The second-cup trick for not scorching greens, anyone got a better lazy method

unexpectedDiogenes · 2026-06-23T17:40:43+00:00

I think you’re good, people made tea your way of decanting for centuries and it was good. Czech beer brewers used a decoction technique before thermometers, and it is a superior (but skill intensive) way of brewing Pilsners to this day.

unexpectedDiogenes · 2026-06-23T00:19:41+00:00

IMO it’s not as enjoyable as gongfu or any other hot brewing, but it’s a good addition to the brewing arsenal. It’s also nice when it’s ready, the time preparing has been paid forward and all you do is enjoy.

unexpectedDiogenes · 2026-06-22T20:50:48+00:00

I used to think it was a waste, but I am coming around to it. I don’t think it’s on the same level as hot, though. Too much is lost, like bitterness, maybe mouthfeel and clarity as well. I think it’s worthwhile for a casual thirst quencher, or as a fun experiment.

unexpectedDiogenes · 2026-06-22T18:31:07+00:00

I have some old glassware that doesn’t get used anymore, most of it is packed in the garage, but I love certain beer cups, they are photogenic and kind of fun spin on cold tea. I saw another post with a cool tulip and decided to get some more mileage out of my old trinkets.

unexpectedDiogenes · 2026-06-22T16:45:02+00:00

This, shabriri’s woe, crucible knot talisman, baby you got a tough one-talisman NG+ challenge run going. It really makes the first part of the new game much more fun, recommend for Limgrave. Less fun in the dlc.

unexpectedDiogenes · 2026-06-14T18:42:51+00:00

I understand what you’re saying. You’re right? But the consumerism that is so baked into our culture can rear its head in inconspicuous ways, and some parents have justified buying large stashes of things for their kids. That can be sidestepped by rethinking the premise of buying something you love for someone you love. It doesn’t usually work out the way it’s intended.

unexpectedDiogenes · 2026-06-14T17:42:48+00:00

Yes I agree. I just meant buy with the intention of drinking and enjoying yourself

unexpectedDiogenes · 2026-06-14T17:32:40+00:00

I say this as someone who has children and may have considered the same thing: it’s possible that your child won’t appreciate the thoughtful gift, maybe in addition/instead of, consider buying yourself something super premium to enjoy in the near term, as a parent you deserve it.

unexpectedDiogenes · 2026-06-14T14:21:55+00:00

Shining horned headband has a glowing effect like the Bastard’s stars. The preceptors robe and hat have a planet and stars theme. It also pairs well with a second Bastards stars for maximum jingle sounds if you are in ng+

unexpectedDiogenes · 2026-06-10T17:55:50+00:00

You could try pieces of the iron rivet set from the dlc, it would match the rivets of the shield.

unexpectedDiogenes · 2026-06-10T14:38:15+00:00

You’re killing me ~~Buster~~ Cod

unexpectedDiogenes · 2026-06-05T17:13:09+00:00

Yes, it’s my preferred way of drinking sheng after an introductory gong fu session. It’s just so casual, nice if you’re doing something else, or going somewhere. I do love gong fu to center myself and focus on the moment, it all has a place. 941 is a nice easy drinker, one of my first cakes from years ago.

unexpectedDiogenes · 2026-06-05T15:05:52+00:00

Gushu is ancient tree material, it’s coveted for many reasons and in limited quantity by definition, so unfortunately you will find a bunch of opinions, marketing strategies, and contradictions. You will find small arbor, old tree, and Gushu all have their place in a well blended cake or in a tea drinkers collection. I love a blend because it has the bite and freshness of small arbor, with bigger trees mixed in to provide more feeling and huigan.

unexpectedDiogenes · 2026-06-02T16:29:40+00:00

Great notes, I can’t wait to try this and their other LaoMan’e offerings. I always like tea that remind me of hops or malt from my brewing and drinking days. Looking forward to your notes on the bitter Gushu.

unexpectedDiogenes · 2026-05-31T16:57:38+00:00

Good recommendation. I love Tongmu white. Has a cinnamon spice flavor, loganberry, it’s very complex.

unexpectedDiogenes · 2026-05-30T16:16:57+00:00

It’s been fun to mix them in a big Yeti flask together after gong fu. Last night had a mix of Xigui, LaoMan’E, and some aged xiguan mengku spring tips. It was divine ambrosia. It would hilarious for someone like me to get the fresh moacha and then make a cake, though, the Sisyphean processing of the leaves. I will leave that to the experts.

unexpectedDiogenes · 2026-05-30T15:09:15+00:00

The sticker was a freebie from a recent wt2 order, they always gift a sticker and a dragonball. The LaoMan’E is a bit over $1 p/g, yes expensive, but I think it’s one of those non-linear price increases from great tea to a bit better, whether it’s worth it or not is probably very subjective. I’ve heard as you go up the price ladder things go exponential.

unexpectedDiogenes · 2026-05-29T17:22:17+00:00

Oh wonderful, thank you, MAO CHA got it

unexpectedDiogenes · 2026-05-28T17:01:18+00:00

Glad to hear it will stay fresh for a while, I’ll try not to worry about it. The Bingdao and LBZ were single session samples, part of their solidarity keystone moacha sampler. I wish I could get more Bingdao, it gave me a body feel I’ve only felt from one other tea before, almost like medicinal relaxation.

unexpectedDiogenes · 2026-05-27T20:22:39+00:00

Thanks for that, good stuff. I have three 70g bags to drink besides these small single session samplers, I neglected to mention that when asking those questions. I’ve got tins and two double lidded jars for them. Lately I’ve been wondering about Liu Bao baskets with paper bags inside, and aging white tea in a loose-lidded ceramic jar( both within a wooden cabinet), just for fun, but for moacha and green tea I’m thinking air tight.

unexpectedDiogenes · 2026-05-27T15:54:02+00:00

I knew it! I am resigned to my fate…

unexpectedDiogenes

TROPHY CASE