Hachiju Hachiya Sencha

Hachiju Hachiya means eighty-eight nights.  This tea is reportedly harvested 88 nights after the first day (Risshun) of Spring in the Japanese calendar.   In other words, the tea is picked around early May.  It is the time of the year when farmers plant their rice and tea growers pick their prized leaves. 



88 sencha

Type:  Green Tea     Producing Country: Japan      Preparation:  85°C 1.5 Min

Dry Leaf:  The tightly-rolled needle-thin leaves are vegetal and have the typical inviting seaweed note.  

Wet Leaf:  The leaves can be described as chopped green spinach. 

Liquor:      The lime green tea is clean, savory, vegetal (asparagus) and only a bit astringent. 

Tee Score: 4 out of 5



GABA Oolong

Gamma-aminobutyric acid  (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the nervous system.  It is a chemical messenger that alleviates the over activity of neurons in human brains.   



About 25 years ago, Japanese scientists discovered GABA tea in their attempt to preserve different types of food.  They uncovered that tea leaves exposed to nitrogen had high levels of natural GABA.   Some of the touted benefits of GABA tea include reducing anxiety, aiding sleep, and lowering blood pressure.

GABA Oolong is produced by replacing oxygen with nitrogen gas during its oxidation manufacturing phase.    

GABA Oolong

Type:  Oolong     Producing Country: Taiwan      Preparation:  90°C 4 Min

Dry Leaf:  They are tightly rolled beads.  They give off scents of mushrooms, wood, cooked fruits and roast pumpkins.
Wet Leaf:  The brown leaves are very large and carry a burnt sugar note.   
Liquor:      The tea is cloudy.  It is sweet, smooth and unique.  It does not have the typical flavors of a Taiwan Oolong. 

Tee Score: 3 out of 5

White Whisper

In addition to fine CTC (cut tear curl) black teas, Kenya has been producing orthodox white teas that rival Chinese Silver Needles (Bao Hao Yin Zhen).   White Whisper's leaves are a little larger and paler than Silver Needles'.   This tea pairs delightfully well with Brie. 

White Whisper

Type:  White Tea     Producing Country: Kenya      Preparation:  85°C 4 Min

Dry Leaf:  Mushrooms and wood are the characteristics.
Wet Leaf:  The leaves are honey and peachy. 
Liquor:      The very pale liquor is refined, fresh, light, sweet, and peachy.  It is also lightly gingery.   

Tee Score: 4 out of 5

Sow Mei

'Longevity Eyebrow' or Sow Mei may not be as delicate as silver-needle style white teas are, it is very approachable.   The average-grade Sow Mei has large pieces of leaves (like eyebrows) and brews an orange cuppa.   It is an inexpensive white tea and often served in  Chinese restaurants. 



Sow Mei

Type:  White Tea     Producing Country: China      Preparation:  90°C 3 Min

Dry Leaf:  There are a few twigs found in broken pieces of leaves that exhibit plum flavor.  
Wet Leaf:  The nose carries the aromas of toasts.    
Liquor:      The orange cuppa is smooth, sweet and toasted - almost gives the impression of a light Oolong.  

Tee Score: 3 out of 5

Taiwan Gold White

White teas from Taiwan are rare.  Taiwan Gold White is an organic white tea.  From its leaves to its brew, the tea is unlike any other white teas.   Its characteristics are sharper and unexpected.




Gold White

 Type:  White Tea     Producing Country: Taiwan      Preparation:  90°C 3 Min

Dry Leaf:  The silver and black twisted leaves look more like black teas.  The first whiff is reminiscent of seasoned bean curds but then it evolves into dried fruits.

Wet Leaf:  The brew includes young leaves & buds, and is very floral. 

Liquor:      The golden white tea is sweet and smooth.  It has complex aromas of flowers and spices, such as star anise and Chinese liquorice root.    

Tee Score: 4 out of 5

Margaret's Hope First Flush

A first flush 2011 Darjeeling tea from Margaret's Hope Estate is wonderfully delicate.  

Many, many years ago, Margaret, the daughter of the English estate grower,  fell in love with her father's tea gardens in Darjeeling during her visit and hoped to return again soon.  Unfortunately she took ill on her way back to England and died.  Her father renamed the estate to Margaret's Hope in her memory.     

MH FF

Type:  Black Tea     Producing Country: India      Preparation:  95°C 4 Min

Dry Leaf:  These tippy green leaves are very herbaceous and lightly peppery.
Wet Leaf:  The leaves are quite green for a black tea.  They are floral as well as herbaceous. 
Liquor:      This golden brew is light, fresh, lively, floral, and only slightly astringent. 

Tee Score: 5 out of 5

Margaret's Hope Second Flush MUSCAT

Second flush Darjeeling is harvested in the summer and before the monsoon season.   The special bouquet of muscat grapes is due to the jassids or leafhoppers.  The insect bites cause damage to tea leaves and change their flavor profile.

  
'Muscatel' is illusive and not every Darjeeling tea is muscatel.

MF Second Flush Musct

Type:  Black Tea     Producing Country: India      Preparation:  95°C 4 Min

Dry Leaf:  The small dark leaves are herbaceous, spicy and raisiny with a muscat grape background.
Wet Leaf:  Sweet muscat perfume released is intense and seductive.   
Liquor:      The brown ale is bright, brisk and full-bodied.  It is floral and muscatel against a background of coco.  It is slightly astringent but delicious.

Tee Score: 5 out of 5