Tea Bar & Lounge
Sponsored by Whatcom TEA, this is free and can be found in the east side of the Exhibition Hall. It will be open throughout the day and will be serving dozens of different kinds of tea in a variety of quick and fun themes at the lounge tables. Similar teas will be compared. Unusual teas will be explored. Rare teas will be savored. The Tea Bar was created by Charles and Laurie Dawson, founders of Whatcom Tea. As part of their mission of making tea accessible, affordable, and fun; they wanted to recreate the experiences that they have had of just sharing tea with no expectations. The teas they bring to share are ones they have discovered, sourced, and from their own personal collection. Here is an opportunity for a couple of quick cups of tea with an educational bonus for persons of all ages!
The Tea Bar
The Tea Bar is a space for experiencing short three to five minute intensive tastings. These will typically be a comparison of two similar teas, a contrasting of related but dissimilar teas, or a focused showcasing of one very special tea.
The Tea Tutorial Table
The Tea Tutorial Table is a space for a slower-paced educational exploration of teas lasting fifteen to twenty minutes. Participants will be guided through a tea or series of teas in depth.
The Tea Guest Table
The Tea Guest Table is a space for knowledgeable members of the tea community to share their love of and experience with aspects of tea. This may include in-depth tastings, demonstrations, or teas found during tea journeys. Session length may vary considerably depending on the type of presentation the guest is offering.
The Empty Tea Cup Table
After participating in several aspects of the tea industry, Josh Brock reached the conclusion that the best way to support Tea is to share it in its most basic forms. To expose others to the fundamental element of tea that unites all cultures, generations, and ceremonies; sincere hospitality. Please, have a rest and have some tea.
The Barista Table
Step up for a quick cup of a tea that can be found at the festival. We will brew finds from the festival and if you like what you are sipping we will point you in the right direction for you to acquire some of your own. Standing room only!
The Tea Guest Table
The Tea Guest Table is a space for knowledgeable members of the tea community to share their love of and experience with aspects of tea. This may include in-depth tastings, demonstrations, or teas found during tea journeys. Session length may vary considerably depending on the type of presentation the guest is offering.
Tea Bar & Lounge Presenter Schedules
- Josh Brock/The Empty Tea Cup (Sat./Sun. All Day)
- Jessica Campbell (Sat. 2pm / Sun. 1pm)
- Laurie & Charles Dawson/Whatcom Tea (Sat./Sun. All Day)
- Anais Dawson/Whatcom Tea (Sat./Sun. All Day)
- “Nomad” Charles Du (Sat. 1pm & 4pm)
- Barb & Ward Everson/Everson Tea Works (Sat. 4pm / Sun. 3pm)
- Diarmuid Fahy & Sam Culwell (Sun. 11am)
- Eric Glass/The Fragrant Cup (Sat. 10am / Sun. 2pm)
- Gabriel Lukeris (Sat. 12pm)
- Char Gascho/Oolong Owl (Sun. 10am)
Tea Bar Highlights
- 1997 Aged Fujian Bai Mu Dan White (Sat. 10am)
~ A 27 year old white you will not want to miss! - Basket Teas (Sat. 1pm)
~ Includes 1980’s Liu An, 2014 “3 Cranes” Liu Bao, & a 2007 Tian Jian. - 1960 Aged Black Tea (Sat. 4pm)
~ This 64 year old tea is the oldest tea we have in our collection! - 1995 Gong Ye Tea Garden (Sun. 10am)
~ A special sheng puerh from our Wedding Anniversary. - Qian Liang 100 Tael Tea Log (Sun. 12pm)
~ We are bringing the 3 footer! - 1970 Old Frozen Tips Oolong (Sun. 2pm)
~ A 54 year old aged Taiwanese Oolong.
Tutorial Tea Table Highlights
- The Kids’ Hour (Both Days 11am)
~ A chance for kids to be in charge and pick the teas. - Dinosaur & Tea Pairing (Both Days 12pm)
~ Ever wonder what a T-Rex would drink?
photo credits: Jane Yang