The First Steep
The First Steep
Collin Burns and Elyse Petersen
The First Steep is an educational podcast focused on learning about and from tea. The camellia sinensis plant is one of the most historically important plants as it is the plant that tea leaves are harvested from. Elyse Petersen and Collin Burns tackle some of the larger topics in the tea world, such as responsible sourcing, mindful brewing/drinking, and more general education surrounding the plant in order to strengthen the roots of our knowledge. Join Elyse and Collin as they sip around the world, and sit back with your own cup of tea and enjoy.
The First Steep, Ep. 9: Dong Ding - A Story of Charcoal Roasting
In this week's episode, Collin shares two teas from Dong Ding Mountain with Elyse. One is unroasted, the other has undergone a three separate heavy charcoal roasts. The two discuss the similarities and differences, and Elyse shares information about Dong Ding. Grab yourself your favorite cup of oolong from Taiwan, and enjoy this episode with us!
Jun 1, 2022
56 min
The First Steep: Ep. 8 - Puerh from Bordering Regions
In this episode, Collin shares a sheng puerh from Manipur, India with Elyse. The two compare it to a Chinese sheng puerh from their personal stash in order to discuss the differences and history of this unique style of tea. Sit back, relax, and pour yourself your favorite cup of sheng!
May 18, 2022
51 min
The First Steep, Ep. 7: Sri Lankan vs Japanese Teas
In this episode, Elyse shares a Sri Lankan black tea and a Japanese black tea with Collin to compare. The two have an interesting list of similarities and differences, and the history of black tea in both countries is discussed. Pour yourself your favorite cup of black tea and enjoy this episode of The First Steep.
May 4, 2022
51 min
The First Steep Ep. 6: Shou Puerh
On this episode of The First Steep, Elyse shares a small batch Shou Puerh from Nannuoshan in Yunnan, China. The two compare it with a Shou each from their personal stash. This episode is full of interesting information about the post-fermented style of dark tea, as well as some interesting information regarding "small batch" productions, and old growth trees. Pour yourself your favorite Shou and sit back and enjoy!
Apr 20, 2022
44 min
The First Steep, Ep 5: Broken Grade Black Teas
In this episode, Elyse shares two different black teas that are "broken grade" or have broken leaves. One is from Sri Lanka, and the other Malawi. Join in with Elyse and Collin as they discuss the two teas and what breaking the leaves does to a tea!
Apr 6, 2022
1 hr 9 min
The First Steep, Ep. 4 - Indian Green Teas
Join Elyse and Collin for the fourth full episode of The First Steep! In this episode, Elyse shares two Indian green teas with Collin, both are unique in their own way and encourage an intriguing discussion about processing styles. Cozy up with your favorite cup of green tea and enjoy!
Mar 23, 2022
1 hr 17 min
The First Steep, Ep. 3 - Blended Teas
In this episode, Elyse shares two blended styles of tea to show off "proper blending." The two teas are a genmaicha (a Japanese green tea with popped brown rice) and sticky rice sheng puerh. Learn why this blending is different than Western tea blends with us by sitting back and enjoying your favorite cup of tea.
Mar 10, 2022
1 hr 45 min
The First Steep, Ep. 2: Slightly Oxidized White Tea
On this week's episode, Elyse shares two white teas with Collin to discuss, both from extremely different terroirs. The first, is Bvumbwe BSP from the Satemwa Tea Estate and Ruby 18 White from Goe Tea in Taiwan. Alfredo Li, the owner of Goe Tea, even joins us all the way from his tea factory in Taiwan!
Feb 23, 2022
1 hr 18 min
The First Steep Ep. 1.5 Yanki Tea Factory Second Flush "Yanki Special"
Join Elyse and Collin as they sample a second flush Darjeeling tea that was paired with last episode's first flush Darjeeling tea. Elyse shares personal stories from her time visiting the Yanki tea factory along with photos and videos that can be seen in our video portion on the Tealet Tea YouTube page. Grab yourself a cup of your favorite tea and listen in!
Feb 9, 2022
53 min
The First Steep, Ep. 1: Yanki Tea Factory First Flush
In the first episode, Elyse and Collin sample a first flush Darjeeling tea from the Yanki Tea Factory in India. Listen in as Elyse shares stories from the factory, and the two enjoy a cup of tea together and with you.
Jan 26, 2022
45 min