I recently ordered samples of three very reasonably priced
non-Chinese non-Japanese greens from Upton, and thought I
would share my impressions. Your mileage may vary. I am not
too scientific about brewing parameters; for most greens I start
will boiling water, pour into a 12 oz. mug, wait 5-6 minutes, and
then steep with a nice big mug infuser. This would probably put
the water in the 170-180 F range. I typically infuse 2 - 2.5 minutes.

None of these teas were bad. Mostly what they lacked was prominent
flavor. Still, I think they are worth trying if the description appeals.

Elpitiya Estate Gunpowder GP1 Wilson Select (TC79). This was an
interesting gunpowder, almost no smoky flavor, lighter colored liquor
than other gunpowders. Reviewers on Upton's site correctly noted a
clean taste, which is a pleasant astringency. No doubt this would become
overbearing if steeped to long. Gunpowder fans might want to try
this. I only drink gunpowder occasionally and will probably stick to
the Temple of Heaven.

Iddalgashinna Estate Ceylon OP1 Organic Green (TC82). "Light, clean
and fragrant" wrote one of the reviewers on Upton's site, and that
seems spot on to me. I would describe the aroma and taste as
slightly herbaceous. I would prefer a little more flavor, but may
still buy this occasionally as a change of pace. At around $20/pound,
the price is very reasonable, especially for an organic tea. The
infused liquor is yellow.

Vietnam Sencha (TV01). Interesting stuff, darker in leaf and lighter in
infused liquor that other senchas I have tried. Upton's reviewers
noted an "oceanic" aroma and taste, which I noticed, too, but it is
fairly subtle. I guess I have become attached to the deep, rich vegetal
flavor of my Japanese senchas, which this tea did not have. I kept the
steep on this one close to 2 minutes. Those who don't care for sencha
because of the rich vegetal flavor should give this one a try.


--
Randy
(if replying by e-mail, remove SPAMFREE and DeLeTe from my address)