The Secret Garden Organic Herb Shop in San Luis Obispo, California
3/5
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Spencer rated this place
3/5
and said Edit

This place was interesting. I never would have found it if it was not for a friend who knew about it and where it was and for another friend who works there who told us about it.

Very much a holistic place, with herbs, medicinal herbs and spices, teas, some natural cooking seasonings.
I tried their Apple Berry Herbal blend there, and while it reminded me of a few Bigelow bagged herbal “teas”, it wasn’t too bad, and definitely had a taste of quality about it.
I purchased some of their Se Chung Oolong, in which I must say I am very disappointed. You can read my short review here: http://steepster.com/teas/the-secret-garden-organic-herb-shop/15719-oolong-organic-se-chung-tea
I also purchase their only pu’erh, but have yet to try it, so it might be an interesting experience.

Overall, this was a very good experience, and a very friendly place, but the quality of what I tried has disappointed me a bit.

The Vital Leaf in San Francisco, California
5/5
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Spencer rated this place
5/5
and said Edit

-Long bench, taste as long as you like, communal tastings, selection chosen by sommelier.
-Friendly & Open

Angel tea – sweet, green, non-vegetal
Apple Ginseng Oolong – Very sweet, sugary more than it smelled like, coats tongue.
“Popcorn Tea” – Very buttery smooth oolong
Lychee Black – Extreme sweetness…like lychee
Blue People Oolong – Ginseng, bit sweet, smooth
25 Year Pu’erh – Amazing, excellently smooth, extra woody
Sticky Rice Pu’erh – Smells of fresh cooked rice, and fishy pu’erh.

Teance in Berkeley, California
4/5
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Spencer rated this place
4/5
and said Edit

Very friendly, very knowledgeable, very helpful. A bit pricey to buy tea, but tasting prices are fair, and the wine bar style is a fun and enjoyable atmosphere.

Imperial Tea Court in Berkeley, California
3/5
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Spencer rated this place
3/5
and said Edit

-Very relaxed, zen atmosphere.
-Good prices for food
-Fair tea service prices and excellent/professional tea serving
-Clean, quiet, friendly
-Service is not exceptional, but is good

Drank the Phoenix Oolong
-Very fruity, evolving to floral
-Delicious

Profile

Bio

“I love trading tea and trying new teas. My favourites are oolong (mainly Chinese) and pu’erh.
Will gladly talk all day about tea.”

The above was my bio when I joined five years ago, and I felt it needed to be updated. I still love pu’erh, though I have begun to take preference toward cooked, shou. Oolongs are certainly still a go-to tea for me, but I have expanded my horizons to begin including greens and blacks based upon the weather and how I am feeling.

Still more than glad to talk about tea – anytime, anywhere, anyplace.
Additionally, if fountain pens, books, music, or computers are on the discussion list…

My ratings, this “personal enjoyment scale” about which I talk, are just that – based on how much I enjoyed the tea. I might have enjoyed it immensely, yet do not keep it stocked for various reasons. On the flip side, I have a few teas that are “good” but not “great,” which I keep stocked for various reasons.

Website

http://www.createwritedrink.com/

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