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.