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London 2024 – SUMMARY – Last Installment – Tea Sampling details

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I know we cannot be all things to all tea people, there is just too much variety in the wide tea world

However, it became very clear to me on this trip that: it brings me great joy to seek out and find new luxuries to share with you, And to make more connections to those who have access to the small farmers who are passionate about creating teas.

It is similar to the feeling of buying directly from the farmers and creators and artists at Farmers Markets. Though I do not, personally, have the resources or gumption to travel directly to many places (I am really very cowardly at trying many foreign foods), I rejoice that there are others who have that sense of adventure.

It was especially exciting to meet Juyan at Chinese tea Co, and to discover the works of Postcard Teas. It’s why I appreciate: knowing Rajen and family at Heritage Tea Farms; getting to know Nischal & Pratik and the growing crew of Nepal Teas; and all the educational video efforts of Don at Mei Leaf. It’s why I have goals of adding ever more of the Farm Direct teas to our lineup.

I want to drink teas made by people who care, and I think most of you do too.

Thank you for supporting my little venture, and enabling me to provide financial support and well-being to those who work for me, and to the farmers we source from!

So much Tea Love ?

P.S. – I have set up some tentative dates for a sampling session of the most expensive and luxurious of the teas I brought back [Scottish, Sovereign Yellow, Tie Guan Yin and two special green teas (An Ji Bai Cha, Zhejiang Province, China) from this Spring’s harvest – at least … maybe a few more] and you can help firm things up by purchasing a deposit ticket HERE.

Non-refundable $5 deposit (keep your receipt to use as a $5 coupon for a future purchase). Final ticket pricing will be in the $15-$20 range, depending on how much interest there is and what venue I can source (if more than 6 guests). ……. You can also call the shop if you are not on our contact lists for text or email and want to be included/make a deposit. – THIS EVENT IS FULLY BOOKED as of 8/28/24

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General, Tea Info

LONDON 2024 – 6th Installment – Tea Stop #5

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Chinese Tea Company

Juyan Webster is the founder of The Chinese Tea Company. She was born and raised in Zhejiang Province, China. Click here for more about Juyan

This is the Chinese connection that I was hoping for. I spent more than an hour discussing teas and sampling a couple of puerhs. Juyan is PASSIONATE about tea – and she Really Knows her tea – she is my Chinese version of Rajen Baruah in Assam India.

I am so confident and thrilled about the Very Special teas I brought back from her shop. Some of these teas I could only get very small quantities. I will send out an email soon about the upcoming sampling session that I want to arrange so we can share the “cream of the crop” so to speak. All of the teas that are available for purchase have been set up in our register and can be purchased in shop now.

Look for a ripe and a raw puerh, a more rare Tie Guan Yin (from the oldest tea bushes used for this type of tea, growing on one of the highest mountains in the area), as well as a very special Snowbud green tea – that is only available because of Juyan’s resources. It is a tea not normally exported because only a small quantity is made each year – and primarily enjoyed by the locals – from new growth leaves plucked while there is sometimes still snow on the bushes

Last installment coming soon – SUMMARY
General, Tea Info

LONDON 2024 – 5th Installment – Tea Stop #4

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Postcard Teas 

Long-time customer, Joanne, told me about this tea shop. They operate in a unique manner. For walk-in shopping, you can only purchase small quantities of tea (approx 20-50gm*) packaged in a postcard sized box that can be mailed to friends or loved ones, or keep for yourself! [*Larger quantities can be purchased by advanced order.]

 They offer a wide and varied selection, and all of their teas come from small-hold farms (average maximum of 15 acres, and most are 5 or fewer acres), and each of their tea “postcards” tells a brief story of the farm it came from.

They also have a selection of very high-end handcrafted teapots, cups, and gaiwans

They do not offer any wholesale terms, but I really like the way they are supporting small farms/farmers and fostering the art of handcrafted teas. Visit their website. Support small farmers.

I brought back a lemon black for Lori (that she proclaims is “divine”) and a lemon rooibos blend to compare against our ginger citrus (haven’t done a side by side yet). It is probable that I will be placing orders as I get a chance to explore more of what they have (and bring in some of that lemon black, heh heh).

If YOU want to try only 1 or 2 smaller packages of tea – would you like to go in with us for an order – as shipping is free on orders of £150? ….. [feel free to comment on this post – what do you think of this idea?]

How it could work:

First order deadline of 9/15 – If you see something you would like to try, please call Kateri at the shop to pre-pay for your tea. Actual USD amount will depend upon the exchange rate at the time the credit card is processed. (When I made my purchases in the store, USD was 1.3 x the British £ price.)

I will collect 1.2 x the price displayed on their website and we can settle up any differences when you pick up your order. I will email you a copy of whatever receipt or tracking they give me – so you can follow along until it comes in.

Next installment – Last Tea Stop #5 – Chinese Tea Company