Exploring China’s Green Kings

Tea is a multifaceted subject — and in this issue, we dive deep into four of the most acclaimed Chinese green teas.
We explore their flavour profiles, origins, and cultural significance, offering a richer understanding of what makes these green kings truly iconic.

James Hoffmann on the Tea vs Coffee Divide

We sit down with James Hoffmann, coffee expert and curious tea drinker, to discuss the long-standing rivalry and overlap between tea and coffee cultures.
What makes one choose leaves over beans — or vice versa?

Running a Tea Business in a Pandemic

Five tea-focused businesses share how they navigated the COVID-19 pandemic — the challenges, innovations, and lessons learned while staying connected to their customers and craft.

Tea and Food – The Art of Pairing

We explore the world of tea pairing and its place in restaurant menus.
Which teas elevate which dishes? How willing are chefs and sommeliers to go beyond wine and embrace tea as a serious culinary companion?

Kyoto’s Metalwork and the Fifth-Generation Artisan

In Kyoto, we sip tea with a fifth-generation metal craftsman, whose family legacy is shaped in iron, steam, and ritual.
His story reflects a Japan where heritage and tea are often one and the same.

Field Notes – From Soviet Shadows to Himalayan Heights

• Meet a team of renegade tea growers reviving neglected land in a former Soviet republic

• Visit high-elevation Himalayan gardens, where altitude and air give tea a wild edge