On Sat, 27 Sep 2003 23:02:27 -0500, ws wrote:

> Just a little curious. Do most of you purchase from online stores? Which
> ones? Or do most of you purchase from stores near where you live?

Brick & Mortar Answer:

Where I live, brick and mortar shops (generally places that sell tea as a
secondary product to coffee) generally sell sub-par tea at inflated
prices. There is an international grocer nearby that sells products from
around the world that has quite a selection of tea. When I first found
this place I was excited about the wide assortment. However, most of
what I've tried has been not to my liking except for a very affordable
Assam (at $0.01US per gram) which I drink occasionally and mid-range (in
taste) Dragonwell. I also picked up some nice Japanese greens at a
Japanese grocer in Cary, NC last year but it is a bit of drive (>1000
miles). If I ever get anywhere close to Edgewater, NJ, I'd probably go
broke. Luckily, a friend of mine, goes to Japan occasionally and always
brings back an interesting selection.

Online Answer:

Dens Tea for various Japanese Greens
Special Teas for various Oolongs, Chinese Greens & Loose-Leaf Pu-erh

I've also ordered from Capital Tea (in Toronto), Adagio, & TenRen.

J

PS If anyone knows of an online source for Kanematsu (sp?) Tea Company's
offerings, please share.