great prices in little Saigon

Falky fooJjaZd.10034$ snipped-for-privacy@newssvr14.news.prodigy.com3/14/05

Falky Foo,

I don't think Upton did ever or does now vend anything that can be considered "top quality stuff." This does not make them a bad vendor. But, they stay pretty much at the bottom and in the middle. That's my opinion. For top quality stuff, go elsewhere.

Michael

Really? I always thought their white teas and such were pretty high end. If not, where do you get quality tea?

spoken like a true connoisseur!

Falky fooYnkZd.10149$ snipped-for-privacy@newssvr14.news.prodigy.com3/14/05

Hi,

Coincidentally, I ordered a selection of white teas about half a year ago from Upton and was sorely disappointed. In answer to your question, I'd suggest In Pursuit of Teas: Not as extensive a collection, but a good one. I've also heard good things about the White Teas from the Imperial Tea Court. I've tasted the Bai Mudan of the Fragrant Leaf. It is excellent. The best Bai Mudan I've drunk is from The Tea Gallery, but their web site is not yet up and running.

I'm not suggesting that Upton has no teas of quality. I'm saying that in my experience -- and I've ordered a fair amount from them -- their teas are in the low and middle ranges.

Michael

Does your opinion apply mostly to their white teas? 'Cause, believe me, I've had much worse black and green teas elsewhere, at higher prices, too. For that reason, I'd never categorize Upton at the low end.

Is Pursuit of Teas a good place to look for green teas? I would like to find one really good high quality green tea to try and compare to the green teas I already have and like.

Recommendations? Anyone?

I'm in north county San Diego, technically Carlsbad, but much closer to Encinitas. Where exactly is the little saigon area? I've looked in some of the shops around Covoy and Clairmont Mesa streets, but have had more misses than hits. Also was this a cooked or uncooked puerh?

snipped-for-privacy@individual.net/14/05 14: snipped-for-privacy@is.invalid

Hi,

Let's say the "middle," then. I've tasted a goodly number of their Oolongs, greens, and whites at various times in the past. Seldom anything to complain about -- although there are exceptions to that -- but never anything to rave about either. Anyway, let me not be perceived as an Upton basher. A person new to tea or a particular type of tea, might want to try their samples. I have had much better luck at SpecialTeas in this regard though, although would that they answer questions better and that they answer e-mails more consistently and quickly. I shy away nowadays from the bigger companies with extra large tea holdings such as Uptons and Special Teas. I go for the guys who limit their inventory, but know it intimately. There seem to be many now, but IPOT and Fragrant Leaf are two American companies that fall nicely into that category.

I rant, rave, and ramble on. Sorry.

Michael

Guide me to a green tea to rave about.

still learning,

- elgoog

snipped-for-privacy@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com3/15/05

Hi,

Wait until Spring -- it's almost upon us in this neck of the woods -- and then try the before the rains offerings of Imperial Tea Court. I also think TeaSpring has had really fine green teas in the past. Look at both web sites in preparation. Can you take a second mortgage on your wife, or do you have extra children you can sell? Just asking. (If a woman you be, Elgoog, than please accept my most humble apology.)

Michael

Michael,

As you know from past posts my favorite tea is Darjeeling, and I can say that their selection is top-notch. Much broader than SpecialTeas; ST was the first vendor I used to explore tea, and I still have a soft spot in my heart for them, but I'm finding that although their prices are still good their selection is dwindling and their acquisitions late. Upton gets the tea on release - last year, they had a selection of first flushes available

Regards, Dean

DPMfXDZd.5787$I16.2957@trndny033/15/05 11: snipped-for-privacy@junk.com

Dean,

I did try some of their first flush Darjeelings last year, and found them severely wanting. Let's remember though that last year's first flushes were subpar to begin with. Kevin of Kyela teas in Canada has an excellent selection of Darjeelings, and that's all he has. Specialization is good.

Michael