Tea Shops in Anaheim

First off, this picture from Leaf Box Tea made my day.



Secondly, who knows of any good tea shops or markets in or around Anaheim California or the LA area?

I will be going there to complete my final Tea Certification course through the Specialty Tea Institute, where I will be graduating as a level 3.

I would love some good recommendations for shops though, as I hope to spend some money on quality tea!


~Billy

Mi Lan Xiang - Honey Orchid

This is a Phoenix Oolong I snagged at the Red Blossom tea shop in the San Francisco chinatown. I loved the set up of the quaint shop and the employees were helpful and polite.

As soon as I got a whiff of the dry leaf, I knew I had to make a purchase.

The tea has a strong peachy, vanilla fragrance and the slightest earthy hint.
Masterful combination of these aromas drew me in.


The liquor of the tea is very aromatic and puts forth roasted nutty nuances.
The color is beautiful.


First infusion;
Apricot is the first flavor revealed;
a light, floral astringency follows.

Second;
The vanilla is found and is dominant;
the aftertaste is subtly roasted walnuts.

Third;
Floral scents dominate this round;
a sour aftertaste pleasantly tingles.

I am shocked by the differences in each brew.
This pushes me, to push the tea.

Fourth;
Sour has turned to spicy;
cloves appear, along with the apricot.

Fifth;
The tea suddenly drops off to sweet water;
the last taste this tea imparts to the liquor is mint.


The complexities and shifts in this tea's flavor make for an interesting session.
This is not a tea to relax and enjoy, this is a tea to actively discover.



The one thing that did bother me about the tea was the sudden drop off.
The flavor did not ween out slowly like usual.

Overall, quite an experience.
I actively discovered every minute of it!


~Billy

P.S.

See Asiatic Fox's opinion here

Alishan High Mountain

Another tea from Ten Ren.
All I was told is that it is an Alishan High Grown tea. It is quite beautiful.

The dry leaf emits a very buttery aroma.
Somewhere there can also be found a light hint of rose; very light.


From the cup comes a very light sweet and sour, grassy scent.
Very pleasing.















The first infusion is made with my freshly gathered spring water.
Velvet smooth with a semi-sour citrus hint.
After the citrus hit, the butter is noted as the liquor slides down. No astringency to be found.

The second infusion: The cream is prevalent as the first taste now, and the citrus follows.
A light astringency brings the balance needed to complete the taste.


The third infusion is sipped. All three tastes, sweet, sour, and cream, are blended harmoniously. Well rounded, and bright, this infusion is the favorite of my taste.

The tea lasts for a long while.



Very much enjoyed. Green oolongs are a personal favorite.
For as pricey as this tea was ($50 for 3 oz) it is well worth it.


~Billy