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[morningbus]

Repost for the top of the new page:

So it's finally the thread's aniversitea (god I am so clever) and what good would it be if we didn't try to get a few more people into the fold. So, without much fanfare:

The Public Anniversary Tea Giveaway!

The prizes:
2nd Place: $25.00 to Adagio.com.
1st. Place: $50.00 to Upton Tea.

How to enter: This contest is open to everyone on GAF. To enter, simply post in this thread with this image: http://i6.minus.com/iWrlCe8K8OIwV.png, the name of your favorite tea, and why you like it so much.

Example entry:

Yerba Mate: shit is like crack cocaine, bro.

This contest will run for 1 week (from 4/12 to 4/19). You may only enter once. If you win, your only obligation will be to post what you've ordered and give a quick little review of one of the teas you get. I can't enforce this, but be cool man.

While the contest is geared towards Americans, appropriate accommodations will be made for people in other parts of the world. However, if the effort to award the prize proves too great, I do reserve the right to select someone in an easier-to-service area.

Good luck!

 

[Collete]

It's been 1 year of the Tea |OT| and it's time to celebrate a little!

This last week we ran a contest to award one of the regulars of the tea thread a prize of $25 to one of three online tea retailers. I'm happy to announce that the winner of that contest is... Oomikami! Congrats. I'll be in touch shortly to award you your prize.

Wow! Thanks!
First time actually winning a giveaway! Brightened my day!
Not sure what I'll buy but hopefully I'll make good use of the money!

 

[ameratsu]

Favourite tea is O-Cha's Yutaka Midori. Its deep grassy flavour was my introduction into the world of premium teas.

 

[HiResDes]

I just wanna say I really appreciate what you're doing here, you're too kind. I realized I don't need the giveaway as much as others might, but I wanted to pop in and say you're awesome real quick.

 

[Smiley90]

Wow! Thanks!
First time actually winning a giveaway! Brightened my day!
Not sure what I'll buy but hopefully I'll make good use of the money!

Congratz oomi lol

Favourite: Earl Grey Cream

because it's not just Earl Grey, which is awesome, but it's also really, really smooth and awesome. Very relaxing.

 

[LadyRiven]

My favorite tea is Takaokaya Genmaicha. It's both invigorating and relaxing, and as a coffee fanatic, I'm especially fond of the roasted flavor.

 

[upandaway]

Yeah this is pretty cool. I won't enter to save you from the shipping prices, but my favorite tea right now is rooibos with camomile (which goes well with literally any kind of rooibos if mixed together)

 

[Piecake]

Gunpowder

Havent really tried much else. Just mostly kept to the cheap stuff cause it taste good, and, well, its cheap

 

[Mascot]

UK-based so won't be entering (don't want to cause any logistic problems), but good luck everybody else..!

(PG Tips, pyramid bags, strong and unsweetened, dash of milk - because I'm a Philistine).

 

[Dice]

현미녹차 because it tastes healthy but homey and not too strong in any direction, though I am also very inexperienced in the world of tea.

 

[Collete]

Just an update of what I ordered with the 25 dollar gift certificate(this is for Adagio), I decided to go out on a limb and take a risk with teas I wouldn't give a chance normally. (And I wanted this really expensive tea in the "master" section)

So what I ordered:

• Peach Oolong
• Dragonwell
• Yunan Golden Curls (this is from the "masters" )
• Irish Breakfast Tea
• Earl Grey Bravo
• Blood Orange

Hopefully this is better than the last haul I had...

Edit: Cancelled my order...Thinking it over again...Damn I'm really indecisive.
Anyone want to suggest any thing to order from Adagio?

 

[Arsenic Yellow]

Favorite tea right now is orange or peach rooibos. Actually, every rooibos tea is my favorite

 

[morningbus]

Just an update of what I ordered with the 25 dollar gift certificate(this is for Adagio), I decided to go out on a limb and take a risk with teas I wouldn't give a chance normally. (And I wanted this really expensive tea in the "master" section)

So what I ordered:

• Peach Oolong
• Dragonwell
• Yunan Golden Curls (this is from the "masters" )
• Irish Breakfast Tea
• Earl Grey Bravo
• Blood Orange

Hopefully this is better than the last haul I had...

Edit: Cancelled my order...Thinking it over again...Damn I'm really indecisive.
Anyone want to suggest any thing to order from Adagio?

Those were some great choices, though! The only one I'd remove is the blood orange (it's okay, but I wasn't a huge fan of it, personally). Try a rooibos-based tea or an oolong.

 

[JosiahB]

My favorite tea is Sencha. The grassy flavor and aroma is like nothing else. I love other green teas too, but nothing compares to a good Sencha for me.

 

[Phoenician_Viking]

I drink Chai tea often, and it tastes so good. I just wanted to say that.

 

[Easystride]

Irish Breakfast - I'm boring. Irish breakfast (from Adagio) is my favorite, it's cheap, and pairs well with my breakfast foods.

 

[thcsquad]

Golden Monkey. This is the tea that changed my mind on black tea. I generally prefer green tea and think of black tea as being too bitter without milk or sugar. Golden Monkey is the exception to this, and I'll happily drink it plain.

 

[Collete]

Those were some great choices, though! The only one I'd remove is the blood orange (it's okay, but I wasn't a huge fan of it, personally). Try a rooibos-based tea or an oolong.

Hm all right. Considering those changes, I also think I'll change out Earl Grey Bravo with Early Grey Moonlight...Seemed nicer to me. I tried rooibos plain from Adagio and I just couldn't get the taste of wood out of my mouth...But I did like the rooibos bagged version from Celestial Seasonings. So go figure <_<

 

[thcsquad]

Yesterday, my wife found this promotional flyer for 3 free cups of tea from the new David's Tea locations in Boston, and it expires on Monday. So yesterday I went in for a cup, and then this morning, and I'll do it again before it closes tonight.

They're very busy (though it is marathon weekend here in Boston), and I wish them well but I hope they don't put the independent Tealuxe out of business.

So far I've had the Guayusa Mate and Aloha Pu'Erh. The mate was excellent, and the Aloha was decent. The mate seems a little bit smoother than others, and I'd get it again. The Aloha tasted like any "black w/exotic fruits" blend, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

So Tea-Age, what should I try from there tonight?

 

[bob page]

Earl Grey Creme. I typically stick to green tea but creme has such a great unique taste that I can't resist. A perfect coffee replacement for me.

 

[thcsquad]

You're too slow, GAF. I'm drinking their milk oolong right now, and it is phenomenal. Earlier today I actually picked up a tin of their Korean Sejak and a little bit of their 'Birthday Cake' blend, which is rooibos with sprinkles and freeze-dried ice cream in it. I mean, I'll try anything once!

edit: I also managed to make it to Tealuxe today. I don't think they have any trouble from David's Tea. The place was packed. I tried a matcha for the first time, as I haven't gotten around to making the matcha I bought a while ago. Nice and sweet, but I'm still wondering what matcha without added sugar tastes like.

 

[Arsenic Yellow]

You're too slow, GAF. I'm drinking their milk oolong right now, and it is phenomenal. Earlier today I actually picked up a tin of their Korean Sejak and a little bit of their 'Birthday Cake' blend, which is rooibos with sprinkles and freeze-dried ice cream in it. I mean, I'll try anything once!

edit: I also managed to make it to Tealuxe today. I don't think they have any trouble from David's Tea. The place was packed. I tried a matcha for the first time, as I haven't gotten around to making the matcha I bought a while ago. Nice and sweet, but I'm still wondering what matcha without added sugar tastes like.

Nice! We were gonna head to tealuxe today but I lazied out and stayed in. Next month ill be moving into Boston so most of my money will go their. I actually love their matcha tea and get it every time we are heading home. Their apple chaider is divine too.

 

[cajunator]

coconut mango is a pretty interesting tea flavor.

I have been hooked on a relatively cheap brand made in Oregon called Stash. Also there is a Chai Green Tea flavor that is rather groovy.

 

[Candeldandel]

The blend of Earl Grey from Think Geek: Tea. Earl Grey. Hot.

It's from Adagio, and their Earl Grey Bravo is close, but I've still never found anything quite like it. So good <3

 

[TriniTrin]

.

My personal favorite tea is from teavana called Samurai chai mate tea. It's citrus and spice make me so happy in the mornings. It's got a nice kick to it as well!

 

[tanuki]

Red Bush (rooibos), now officially my second favourite bush. But seriously, there's something seriously refreshing about it. And I can drink it plain, or with milk, or honey, or sugar, it's always a win.

 

[bzm]

Huangshan Maofeng is my favorite tea because its light flavor helps me relax after a long day.

 

[morningbus]

You're too slow, GAF. I'm drinking their milk oolong right now, and it is phenomenal. Earlier today I actually picked up a tin of their Korean Sejak and a little bit of their 'Birthday Cake' blend, which is rooibos with sprinkles and freeze-dried ice cream in it. I mean, I'll try anything once!

edit: I also managed to make it to Tealuxe today. I don't think they have any trouble from David's Tea. The place was packed. I tried a matcha for the first time, as I haven't gotten around to making the matcha I bought a while ago. Nice and sweet, but I'm still wondering what matcha without added sugar tastes like.

Nice. Yeah, I wouldn't worry about Tealuxe just yet. My main hope with David's Tea is that they take a bite out of Teavana's market share.

 

[thcsquad]

That's probably true, especially in Boston considering the specific locations. Tealuxe is all the way across the river from both David's Tea and Teavana. If you're in Cambridge and you want a tea shop, Tealuxe is the only game in town, except maybe Dado a block over?

 

[Train of Midnight]

Speaking of Teavana, here's the test results from an inspection of their pesticide levels in their teas.

Full Study

 

[morningbus]

I know we have some Boston-area gaffers here, so I hope everyone is doing okay.

 

[thcsquad]

I'm okay, but it's kind of eerie. I was just at Copley on Saturday. Hell, the David's Tea on Tremont (not the one I went to, but I did consider it) is not that far from the blast site.

 

[Arsenic Yellow]

I'm ok. So devastated by all of this though Such a tragedy.

 

[VitalNerve]

Earl grey tea: Nice soothing aroma, with a full bodied taste.



that aside, I have a question regarding tea. I finally got an electric tea kettle (one of the kettles posted in OP) and purchased some white tea. I put water in the kettle, got the temp to 175, seeped the tea as instructed (4-5min) and started drinking. I did not expect flavor akin to sweet drinks but I also did not expect to be drinking warm water, did I do something wrong?

 

[ShadowgeistX]

So I went to this korean restaurant and had some tea, I think the server/manager called it Senna/Cassia Tea. I decided I needed this in my collection and attempted to hunt it down, but with no luck. Now I have to go back to his freaking restaurant for the tea.

Now that I have a new house, I should look at all the amazing brewing options and get a little tea set for myself.

 

[HiResDes]

Senna, properly called Cassia senna, is a shrubby herb that is brewed into a tea and used as a laxative. Senna makes the muscles of the colon contract, which is sometimes accompanied by severe cramping. When use is prolonged, senna may lead to electrolyte imbalance and laxative-dependence. Senna must not be used during pregnancy because it is mutagenic and may stimulate endometrial contractions. In addition to its laxative action, senna is a mild stimulant and appetite suppressant. The effects of senna are unpredictable because the dose is hard to control. Read more about senna from the Guide to Alternative Medicine at About.com.

 

[Grakl]

Oolong tea. Go to a Chinatown and to a good tea shop, and you'll find that there are a large variety of oolong teas. Almost all of them are great. Doesn't hurt that "oolong tea" means "black dragon tea".

 

[TriniTrin]

Speaking of Teavana, here's the test results from an inspection of their pesticide levels in their teas.

Full Study

Sooo I guess NA is good? Lol

 

[RevoDS]

Speaking of Teavana, here's the test results from an inspection of their pesticide levels in their teas.

Full Study

Careful with that. That research was put out by short sellers in a desperate attempt to bring down Teavana's stock price after the Starbucks acquisition was announced.

And even if their teas did contain some amounts of pesticides, don't you think Starbucks would have taken care of that issue by now?

You're too slow, GAF. I'm drinking their milk oolong right now, and it is phenomenal. Earlier today I actually picked up a tin of their Korean Sejak and a little bit of their 'Birthday Cake' blend, which is rooibos with sprinkles and freeze-dried ice cream in it. I mean, I'll try anything once!

edit: I also managed to make it to Tealuxe today. I don't think they have any trouble from David's Tea. The place was packed. I tried a matcha for the first time, as I haven't gotten around to making the matcha I bought a while ago. Nice and sweet, but I'm still wondering what matcha without added sugar tastes like.

Indeed. David's milk oolong is so, so great, if a little expensive. Although it's better than it used to be (used to be $18/50g, whereas these days it's $12). It's that tea I stop myself from drinking too often, which only makes it better when I do take one cup.

OP, I'll take you up on that contest. Thanks, you're awesome!

Three Wishes (still from David's tea, which is really the only tea shop around here). It's made out of a mixture of black tea and green tea, with sunflower, jasmine and rose petals. It has a very slightly bitter taste that I really like. Keep coming back to that one (also one of the few flowery teas I like)

Spoiler

That's actually not my favorite. My actual favorites are a trio of discontinued teas: Senchamental, Kyoto Cosmo and Elf Help. Screw that seasonal collection system

 

[thcsquad]

I made an oolong/apple juice blend tonight. It's okay, I think I put a little too much apple juice (3 parts tea to 1 part juice). I think if I toned that down a bit (4 to 1 or 5 to 1) I'd start getting to a good summer drink.

 

[Collete]

Oy...I said before I cancelled my order of tea and decided to reconsider, from Adagio, right? Well I was ready to order using the gift certificate and it says it's already been used (from my first time I confirmed my order that is)...I thought they refund the gift certificate amount, not wipe it all away. They said they refund you as long as you cancel within a certain time frame, and I did that... Am I missing something? Am I doing something wrong?

 

[Egnirys]

Oy...I said before I cancelled my order of tea and decided to reconsider, from Adagio, right? Well I was ready to order using the gift certificate and it says it's already been used (from my first time I confirmed my order that is)...I thought they refund the gift certificate amount, not wipe it all away. They said they refund you as long as you cancel within a certain time frame, and I did that... Am I missing something? Am I doing something wrong?

Sometimes small companies have to do that stuff manually themselves. It's worth sending them an email with your canceled order # and gift certificate # so they can reapply it.

 

[ExMachina]

I drink a bunch of oolong during the day, but for relaxing my favorite tea by far is rooibos with a splash of milk.

Haven't tried many other blends or flavors, but now that I've found this amazing thread I'm definitely interested in expanding my tea horizons.

 

[TimeEffect]

Good ole' Tetley.

Drink it everyday at 4:00 for the last 14 or so years with family. Family tradition.

Never really dared to experiment outside of this, nor have I liked the two or three flavours I did try. Would like to see what's out there though

 

[Arsenic Yellow]

I've been meaning to ask, is David's tea really that great? I walked past it last month in Boston and was really turned off by the look and design of the store. The way they stored the tea seemed really cold and mechanical (probably all the shiny tin containers). Keep in mind I tend to prefer local stores, definitely not a big fan of Teavana either. I've bought a few tea containers from their sores and need really cared for them.

 

[Arksy]

The Earl Grey: There are very few things that can match the uplifting wave of smelling a fresh pot of earl grey tea on as the sun is rising.

 

[thcsquad]

I've been meaning to ask, is David's tea really that great? I walked past it last month in Boston and was really turned off by the look and design of the store. The way they stored the tea seemed really cold and mechanical (probably all the shiny tin containers). Keep in mind I tend to prefer local stores, definitely not a big fan of Teavana either. I've bought a few tea containers from their sores and need really cared for them.

I only have a little bit of experience with David's Tea, but I get the impression that they are the corporate tea shop done right. The employees aren't pushy, they don't make wild health claims, and their blends have a higher tea to filler ratio than Teavana. No replacement for a local store, but not everybody has a good local tea shop available (we're lucky in Boston). And even then, they might have something the local tea shop doesn't. For example, according to their site, Tealuxe doesn't have a milk oolong so if I stuck to one place I probably would never have tried one.

 

[Arsenic Yellow]

I only have a little bit of experience with David's Tea, but I get the impression that they are the corporate tea shop done right. The employees aren't pushy, they don't make wild health claims, and their blends have a higher tea to filler ratio than Teavana. No replacement for a local store, but not everybody has a good local tea shop available (we're lucky in Boston). And even then, they might have something the local tea shop doesn't. For example, according to their site, Tealuxe doesn't have a milk oolong so if I stuck to one place I probably would never have tried one.

You've actually made me interested in them. I'm living right outside of boston at the moment but moving into the city next month fr graduate school in the fall. Currently looking for a place to work. Applied to Tealuxe but they had already filled their position. I'll be in Boston Thursday for Massart's MFA Thesis Exhibition and a job interview with the Lush store in Cambridge. They have group interviews and it looks like 30 or more people will be showing up, so I doubt I'll get the job. Anyways, I was checking the David's shop site and saw the Boston shop is hiring! Going to definitely hand them my resume on thursday. Doubt I'll get the job, but maybe you'll see me working there in the near future.

I'm originally from New Orleans, moved here a year ago. We didn't have any big local tea houses down south, but I still had a bad taste for Teavana. Every time I go there, I feel like I'm being conned with false claims and have rarely had a good experience from an employee there.

Edit: Dammit I'm buying 100 grams of birthday cake rooibus and new delhi delight thursday. Thanks a lot :|

 

[gbooster]

Careful with that. That research was put out by short sellers in a desperate attempt to bring down Teavana's stock price after the Starbucks acquisition was announced.

And even if their teas did contain some amounts of pesticides, don't you think Starbucks would have taken care of that issue by now?

I don't think so. The tea industry, in general, seems to me to be very unregulated and the pesticide use is a big unknown. It's kind of just par for the course. I don't think you can say the results were bogus just because someone had a reason to release them. Let's see them have an independent study done to refute the claims.

Best advice I can give is to buy organic and see if you can find certificates from the vendor.

I think if it's not listed as organic, it's probably not very good to drink. Though it can be hit and miss. There are small crop farmers in China who may have a completely organic garden but getting their garden verified as organic is unfeasible and it would be a shame to shun them for it, but there is also the risk of getting some death tea sprayed with DDT and god knows what else. JMO. I try to be careful about what I put in my body and am probably a bit paranoid about it.

 

[hom3land]

Thai mountain Oolong. (still looking for something similar not from teavana) Its really light and smooth. The sweet nectar undertones make each sip a real treat.