tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21945233.post2360793290313551169..comments2023-07-26T08:53:36.336-07:00Comments on tea closet: Feel Good Tea Blogs and Other Random MusingsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21945233.post-54318112178038358632012-07-17T15:43:20.749-07:002012-07-17T15:43:20.749-07:00It is interesting to see the different vocabulary/...It is interesting to see the different vocabulary/parameters that get used in products (tea) of various locations that are supposed to be indicators of what is supposed to be good (or maybe just valuable). In the puer world, it is "wild," and age of the trees. In the Taiwanese world, it is the height of the mountain, quality of the soil, the freshness and care of the harvesting..but, when it comes down to it, a great tea is great through many different combinations of variables, as where X factors don't necessarily indicate a great tea, even if that's the prevailing logic--ecosystems are just so complex!<br /><br />I have had a couple of the so called genuine old bush Dan Congs from Imen Shan of Tea Habitat. They are truly magnificent. The feeling is deep, wonderful, and they last forever. When I drank them, I thought, "this is the original taste of tea." There's a real purity to them.<br />I've had similar feelings of depth about some puerh I've drank, as well as some high mountain Taiwanese oolongs (more rarely, of the Chinese variety), that are minimally processed compared to some oolongs so as to reveal the natural excellent growing and environmental conditions that have created a deep taste in the leaves, but none yet that match the price of some of those Dan Congs. I'm undecided as to whether that price is truly worth it (i.e. starting at $30/ounce), but man, if that wasn't possibly the most memorable ounce of tea I've drunk!Nick Hermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01543497413262895759noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21945233.post-12223603018453562842012-07-17T00:01:00.065-07:002012-07-17T00:01:00.065-07:00Nick,
Dancongs and yanchas are semi-wild and perh...Nick,<br /><br />Dancongs and yanchas are semi-wild and perhaps more carefully cultivated in some sense than their taidi counterparts since their yield is so valuable. Most of the wild material for puerh comes also from either plantation tea trees gone feral over time or those allowed to grow in more natural tea garden conditions. <br /><br />I think truly wild tea trees are not as reliable in taste and can even make you sick. I tried a ye sheng bao which was supposedly from a true wild tree. Besides being totally weird tasting, it gave me a terrible stomach cramps all day. I should whip it out to see how it's aging.<br /> <br />My husband casually rides up the East Bay hills every week as do many of our friends- they all have serious calf development. I haven't done so in a while as the continuous car traffic peppered with reckless drivers makes the ride a bit nerve-wracking for me. But the hills are a sweet ride during a weekday. <br /><br />Hsterhsterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13118616887446192686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21945233.post-23748539490857546782012-07-15T17:07:02.987-07:002012-07-15T17:07:02.987-07:00Hmm, it appears I can comment using my wordpress a...Hmm, it appears I can comment using my wordpress account but not subscribe with it. Ok then.Nick Hermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01543497413262895759noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21945233.post-25784049876094178382012-07-15T16:51:58.538-07:002012-07-15T16:51:58.538-07:00Well, you may know, that wild tea trees exist for ...Well, you may know, that wild tea trees exist for other types of tea and in other regions--dan cong and wuyi teas being prime examples--I suspect the difference is due to geography and cultural history--in those areas (Guangdong and Fujian), there is a long history of dense Han Chinese settlement that has long since stripped away almost everything that is wild, whereas Yunnan is relative hinterlands comprising daunting mountains, thick and ancient forests, and large percentage of minority populations who, relative to Han Chinese, are typically less business-minded and concerned with increasing yield. Wild tea trees still exist in more settled areas (i.e. 正 "authentic" ), but the price is insanely high, I am guessing due mainly due to relative scarcity combined with much more complex and costly processing methods for oolong teas.<br /><br />Since puerh is very minimally processed compared to many other highly regarded tea types, the power of great puerh really is highly dependent on the source material. I think plantation teas can only reach a high level of respect in an environment where you have the resources and knowledge to craft them into something special, (i.e. any good oolong). If you have well preserved, wild trees, then you can enjoy a deep and complex taste without too much processing. My understanding is that compressed teas were proliferated partially by nomads and other such types because they were relatively easy to prepare and to pack. I think there is some truth to the idea that those who live a more wild life are more likely to appreciate or cultivate a wild product. If you want specially crafted products built on knowledge, techniques, art, etc. then you need a greater measure of society/culture to support that.<br /><br />I mainly avoid buying any mediocre teas by a combined policy of 1) demanding to sample from vendors or tea shops that are new to me, and 2) establishing vendors that are trustworthy and I know price accurately relative to quality. Though I am fairly sure I can not see myself buying anywhere near the amount of tea you have any time soon strictly due to financial constraints :)<br /><br />Along the Oakland hills there is some amazing bike riding to be had, with superb views and cutting along some state parks..but it is not for the casual rider, or at least one who doesn't mind some gnarly hills (but you will really appreciate the views when you get to the top, instead of just taking a car to the Chabot Center).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com