I have been an ignorant tea snob for years. I would only drink loose leaf tea- much of it dusts- brewed Western style. I knew I preferred oolong, but had no idea there were different types. June 13, 2016 (I will never forget that date) I was walking through Chinatown in San Francisco and walked by a tea shop that offered tea tastings. I sat down to taste 2 oolong and a black tea. The person brewing carefully weighed the tea, explained about cultivars and processing and started to brew with a gaiwan. After what felt like a very long, elaborate, showy process, she poured the tea. It was delicious and there was such a difference between all 3 teas. But then she went on to brew another infusion. It wasn’t until I tried the 2 infusion that my mind was blown and the epiphany happened. The teas had changed and given up more flavors that she described like one would a wine: peaches, honey, caramel...things I never would have thought of when drinking tea. Since then I have looked to expand my tea knowledge and the Mei Leaf channel has been so educational. I think I can now call myself a tea student and will continue working toward deserving to be called a proper Tea Head. I now look forward to spending a couple of hours every weekend brewing some true tea in a gaiwan and scoping it to enhance my appreciation and knowledge. I look forward to the ongoing tea journey! Cheers and thank you for the information you share and the joy your carefully selected teas bring.

@fawn_face

4 жыл бұрын

What was this shop? ☺️✨

@KerkopesArt

6 ай бұрын

​@@fawn_face I know this is an ancient comment BUT I had a similar experience in the same place. In San Francisco! I loved three specific shops there. red blossom, tenren, and vital tea leaf. They opened my eyes just as much. Awakened!!

For people who want to test out if clay is for you, I would like to point out that you don’t even need to buy an expensive teapot. You can simply buy a clay teacup and if it’s quality clay (make sure it’s porous and unglazed) it will have the same effect (here Don is using the teapot as a gong dao bei). Just make sure you purchase from a reputable vendor you trust. It would also be easier to stick to less prestigious and faked clays like Jianshui or Chaozhou than Yixing to ensure you are actually getting what it is being advertised as. Teacups are (generally) considerably cheaper than teapots because they don’t typically require even close to the same amount of time, effort and craftsmanship to make. Get a cup or two and try different types of tea. If you find clay is not for you, no big loss.

@heavymetaljess_

Жыл бұрын

This is such a great tip and also a good way to test out if a vendor is selling reputable products. I bought a set of beautiful clay cups labeled as Yixing from a seller and they stripped all the flavor out of my teas. I was not a fan. Come to find out, it isn't actually Yixing clay. A great learning experience without wasting $100+

@predatorofthehaters4987

3 ай бұрын

There is a good German online tea shop. There you can buy a very good beginner clay pot(tezen). When u are used to it meileaf has the fancy ones. But I would buy those expensive pots at the start

52 minute video and new master Wu pots :D happy days! rip wallet though

I saw this video and I literary screamed :D I already have a reputation of being the crazy tea lady so nobody was surprised :)

I think it should be noted that not all yixing clay is extremely porous and robs the high and delicate notes like the standard Zi Ni brown clay that yixing has become somewhat synonymous with. There are so many different types of clay that can all be classified as yixing clay because they come from that area in Jiangsu. For instance, there is a famous type of yixing clay called Zhu Ni (Vermilion clay), which is bright orangish red, and rings just like a bell when tapped very similar to Chaozhou clay, in fact probably even more high pitched, although the pitch of the sound is definitely related to how high fired the clay has been as well. I actually have a teapot made from what’s called Tiao Sha Zhu Ni clay, which is Zhu Ni clay with tiny flecks of yellow Duan Ni clay all throughout it, and this specific blend of clays actually does what Don is speaking about to the tea, when he blends the gaiwan brewed tea and the Chaozhou clay brewed tea together in the same cup before he drank it, which is to retain the bright higher notes, while simultaneously rounding out any harsher qualities, and thickening the brew significantly, on top of compounding that sweetness as Don mentioned. I realize Don, you were probably just referring to the standard Zi Ni brown and other very porous yixing clays as a sort of general notice when doing this comparison, but I just thought I would chime in as I just subscribed to your channel, because I’ve actually been very interested in your lengthy discussions and really valuable information. I really appreciate what you are doing to spread tea culture to the more mainstream society, and love the direction. #Keep tea gangsta, always. Thanks! Nick-

I ordered a bunch of tea and tea ware yesterday. Can’t wait to start drinking proper tea😊 Please keep up your amazing work!!

@mariannefleur6671

6 жыл бұрын

theIrishbarber I see us slaving away on the tea plantations to finance our habits more directly and effectively 😂🙈🍃🍃🍃

@katananick5720

6 жыл бұрын

Alex tudor thank you 😊 looking forward to learning more!

@0Templegoddess

6 жыл бұрын

Welcome, welcome! It's a slippery slope down the tea rabbit hole but you don't have to take the journey alone :)

@ludovitche

5 жыл бұрын

@@0Templegoddess Depends. I jumped straight into the rabbit hole on week 1 :p

I love all these pots. They're just so cute and just so beautifully made

"It's got that booty to it." My favorite part haha. Loved the video

A very educational video Don!

Really love these long, educational, fun, experimental videos. Gratefully I hv a Master Wu pot and a porcelain Gaiwan. I will try some A / B tastings soon. I am also keen to experiment with different waters and also water boiling methods. Currently I am staying in England .. I am going to try some French water and some water from Scotland. Not looking for the perfect 'cuppa' .. it is jst so much fun experimenting .. it's like being a kid in Tea Science Class at school! \:D/ Thank you to all @Mei Leaf for being instrumental in inspiring me to a Chajin .. ;) Xx

30,000 subscribers!!! Congratulations!

I am learning so much from your channel!

I have a Chaozhou pot from Mei Leaf's previous batch and I can highly recommend it. It's really a great pot and for a fully handmade one it's still a very reasonable price. I use it for dancongs except Ya Shi Xiang which I have another Chaozhou pot for.

handle of the last one is so cool but shape of the second one... I really love it

Great video & experiments! 😍😍😍 Ordered my Master Wu original as soon as I got the alert. Only then was I relaxed enough to watch the video! 😂😂😂 Looking forward to get brewing. 👍👍👍

Lovely teapots Don.

As i've gotten into gongfu, I've been trying to figure out how to get clay pots that work with greens, whites, and wulongs. I'll have to email you about these, I like your balanced commentary

Beautiful artistry.

I would love to see a blind taste test between procelain and the clay :)

@theabulgin2323

6 жыл бұрын

dudaimradio oooohh yea that would be cool

I cackled when you were describing the pot and did the “hourglass” movement with your hands

🎶Fat bottomed pots, you make the rockin world go round🎶

Fun vid! Thank You!

Pitty I can‘t give you 1.000 thumbs up here, but you have it from me!

Would be nice if this kind of long videos were split so like 1 video is showing the pots the other one doing the tasting. Or it would be nice if there is in the description like time marks to point you to the different parts of the video. I really like how informative the videos are but it's sometimes hard to dedicate that much time to watch a video. Sometimes the same thing is repeated or said in different ways many times and avoiding that or editing that could save some time for the viewers and keep them more engaged.

Just ordered mine :) Had a really REALLY hard time choosing between Original Shape or Gourd Shape! Ultimately I chose the original shape because it is Master Wu signature pot after all. great selections btw! :)

red clay pots are my fav.. simple and amazing tea pots..

two years late. did you mention the porosity/absorption percentage of these clay pots? would love to know if you do.

Ooo I hope my idea comes up soon that will be a dream come true!!

If it isnt too much work a few timestamps would be very helpful for such a long video. I was much more interested in the part that starts at 17:31.

Man knows about electronic music. Didn't peg don for a raver. Big upp!!!!!

I need your gong fu guru tea set to be restocked!!!!

I just ordered a chaozhou clay pot and can't wait to brew some dancong teas in it.

I've been binging on your video's for the last couple of days. I have a suggestion on a video comparing different clay pots taste of tea. Instead of porcelain I wonder how different would clay pot bring from the same tea.

Wonderful teapots. Master Wu the master. Now I have to ask, have you brewed with silver tea-ware (fine silver) before? Just curious what you think about it? I've heard different things about silver tea-ware.

you're killing me with these long videos

@Ang3lsMum

3 жыл бұрын

next

What material would you recommend for the Pendulum Meddler? Porcelain, Chaozhou or Yixing? I don't have any clay pots to experiment with, and I wanted to buy a pot specifically for the Meddler. Obviously I will use it for other teas as well, but I wanted to make sure it will suit my new favorite tea😁

wouldn't the chaozhou absorb the flavours and release them with continued use, meaning you can use it for whatever tea and in the long run it would keep the top high notes of teas like TGY?

I commend you for your channel. You reflect the knowledge of my own tea tutor in Hongkong who highlights the difference in Pu Erh tea. While you do go overboard on the flavour description I salute you for your subtle distinction between the large Chinese producers of the Pu Erh tear and the tribal producers. Night and day. Moreover your sincere appreciation of Pu Erh tea shines through. I have friends in China who considers themselves experts and actually go on buying trips to Yunnan but only visit with the large manufacturers. I am presently in Northern China and would not countenance buying locally because the majority of the shops are very commercial with a lot of misrepresentation. The legitimate vendors have huge markups and this can be said of many of the Hongkong vendors. Unfortunately my Hongkong tutor is a collector and it is not fair for me to buy from him. I wish I were in England because you can be sure I would be a faithful customer. Thank you.

Any opinions on dahongpao clay?

Very interesting video Don. Would pouring tea brewed in porcelain or glass into a clay cup rather than a pot have a similar effect than the one obtained in the video?

@MeiLeaf

6 жыл бұрын

Yes the clay should change the texture if it us a good clay cup.

I just ordered a Master Wu,and I am very exited to experience its language!! I do have a question,regarding Gaiwan. I have 2,one is porcelain,so no issues there,but the other is made of jade! It is naturally cold to the touch,and I was curious,as I have not used it yet: Is jade problematic,in terms of heat retention? It is so beautiful,pure white jade,but I want to make sure it’s good to go,before I embark on a session.

@charlesperez9976

2 жыл бұрын

Also,and I say this as a tribute,to make you smile: Your advice,your knowledge,your opinion,your assessment, It is Ultramagnetic. Boom. 😊

so when I drink raw puerh, sometimes quite astringent. would that be a good one to brew in chaozhou?

Do clay pots contain any lead?

Hey Don, I love watching your videos. I am considering investing in such a clay pot. However, I am living in an area with very calcareous water and I am wondering if the water would ruin the pot. Any thoughts about that? Thanks

@MeiLeaf

5 жыл бұрын

We use the pots in London with hard water and it is absolutely fine in our experience.

would you please make a video breaking down the regions in china and what tea each has, what kind of elevation, climate... all i know is that tie guan yin comes from Anxi so every time you say something link "Fujian" I have no idea what you are talking about....

@mario7027

6 жыл бұрын

Anxi is a county located in Fujian province. Most Chinese teas are grown in either Yunnan or Fujian province (a few more from Guangdong and Zhejiang, and a couple of other provinces also have some teas). You can get a good amount of knowledge by browsing the catalogue of teas on the website, and looking up the places of origin on Wikipedia, and possibly check the places out on Google Maps.

I've noticed that machine made clay tends to have a much sandier in its feel then half handmade or handmade

What is call the ceramic tea tray under clay pot ? Thank you

@MeiLeaf

6 жыл бұрын

Tea boat

Why not doing the pour test with the brand new one ?

@MeiLeaf

6 жыл бұрын

I just didn't want to get a boxed one wet but all of the pours from this potter are immaculate.

A question. I was intrigued to hear you talk about the bell tone of the pot related to the type of clay. I was taught that the tone was determined by the temperature at which the clay was fired. Is that wrong? Thanks

@MeiLeaf

6 жыл бұрын

You are right that the high firing temperature is a big factor in the sound and I was trying to say that I look for the quality of the clay and how it has been worked and fired when choosing pots for myself.

@none-gd9ek

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks, so much. That makes sense. Thanks for noting the bit about looking for clay inclusions as well.

What??? ... no milk and sugar??? :) :) :) Really enjoying your channel.

I don't really agree with the comment on the sound of the teapot to determine quality. It's too much of a generalization. The sound should be higher pitch but not sounding like metals or ceramics. The reasons for these pots is for it to have a certain degree of porosity yet baked above a minimum temperature threshold so that the clay does not turn black after brewing tea in the pot for a long time.

Beautiful pots that I can't afford. 😅

Are you tea people team pot or team gaiwan or both ?

@imb5128

25 күн бұрын

I like gaiwans cause they’re actually more comfortable even tho they dont seem like it. They’re also way cheaper

250$ USD, holy crap

@mariannefleur6671

6 жыл бұрын

Duck Shit! Let's be polite! 😉🦆💩

DAT MASTER WU BOOTAAY ლ(▀̿̿益▀̿̿ヽ)ლ

Don

@osuasheuatl

6 жыл бұрын

fromayyleef

@FrF

6 жыл бұрын

Also from the leaf of Mays: Brian May!

they are so so so so so expensive... guess that is how world works like :(

Sorry I really have to insist we don't strike the pot lid against the pot whilst testing. Some teapots have very thin lid walls and are prone to chipping so please don't strike the lid against the pot period! The shop owner will not be pleased!

To add a bit more creditbilty to your videos, wear a T-shirt that looks new. This one looks like you're getting ready to clean out the garage. 👍 With lots of love 💜 from sunny 🌞Arizona🌵. 84/60f today, 10 degrees warmer than yesterday! 94f on Tuesday. Crazy!

@mariannefleur6671

6 жыл бұрын

Suzi SaintJames actually I find the way don is here perfect 👌🏻 I don‘t need an ironed and styled advertising model - I need a Don who knows his stuff and likes what he‘s doing. This is one of the best videos recently- exactly because he‘s relaxed and not groomed for TV. :) Keep up the fantastic things you do! Great zo have you back!

@suzisaintjames

6 жыл бұрын

Marianne Fleur, you are right the content of this video was fantastic. And I didn't say he needed to wear a tuxedo or be a fashion model. Usually he does look presentable, but he does look a bit too frumpy today. I am fine if he wants to wear a T-shirt, but I'm sure he can afford a nicer one to do these videos. With lots of love 💜 from sunny 🌞Arizona🌵USA.

@mariannefleur6671

6 жыл бұрын

Suzi SaintJames lol 😂 The line between a frumpy old t-shirt while cleaning the garage and a well-loved t-shirt you feel good in anywhere is: LOVE. Lots of teaheads wouldn‘t mind drinking tea and talking tea with Don & Celine while they clean out the garage: friends don on their favorite gaiwangeek t-shirts and lend a hand. Great people are better for their patina, or call it seasoning if you will. Brand new t-shirts need breaking in. I’ll take a hole-y t-shirt any day, but not bad tea or talk. Each his cup of tea, though. 😉

@MeiLeaf

6 жыл бұрын

😊 Fair point, I do look a bit scruffy. I wear suits all week so weekends are all about getting comfy.

@mariannefleur6671

6 жыл бұрын

Mei Leaf liberty is good 😁

52 minutes ?! Come on, no one has the time for that.

@mainaerial

6 жыл бұрын

I do. (with a break to check my laundry :-)

@mariannefleur6671

6 жыл бұрын

I sure as hell do! For Meileaf video + Master Wu pots + all that teaporn with 7 different teas😍😍😍 Call it swooning call it teadrunk call it what you will, please keep the long videos coming!

@elledechenestudio

4 жыл бұрын

I do. Just enjoyed a nice, long gong fu cha session while watching and learning, perfect way to enjoy the morning.