Tealosophy › Tea preparation style

On Tuesday this week my Tea School offered its first 'seriously' nerdy tea masterclass, a tea brewing bootcamp. It was such an enjoyable evening as we worked our way through a number of tea experiments, taking the opportunity to brew tea under the same conditions, adjusting one variable; and comparing the infusions side by side. Our experiments covered brewing vessel material, leaf quality, leaf weight, water, water temperature and steeping length. It was always my intention to cover water for tea. And I was lucky to have special guest Danny Andrade, Product Development Manager of Di Bella Coffee and Australian...

Before we get started I don't want you to believe that you can not make a respectable cup of tea in Brisbane. In the arena of taste there is a level of subjectivity that is unique to each individual. I personally have had some of the most satisfying brews as well as some of the most disappointing in this city. It has taken me a little while to stop the denial about the impact of the local tap water in the tea making process. After adjustments to brewing parameters and a really interesting experience bringing samples back from Japan and experiencing...

Water for tea. I am not going to lie this is a huge topic and one that I have been reluctant to make a start on due to a fear of heading down a rabbit hole that likely has no single end point. I am not an expert nor am I a scientist but I have a vested interest in water as a tea practitioner and as a tea retailer. The reason I have chosen to look more closely at this topic is not to make the tea making process more complex or scientific. But because as my tea practice...

Summer has most definitely arrived here in Brisbane, Australia. We just had a wild midday storm and the temperature is set to soar again into the mid-30s. It is the humidity that does my head in nevertheless it makes great weather for cold tea formats.  Also, you may not know but I am becoming a budding Instagrammer. If you enjoy the images here these are a flavour of what you will find on my Instagram feed during a given week. I post my tea life daily and would love you to follow and be inspired. Check it out at @thesteeperytea. I...

UPDATE JUNE 2020. Due to Covid-19 our tea service has been brought to an end. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect to so many tea enthusiasts and I am certain we will share tea again! Not to worry, The Steepery Tea Co. is still open as a online retail store and popping up all over Brisbane with great tea events! Brisbane tea lovers rejoice! You no longer need to spoil your Sunday breakfast or brunch out with a cup of poorly made tea. We have created a tea service at Wandering Cooks that any dedicated tea enthusiast would love...