Journal
Notes from the cupping table — origins, harvests, and the small differences that matter. Curated by James Mackness.
Real Bergamot vs. Synthetic Earl Grey: How to Tell the Difference
Most supermarket Earl Grey is synthetic. The honest stuff uses cold-pressed Calabrian oil. Here is how to tell which one is in your tin — without buying a...
What Is Earl Grey Tea Made Of? The Honest Answer
Earl Grey is a black tea base scented with bergamot oil — usually a Ceylon or Assam blend with a citrus oil pressed from a small green-yellow Calabrian...
What Is Hojicha? A Guide to Japan's Roasted Green Tea
Hōjicha is a Japanese green tea roasted over charcoal until it turns reddish-brown. The result tastes of toasted hazelnut and dark caramel — and contains far less caffeine...
What Is Oolong Tea? A Beginner's Guide to the Most Misunderstood Category
Oolong is the only tea category defined entirely by an in-between state. Here is what 'partially oxidized' actually means, where the famous styles come from, and how to...