Monthly Tea Tastings

January 23, 24, 25--Famous Teas of China
It was no easy task to decide which teas to offer for this presentation/tasting. And I must admit to having gotten a little carried away, simply because I couldn't make up my mind! We will meet at the Voss Inn Bed and Breakfast from 6:00 to 8:00 or 9:00. (It's hard to know exactly how long it will last with this many teas!) The cost will be $15 per person and reservations are required. Our groups will be limited to 8 people, and reservations will be taken on a first come first served basis. Here is a short list of the teas we will be tasting:

Tribute "Huangshan Maofeng" (Yellow Mountain Fur Peak)--Created over 400 years ago, this green tea is counted among China's Top Ten Famous Teas. As with most teas, there are several grades of Huangshan Maofeng. This particular grade served as a tribute tea to the imperial court in ancient times and today it often serves as the Chinese National Gift Tea which is presented to foreign dignitaires.

Imperial "Bai Mu Dan" (White Peony)--This Chinese white tea is extremely expensive and difficult to make. In order to be classified as a true bai mu dan, the standard of "three whites" is required. The leaf set must have one leaf bud covered in white down plus two leaves whose undersides are covered in white down and whose tops are dark green.

White Bud Puerh--This particular Puerh tea is composed entirely of pure white buds that were hand harvested in a remote area of Yunnan Province. It is not a conventional white tea that is simply withered and dried, rather, this tea was processed just like other Sheng (unfermented) Puerh tea. It was picked, withered, pan fired, and sun dried, creating a flavor profile that is different and more assertive than conventional white teas, yet without the bitterness common to other young Sheng Puerh. This is an excellent starting point for people who are new to Puerh in general because of its mildness.

"Ti Guan Yin" Oolong (Iron Goddess of Mercy)--Ranks 3rd in the Top Ten Famous Teas of China. Ti Guan Yin Tea is so popular that it is practically the pronoun for oolong tea. This kind of Tie Guan Yin Tea is close to green tea, with only a little fermentation. Subsequently, it has a very flowery, delicate aroma no hint of green tea "grassiness" or astringency.

"Qi Men", also known as Keemun--was invented in 1875 and soon gained popularity in England. It became the most prominent ingredient of high class English Breakfast tea. Over the years, Qi Men Tea continued to take the world by storm. A two-time gold medallist in The World Exposition Fair, the unique aroma is said to rival any of the Darjeelings and Ceylon teas. A tantalizing blend of fruit, floral, andhoney, the Qi Men aroma is a charming experience. Known as the "Burgundy of black Teas" the taste, is often described by foreigners as "Chinese sweetness".

Yunnan Spring Tips Puerh--It is no exaggeration to say that Puerh is unique in the world of tea! This particular puerh is classified as Sheng (unfermented) puerh. It is from the da ye (big leaf) cultivar found in Yunnan Province of southern China.

February 27, 28, 29--Teas of Africa

March 26, 27, 28--Teas of Ceylon (Sri Lanka)