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Get in touch
michael@imperfectea.com
A few days, not a few hours
Tea takes time. So do thoughtful replies.
I read everything
No auto-responders, no outsourced support.
No spam, no pitches
Just honest back-and-forth about tea.
Currently drinking while writing this:
A 2018 Bingdao raw pu-erh, sixth steeping. The huigan (returning sweetness) is unreal today.
Get in Touch
Got a tea you’d like me to try, a question about something on the site, or just want to say hi? I’d love to hear from you. The email address is at the top of the page if you’d rather skip the reading.
What I’m Happy to Chat About
- Tea recommendations — especially anything from Yunnan, Hong Kong, or the wider pu-erh world. If you’re trying a new region and want a sanity check, I’m happy to share what’s worked (and what hasn’t) for me.
- Vendor questions — sourcing, shipping, authenticity, who to avoid. I can’t vouch for anyone I haven’t bought from, but I can usually tell you when something feels off.
- Yixing pottery — pots, clays, artisans, what “fully handmade” actually means in practice.
- Brewing troubleshooting — water, temperature, vessel choice, why your sheng suddenly tastes like pond water.
- Site feedback — what’s working, what isn’t, what’s missing. I take notes.
What I’m Probably Not the Best Person For
- Wholesale / bulk trade questions — I’m a hobbyist, not a buyer. Ask your vendor.
- Medical claims about tea — I drink it because it tastes good and makes me feel calm. Don’t take it from me.
- Authenticity certificates or appraisal of specific cakes / pots — I’d need the piece in hand, and I don’t have a lab.
Not Quite the Right Address?
- For a quick intro to who I am, see My Story
- For ongoing rambling, check out the Journal
- For a specific review, browse Tea Reviews, Vendor Reviews, or the Yixing section
A Small Note
If you’ve written to me before and I haven’t replied — apologies. I read everything, but a few have slipped through the cracks. A friendly nudge is always welcome.