On Sep 10, 11:09 pm, Jazzy wrote:
Dominic,

Maybe I should reconsider, i just got so into it when i read about how
the japanese clay from the perfecture could enhance your tea taste,
like making the smoother, less bitter and sweeter..

Yeah, it is easy to get caught up into hype online... but I assure you
it is just that, hype. Just the same with Yixing, after maybe 10-20
years of perfect care and feeding it may make a very very slight
difference, but to claim any more than that is a bit silly. I have a
Yixing that has been used for jasmine green tea for over 15 years or
so now and yes, by itself with hot water poured in you can smell the
jasmine... will it magically pour brewed tea with just water? Nope.
Jasmine is highly fragrant too, so the subtle nature of most teas are
going to be far less pronounced. I'd never steer someone away from
trying something new and adding to their collection, just steer you
away from dropping a life savings in hopes of some profound effect.

I find it is mostly a mental thing, if you think your teapot adds
something then in your mind it will. It helps create the full illusion
and sometimes that is a nice change from hustle and bustle. I have had
the chance to drink tea from a Yixing that had been passed down
through countless generations, and besides the high skill and
familiarity with the tea, the pot, and the brewing of the tea I'd say
it added nothing more than a beautiful centerpiece and some great
stories... and that adds all the flavor to the tea in the world.

- Dominic
http://teasphere.wordpress.com