In Pursuit of Tea is a New York based tea brand founded by Sebastian Beckwith in 1999. Sebastian travels all around the world to find the finest tea leaves from small farms every year. In Pursuit of Tea is served at many prestigious Michelin starred restaurants in New York like Eleven Madison Park, Daniel, and Gramercy Tavern. I was invited for a private tea tasting a couple of weeks ago. Anna, my tea sommelier, greeted me with warm smile and welcome tea.
Gaiwan tea service set up
1. Himalayan Black Tea
Dhankuta, Nepal / Spring 2017
Fruity, Smooth, Mild Tannis
We started with this beautiful black tea from Nepal. Since Nepal shares the border with India and China, 2 huge tea producing countries, this black tea shares the similarity with adjacent regions yet carries its unique characteristic. Himalayan Black is often compared to Darjeeling because it utilized the nearby cultivar. But because of its intense sweet and fruity peach flavor, it also reminds me of Dian Hong (Yunnan Black Tea)
2. Nantou Four Seasons
Nantou County, Taiwan / Winter 2017
Creamy and Umami
This is Taiwanese Oolong called Nontou Si Ji Chun (4 seasons), because this oolong can be harvested all year round. Taiwanese oolong tends to be light and flowery. This one was creamier and more umami
3.White Rose
Yunnan, China / Spring 2017
Sweet, Mild, Flory
Yes. It is white tea from Yunnan, the hometown to puerh tea. White tea is usually from Fujian province, China. The leaves are consisted of a few silver needles and other green leaves. It looks very similar to White Peony (Bai Mu Dan). I never had white tea from Yunnan. It was sweet and mild with subtle touch of honey and flower
4. Lu’an Heicha
Anhui Province, China/ 2004
Smoky, sourdough
Traditionally defined, puerh tea cannot be grown or made other than Yunnan, China. However, this Luan Heicha (puerh) is from Anhui Province, China. Stored in a woven wood basket, the flavor reminds me Lapsang souchong, the smokey black tea. Interestingly, it also has that fermented flavor of puerh. The intensity of smoky and tangy flavors is somewhat between black tea and puerh.
Many other puerh cakes <3
The Art of Tea Making - Gaiwan brewing method
Anna, my private tea sommelier today
5. Jingnmai Brick 2017
Yunnan, China
Sheng Puerh
White pepper, Smooth, Woody
Last but not least, we wrapped up our tea tasting with Jingmai Brick 2017. This is sheng puerh (raw puerh) from Yunnan Province, China. Despite the fact it is pretty young (made in 2017), it was comparably smooth and light with a kick of white pepper flavor. I would love to try its Jingmai Brick 2004 to compare the difference in age
Additionally, one of my favorite shu puerh (cooked puerh) from In Pursuit of Tea is Seven Sons Shu Bingcha. I had this tea when In Pursuit of Tea was serving its tea at Te Company, West Village a few weeks ago for just 2 days. This one is sweet like a well ripe date and full bodied. This puerh would be my go to every day breakfast tea.
Thank you In Pursuit of Tea (special thanks to Anna) for amazing tea tasting. It was good to try many unconventional teas from different world. Unfortunately, In pursuit of Tea doesn’t have a public shop. You can purchase teas on its website https://www.inpursuitoftea.com/. However, they hold many interesting events in the city where you can participate. Sebastian also holds a beautiful tea ceremony in his Connecticut house once in a while. So sign up for its news letter for interesting upcoming events!