I switched to a glass pot a couple of years ago when I modified my
first tea press. I switched to glass cups from smaller 100-500 ml tea
presses which can be found in asian shops for a couple of bucks. They
come with a sip spout at no extra charge. The cup is cradle in a
plastic handle so it is protected from breaking. I found glass is a
good alternative for making green and oolongs if you always boil water.
It radiates and cools down without cooking the tea. Black teas infuse
almost immediately so temperature isn't a problem. I drink my puer off
the top and enjoy the fizzing. You get a different perspective on
color appreciation because the infusion twinkles with different
background light. If need be sit the cup on a white sheet of paper for
base comparisons. I like glass because it is the lightest material. I
always enjoy the performance of the leaves in the pot. It's the
biggest missing dimension of brewing without glass.


Jim

Dominic T. wrote:
> I have always been a stickler for pure white coating/enamel/porcelain
> for any of my teacups or mugs so that I can see the exact hue and the
> leaves as they should be. But I recently switched over to clear glass
> cups/mugs/gaiwans and I don't think there is any chance of turning
> back. Being able to fully appreciate the colors and the leaves in their
> agony has made the past month of tea even more enjoyable and
> fulfilling.
>
> I also have become a complete convert to gaiwans, and my poor Yixing
> has not seen much use for over a month. I'm sure I will eventually work
> back into it but I have seen the light and realized what I've been
> missing. I was pretty stuck in my ways and really didn't give the
> gaiwan much respect, until I began brewing and drinking directly from
> it. The other crazy thing is some teas I previously enjoyed I do not
> like so much in the more intimate setting of the gaiwan, and when I
> analyzed things more closely I found that the tea really has not been
> that great in comparison to some others. (some of my most expensive
> green kukicha is off my list forever) I have also found I am enjoying
> other teas that I previously did not.
>
> Sorry for such a "simple" post but it has had a profound effect on my
> enjoyment of tea and I owe thanks to this group for making me break out
> of some well-worn ruts, as well as highly recommend trying both or
> either if you have not.
>
> - Dominic
> Drinking: Numi Assam (in a clear glass mug