Alpha | 90ml

I was thinking I was getting an entry level set, and ended up getting a really nice complete travel setup! Everything comes with punches and padded travel case. Perfect for travel, RV, etc.

I've only ever drank teabag/herbal loose leaf my whole life. After doing a ton of research online to start with Gongfu Cha, I really wanted my own set. Trouble is I travel a ton, and I knew that I'd want to take my tea with me, to share with friends. I'm still learning, but it's a smaller Gaiwan so it's easier to handle, and with some "practice" loose leaf I'm figuring out how to steep the tea and for how long. Your fingers will not burn at all, if you haven't over filled the cup. The quality of everything as far as I can tell is very nice, it's thin porcelain, and the tea cups came stacked on each other and pretty stuck together. After gentle tugs, firm twists, hot/cold water, and then finally a couple of firm taps on a padded surface they came apart and didn't break! The tea towel sucks up water quick, and dries fast. The cloth bags everything nestles in are nice and the case itself seems durable but I'll be putting that to the test soon. As far as I can tell, the only thing that would make this set even better would be a filter, but I'll get one separately. If you're thinking about learning, or you have learned and want a nice set to take with you elsewhere; absolutely grab this one!

I am just starting to get into tea--I've been in the coffee industry for the last 7 years--and I wanted to explore the tea culture and to upgrade my tea equipment beyond the western teapots. The Gaiwan has been holding up well and it makes it easy for me to take it to my work and make tea for my co-workers.