Dominic 3/6/06



Michael Plant wrote:
Dominic, one approach that might help is to buy teas in season. Even lesser
green teas, plucked at the right time and provided to you fresh, will be
better than their counterparts off season. Then, later, Darjeelings. Taiwan
Oolongs have two seasons: spring and winter. I buy relatively small
quantities and try to follow the teas around the calendar, although I often
jump the gun admittedly.

My favorites are Bao Zhong, Bai Hou, and....heck, they're all my favorates
when I'm drinking them.

I do also buy tea in season, but this post was mainly for a good couple
daily teas to drink at work. I have a whole different set of teas that
I drink at home when I can properly brew and enjoy them... but at work
I just want a small variety of quality teas to enjoy depending on my
mood and tastes that day. I try to keep one green, oolong, black, and
one or two random ones.

In that case, let me wholeheartedly second Ian's Keemun suggestion. Keemun
improves with age -- we're not talking decades here -- and will therefore
stand up beautifully in your office. WuYi Oolongs are also said to benefit
from some months of aging and are therefore good office candidates, but only
the more highly roasted, not the greener varieties. I drank an exquisite
first flush Darjeeling Oolong yesterday. Modern Darjes are greener, so keep
them well packed and sealed. My office pack is oft' visited. I've got lots
of Yunnan red teas of various qualities here too for when the mood strikes,
like for example now.
Michael