Is Tea as HOT as Cigars are "Smokin"?
Tea is hot and getting hotter amongst men. Just this summer while preparing
to launch Tea Time World Wide I had conversations with a variety of men
in a variety of careers and asked them if they drank tea. The answer
was overwhelmingly YES. I then asked them if they ever tried loose-leaf
tea and the answer was overwhelmingly NO. It was clear that most men had
yet to discover the enjoyment found in drinking quality loose-leaf tea.
Calling all Aficionados'. Inquiring minds want to know. If you found
a hobby that allowed you to use all your senses, offered endless variety,
a rich history, was comparable priced with your current hobby and
improved your health would you give it a try?
Well this is my attempt to change the world. I am starting with
Aficionados because you have spent time learning about cigars, learning
the language, trying them out and selecting your favorites. Becoming
a Loose- leaf expert is approached the same way. The only difference is,
while you are learning and sipping tea you may start to feel better.
You have probably heard about the health benefits associated with green
tea; new studies show that all tea may offer the same benefits. Tea may
prevent cancer, lower cholesterol, prevent heart attacks, lower blood
sugar and energize every cell in your body. And best of all the more you
drink the healthier it is.
Take a few moments to read my course on Tea
Tasting 101. If you like what you see I will recommend suppliers who
offer quality tea in sample sizes for tasting. Then order a few
samples and let your education begin. All you need to start with
is some loose-leaf tea, a teapot and a tea strainer and maybe a journal
to record your results. Eventually you may want to treat yourself to a
yixing pot made from purple clay or a cast iron pot. They are both handsome
and durable. Many styles are available to suite many personalities.
As a cigar smoker you may enjoy the Lapsang Souchong tea which has a "smoky"
flavor from being dried over smoky pine fires. Or maybe a English
Breakfast if you like a stronger brew. As you become an expert you will
be tempted with all the accessories that also accompany the hobby like
wooden tea caddies, infusers, strainers, timers etc.
I would suggest starting with just the tea. Quality Loose-leaf in
its purest state is a pleasure plain. Once you have mastered the subtleties
in taste you may add milk, honey or lemon. Eventually you may want
to try mixing foods with tea to see which combinations you prefer.
And if you like the conversation and socialization associated with smoking
cigars wait until you start drinking tea. I have had some of the most
interesting thoughts and conversations over tea. I have also had a lot
of fun throwing around tea facts that people find fascinating.
So I ask you, is tea as HOT as cigars are smoking? I would
say so. Tea has been around for thousands of years. The health benefits
and magic in the brew are undeniable. It's a healthy habit with
a history and I'm not just blowing smoke.
Please write to us and
tell us what you think or feel free to Ask
the Editor anything to help you get started.
Browse, not Pinkies
James Norwood
Pratt:
An Exlusive Interview
"The Art of Tea" Chapter #1
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land of Tea
