So I finally worked myself out of my latest tea rut (Huo Shan Huang
Ya, Shui Xian, Song Zhong Dan Cong, BLC) and it has been quite a deep
rut, I think almost two years now. They will still easily remain my
top favorites but I think I have finally come to a point where I need
to continue to search and discover. I find myself occasionally craving
a Ceylon (like Lover's Leap Estate Ceylon from Uptons) and I even go
for a cup of Luzianne with some local honey every now and then. Black/
Red tea is one area that I have never really explored. Mostly because
my tastes have always been drawn to the lighter, fresher, taste of
greens but also my aversion to smoky/oaky flavors and the heaviness of
some Puerhs. I figure the new path can only help in my personal
development and understanding and most likely will uncover a couple
new favorites I have yet to find.

I've dabbled in some black/reds like Keemun and Ceylon but never
deeply or at any high quality. So far I plan on working through some
Yunnans, Keemuns, and one oolong I have never tried Rou Gui. I am very
open to suggestions or comments on your favorites in this area,
favorite vendors, or anything at all to help jumpstart this new
journey. I'm stepping quite outside of my comfort zone on this one.

- Dominic

"Dominic T." <dominictiberio@gmail.com> writes:

Not the worst of ruts!


The Gift Grade Keemun I got from Jing Teashop a couple of months ago
is gorgeous.

/Lew
---
Lew Perin / perin@acm.org
http://www.panix.com/~perin/babelcarp.html

Assam Arabic brands grade Barooti and Kalami.
Taiwan Oriental Beauty a better Darjeeling.
Ceylon greens. Ill never complain about Sencha again.
Yunnan Black Gold. You say oolong I say the best red.
Sow Mei, LS strong from SevenCups.
Korean, Kenya green.
There is no end to British blends.
Rou Gui was disappointing.

Jim

PS All previously mentioned by me.