On 3/7/2005 1:42 PM, Bluesea wrote:
> This was done in two trials comparing it to Upton's ZW82. Adagio recommends
> 1-2 tsps. at 180°F for 7 mins. while Upton recommends 2-3 tsps. at 180°F for
> 3 mins.
>
> The first thing that I noticed was that the dry leaf of Adagio's SB
> (referred to as SB-A in the future) is darker, even approaching black, while
> Upton's SB (SB-U) is sometimes nearly white to a light, grassy green. Since
> I've never had a white tea that was blackish which is supposed to be a
> result of withering in conditions that are too cold, I was very interested
> to try the results.
>
> TRIAL #1 - Both were 1 heaping (to compensate for empty spaces in the
> measuring spoon) tsp. in 8 oz at 170°F for what I thought was 2-1/2 mins (I
> forgot to start the timer - oops) gave the SB-A a nice light golden color
> and a somewhat fruity flavor while the SB-U was pale and weak in both color
> and flavor. Adding 2 min. + 2 min. + 1 min. was about the same, they got
> stronger, but SB-A was too strong for me at the end and the SB-U was always
> weaker and paler.
>
> TRIAL #2 - I transferred the leaves from Trial #1 to a large Teeli basket
> and started anew. SB-U was with my usual 2 heaping tsps. and SB-A stayed at
> 1 heaping tsp. At 170°F for 2-1/2 min., the color of both liquors were
> closer than in Trial #1 and both were too weak in taste.
>
> Adding 1/2 min. improved both. SB-U was noticeably lighter and more
> refreshing than the still-fruity SB-A that wasn't as smooth.
>
> Adding 1 min. to make a total time of 4 mins. made it the best for SB-A and
> only made SB-U a little stronger.
>
> At the total time of 5 mins., both were stronger, past my "Ahh..." and the
> SB-A was both fuller in flavor and harsher than the SB-U.
>
> The infused leaves looked nearly the same shade except SB-A was slightly
> duller than SB-U.
>
> Conclusion: While essentially the same tea, there are differences that make
> SB-A fruitier, feeling fuller in the mouth, and not as smooth as SB-U which
> is lighter and more delicate - IMO, utterly sublime in its nuances. Both may
> be savored and appreciated for their individual attributes.

Thanks for this! I find all reviews helpful (even those of teas I know I
will never, ever, no way at all, unh-unh, nope, drink) and interesting,
but those that really compare, err, apples to apples are the most
helpful of all!

I keep envisioning many of the reviewers here in lab coats, beakers
bubbling away, with stop watches everywhere. If nothing else, it makes
for an interesting read!

Resa