Wu Yi and Phoenix Mt. teas

Michael,

I've enjoyed Specialteas No. 534 Wuyi Green China. Now, I'm not a green tea connoisseur (Darjeeling is my tea of choice), but this tea has a sweet, flowery undertone that appeals to me.

What have you found that strikes you as noteworthy? Any oolongs?

Regards, Dean

DPMdZUCc.42304$ snipped-for-privacy@nwrdny03.gnilink.net6/25/04 08: snipped-for-privacy@junk.com

Dean,

In terms of Phoenix Bird Oolongs there are several. I have Wu Dong, a Zhe Lang Xiang, and Guo Jiang Xiang Dan Congs all from David Hoffman of Silk Road Teas, all delicious with the last one being spectacular. I also have a Zhong Shan Bai Ye from Fragrant Leaf which is really nice too. I have a "lightly roasted" Red Robe Wuyi rock tea which revealed itself to me all of a sudden as though out of nowhere. I got it from a local New York City shop called "The Tea Gallery." The Phoenix Bird Oolongs are right out front -- at least for me -- with their offered complexities, but the Wuyi Oolong teas are more hidden. I'm working on learning about their qualities. Generally speaking, I'm learning from tasting experience that high up old trees are best. Go for the old tree on the mountain rather than the young cultivated tree down below. I suppose when I visit China I'll be doing a lot of climbing and rock scrambling.

Michael

Michael,

Thanks for the suggestions. Do you have a URL for Silk Road? The only one that came up in Google (silkroadtea.com) did not have any of the teas you recommend, or at least I couldn't find them. The site also generated errors that made browsing it frustrating.

Thanks, Dean

Dean,

David Hoffman (SRT) has no URL nor e-mail. Address: Silk Road Teas Post Office Box 287 Lagunitas, California 94938

Telephone: (415) 488-9017

The other company you mentioned is not much to deal with. David knows all his teas really well and will talk with you on the telephone about them. He can make recommendations. I usually work with him that way.

I should tell you that the teas I mentioned begin at about $30. for 4 ounces, but the teas are worthy of the prices. He also has excellent teas at lower prices.

Michael

On the west side of Allen St. half a block above Delancey.

/Lew

Michael,

Thanks for the information.

I'm curious: how did you hear of SRT if it has no internet presence? Word-of-mouth? Is David's lack of electronic visibility a conscious choice on his part?

Regards, Dean

DPMTOUDc.10855$ snipped-for-privacy@nwrdny03.gnilink.net6/28/04 09: snipped-for-privacy@junk.com

Dean,

Indubitably a conscious choice; he has had lots of opportunity to avail himself of electronica, much like the rest of us. He pops up periodically in discussions on TeaMail and here. Friends of mine have been doing business with him for years. He is primarily a wholesaler. Many teas on vendors' inventories come from him. He's well worth getting to know.

Michael