in my technique as you are (Wow!) I know a good brew from a bad one. Living abroad for some years introduced me to the horrors of Lipton tea. It wasn't long before I had friends/family at home shipping me out Scottish Blend tea! Oh yes! You speak the truth, however unfortunately most cafes here in NZ insist on using water from a zip, which only heats the water to 83 degrees C! Even so called "Tea houses"!! Probably some OSH crap where they're not allowed to handle 100 DegC. Best cuppa here is the one made at home... Orange Pekoe! Here, here. Nothing beats a good cup of tea. Don't forget to warm the cup when you warm the pot. Tea at my work is always horrible and I had assumed it was the water quality. I'm thinking, thanks to Bron, that it might actually be the temperature of the "zip" as we don't have a kettle at work. Loved the show with Oz and James, the Top Gear bloke is such a top bloke and the tetchy chemistry between the two was priceless. I even warmed to Oz in the end...what was the old UK show he and that silly toff woman were on again, both trying to outdo each other with their flapping wine verbosity bollocks? Ed, do give JustMake oolong tea on Russel St a go. I would recommend their King Hsuan or Li Shan tea. You will see why such tea can cater a high