What's in a name?

The names of teas can be amusing. They can be straight forward, they can be cute, or they can be bizarre.

Last night I had some Caramel Sugar Oolong (or something like that) from Tea Infusion in Tempe. I strongly suspect it's artificially flavored but I enjoy it every now and then.

This morning I had some After the Rain from White August Tea Co., which is universally known as a first flush Tie Guan Yin - or Ti Kuan Yin, Tit Kwun Yum, or Ti Kwan Yin. Why rename a perfectly good tea? It's not like it's a blend. I can understand renaming something if it's your own blend, but otherwise leave a good thing alone. If you think the Chinese name is confusing then call it by one of its English names: Iron Goddess of Mercy, Iron Buddha, Iron Avalokiteśvara, or Tea of the Iron Bodhisattva.

Anyway, the name did make me laugh this morning when it started to rain while I was brewing it but quickly stopped. When the tea was drinkable, it truly was After the Rain.

Once I got to work I tried for the first time some White Tip Oolong from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. It's a bit dark, strong and bitter but maybe I over brewed it. I'll try again later.

Hmm, I have since tried The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf's Orange Blossom and the Honeydew oolongs. I don't think I'll be repeating any of them.