TWG and teas in general

[N_Architect]

I bought a number of different teas lately in my PVG/SIN trip. Most of it is TWG-branded, but also got some nice green tea in Shanghai.

How do people like TWG, especially as it is also offered onboard SQ? Which flavors do you prefer or are highly regarded amongst tea enthusiasts?

The "Paris-Singapore", for example? or perhaps something else?

If anyone has opinions, I'd love to hear them.

Also, if anyone has a recommendation for a book on teas, I'd oblige if you could post the name. I'd like to expand my knowledge on selecting, preparing and enjoying good tea.

Thanks.

[trekkie]

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[Kyo]

I think there is a place for this thread as the other TWG thread is specifically for the blends carried onboard premium SQ cabins. This extends beyond that to Teas 'In General', and many more of TWG's blends outside of SQ J and F...

Not to mention the more general 'tea appreciation' aspect that this thread intends to highlight.

I actually found TWG Blend #1 (believe it's 'Soom') to be quite yummy... although I'm working my way through the Fullerton's collection first.

[N_Architect]

Thanks boys - I did a double search for "TWG" (general search first and then in the Small Talk section as well) prior to posting and ended up with no info/links...

Don't know, if mods feel posts from here should be moved there, then so be it, no probs. Apologies for any trouble caused.

[jjpb3]

I find TWG to be very clever in its blend of tea and spices, but most of those end up being cloying to my taste so I need to intersperse them with unspiced tea. Their Emperor Pu-Erh (unspiced) is one of the best pu-erh I've tasted -- earthy and with just enough hint of sweetness. I'm not sure it's offered onboard.

I'd love to compare their single-estate teas against those of other specialist tea stores in London, but here they distribute mainly their spiced blends through Harrods (and at quite a premium too).

But I'm just starting out in my enthusiasm for tea as well. It's been fascinating to learn that the caffeine in tea has a different effect on the body compared to the caffeine in coffee.

[UMD]

I adore the Alexandra...I do believe it is one of TWG's best blend along with their Pu-Erh. Too bad SQ has pulled these 2 blends from the sky. I do occasionally nip several bags from the F lounge while I travel so I can enjoy it at my destination hotel room.

[Javaman]

I'm not normally a tea person, but exposure and social convention meant I ended up drinking quite a bit in my time....
Can't say I've ever encountered TWG (but anyone wishing to gift some is welcome....)

I generally like lighter teas - dragon leaf tea, jasmine generally.
I do sometimes drink Luk Yu branded Oolong, but it tends to get strong very quickly and is something of an acquired taste.

Teapigs do a lovely Lemongrass tea (or is it technically an infusion, as there's no tea leaves involved?) and that's what I drink as a preference where "tea" is concerned.

Failing that, it's Yorkshire Tea, Gold blend version in Builders Spec (milk, two sugars, stirred with a pen or whatever is to hand)

[jjpb3]

Here are some non-TWG options you could try, N_Architect. Tea Palace in Covent Garden stocks some very nice teas and, from the conversations I overheard, ships to Europe.

They have a 2010 Darjeeling First Flush and a limited release Golden Monkey that are just amazing. If you'd also like to try a flavored tea, their Smooth Caramel is now my current favorite drink to start the morning -- black tea with just the right amount of caramel. I haven't been completely weaned from coffee (I still need the boost for my afternoon slump), but my caffeine preference has shifted significantly.