Tea

(Also, the earlier suggestion of Mariage Freres is a good one. It's very English in style, with very particular affectations and additives, but done exceedingly well. If you love Earl Grey, plow through Mariage Freres before you do anything else. If you're more of a straight black or green or whatever guy, I'd start at a place like Upton or Wesley or any number of other shops that focus on straight Chinese, Indian, and/or Japanese teas, in that order.)
 
originally posted by evan hansen:
(Also, the earlier suggestion of Mariage Freres is a good one. It's very English in style, with very particular affectations and additives, but done exceedingly well. If you love Earl Grey, plow through Mariage Freres before you do anything else. If you're more of a straight black or green or whatever guy, I'd start at a place like Upton or Wesley or any number of other shops that focus on straight Chinese, Indian, and/or Japanese teas, in that order.)

Some of the Mariage blends are insanely delicious (e.g. Marco Polo, Bourbon)
 
I don't know much about tea (I'm pretty happy with basic Japanese green teas) but two of the most helpful things I have are a digital thermometer and a digital kitchen timer that's simple and easy to use. Makes my actual results way more consistent and easier to experiment with - 30 more seconds of steeping, 180 degrees vs 185 degrees, etc.

It's pretty obvious and basic compared to what others know, but it helps if you don't have them already (plus they're great for getting a good cuppa once you're back in shape for it).
 
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