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.

--
~~Bluesea~~
Spam is great in musubi but not in email.
Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.

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

"Serendip" > wrote in message
...
>
> Thanks for this!

You're welcome!

> 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,

Me, too.

> but those that really compare, err, apples to apples are the most
> helpful of all!

Helps the process of elimination...so many teas, so little time/money/etc.

> I keep envisioning many of the reviewers here in lab coats,

err...shorts & t-shirt,

> beakers
> bubbling away,

cups and brew baskets,

> with stop watches

microwave timer

> everywhere. If nothing else, it makes
> for an interesting read!

We do find ways to amuse ourselves and pass the time, don't we?

--
~~Bluesea~~
Spam is great in musubi but not in email.
Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.

On 3/7/2005 5:51 PM, Bluesea wrote:
>> with stop watches
>
> microwave timer

DUH! (Smacking forehead) Microwve timer!! That is SO much better than
basing it on how long it takes for the bagel or English Muffin to toast,
or trying to remember to check my watch. DUH!

>> everywhere. If nothing else, it makes
>> for an interesting read!
>
> We do find ways to amuse ourselves and pass the time, don't we?

Sigh. Yes. Eagerly awaiting the waterproof ink package. Tracking it
all, and will copy into journal when the ink arrives.