not rolling in dough either. Those thirty bucks I save could buy me two kicking horse coffee tins or another 10 ounces of different teas. How well does it work for anything below 180 degrees? If I set the nob all the way to the very bottom would it just be at a temperature for delicate(160ish-170ish)? I'd be much more willing to bite if I had three reliable temperature regions rather than 2(orange and green bars).
Edit: Four years of reliability>Temporary coffee or tea though...
Liberty4all
Banned
About to brew a cup of this bad boy:
Train of Midnight
Banned
I can't speak for the Adagio heater, but the Cuisinart one is fantastic. I've had it for a few weeks now and I'm loving it. It has temp settings from 160 degrees.
160-175-185-190-200-Boil.
160-175-185-190-200-Boil.
SolarPowered
Member
All those temperature options had me salivating. You have no idea how bad I wanted to press the button on this or the Adagio(bonativa seems like it'd take up a little too much space due to the spout).
morningbus
Serious Sam is a wicked gahbidge series for chowdaheads.
If I remember correctly, I think the lowest setting is around 120 to 130 degrees or so, I'll double check it later. The green zone is for 170 degrees and the orange is boiling. While a dial isn't as accurate as other kettles like the Bonvita, it is accurate enough (i.e, if you put it between the green and orange you'll get a half-way temperature).
This is a good option, too, but on the high end of the price spectrum like the Bonvita.
SolarPowered
Member
Thanks for going out of your way. I figured the lowest setting would be 160ish. Having three solid regions for heating would be great. I have a feeling that I'll be admiring a shiny new new temperature controlled kettle next week.
The Adagio seems to hold up better from a hardware perspective, though. That is probably it's strongest selling point to me so far. Only the Bonavita seems to be more stable, but it doesn't have as many reviews to go on.
morningbus
Serious Sam is a wicked gahbidge series for chowdaheads.
Went ahead and tested the kettle out (got to use my fancy infrared spot thermometer, too).
(It's not clear in this photo, but there are clearly defined white "tick" marks between each color. 6 white tick marks between zero and green, 8 between green and orange).
Lowest possible position: 140 degrees. 1 cup of water brought to this temperature in approximately 35 seconds.
Green position: 170 degrees. 1 cup/55 seconds.
Middle position between green and orange: 185 degrees. 1 cup/1 minutes
Orange position: approximately 200 degrees. 1 cup/1 minute, 5 seconds. 2 cups/2 minutes, 5 seconds.
Obviously not super scientific, as I'm measuring the surface temperature of the water, but it is usually close enough within 5 degrees, usually towards the hotter side.
Hope that helps!
(It's not clear in this photo, but there are clearly defined white "tick" marks between each color. 6 white tick marks between zero and green, 8 between green and orange).
Lowest possible position: 140 degrees. 1 cup of water brought to this temperature in approximately 35 seconds.
Green position: 170 degrees. 1 cup/55 seconds.
Middle position between green and orange: 185 degrees. 1 cup/1 minutes
Orange position: approximately 200 degrees. 1 cup/1 minute, 5 seconds. 2 cups/2 minutes, 5 seconds.
Obviously not super scientific, as I'm measuring the surface temperature of the water, but it is usually close enough within 5 degrees, usually towards the hotter side.
Hope that helps!
maquiladora
Member
I enjoyed this Tea documentary. Tea lovers should check it out.
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