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)