The Who and the What
A Little More About Us
What is a Kobold Anyway?
Depending on where you grew up, a Kobold may be a small dog-like spirit, or a little dragon person scurrying deep underground. We drew inspiration from the German spirit of the Kobold; a mischievous spirit that dwells in mines, or helps out around the house (but isn’t above a few pranks!)
What are these names all about?
We love mythology, and the stories of the little folk that permeate the corners of our lives. Much like these little spirits, tea also inhabits every corner of the globe, and often, our lives, even if we don’t see it always! As such, we strive to name each blended tea for a little spirit from world myth and legend. It all started with Domovoy (the house spirit), Kikimora (spirit of the marsh and flowers), and Poludnica (the Witch of High Noon).
How do you find your tea?
We strive to be as environmentally, socially, and ethically minded as we can. If a tea can be organic, it is. If we can find an exciting new offering from a small farm, we give it a go. Were not perfect, but we strive all the time to always be mindful of where our tea, herbs and spices come from, and always work towards solutions that benefit the farmers and the planet first.
We also buy locally grown herbs too; if you have suggestions or grow your own plants, let us know!
Where are you located?
The Warren itself (home base) is out in Newark, Ohio. That said you’ll see us mostly in Columbus Ohio and the surrounding central Ohio areas at local markets and faires! Were always available online of course.
If you have an event that could use a cup of good tea with a pinch of whimsy, you drop us a line at wilco@koboldscup.com.
What is your favorite tea?
Oh boy, this ones hard because it seems to change every day! I have a deep passion for Japanese green tea, especially a wonderful small cup of rich, dewy sencha or gyokuro. Sometimes I crave a familiar taste, whether the warmth and fragrance of Domovoy with its roasty chocolate nose, or even just the experience of tasting something completely new from a small farms latest micro batch.
How do I make a good cup of tea?
A question that takes a lifetime! There are many styles and techniques for making tea, and it all depends on the leaf inside your cup.
Coming soon will be a handy guide on some tea making tips, including techniques, terminology and some good general “rules to go by” when making certain kinds of teas.
For now, brew your green cooler than you think, your black faster than you think, and your white harder than you think; and let your herbal teas run wild!
Brewing Guides
“The Way of Tea is naught but this: first you boil water, then you make the tea and drink it.”
-Sen no Rikyu (1522-1591)
Japanese Green Tea:
General Rule:
Tea: 5 grams. Time: 60 seconds.
Water temperature: 70C/158F degrees. Water amount: 200 ml.
…But see your specific package for instruction.
When making Japanese green tea, you generally don't make a large pot of tea, but a small pot, just enough for one cup (200 ml) or two small cups (100 ml) for two people.
When you finish drinking your cup, you steep a second and third time. You can combining multiple steeps to make a single larger serving, but this may average out the flavor.
Keep it Cool, Calm and Small
Black Tea
Water temperature should be close to 90C/194F, but you can take it hotter if you prefer. Black tea is robust, and while high tempertures can mean bitter tea, your technique can prevent this from happening.
Use 5-6 grams of black tea per 100ml of water. Brief 10 second wash... then 10s, 15s, 20s, 30s, 45s, and then maybe a minute each time until it's brewed out.
Doing it this way extends the life of your tea leaf, and lets you get the best flavor and aroma.
Keep it Fast, Hot and Lively
White Tea
Here’s where I sometimes differ.
White tea generally is brewed at 85C/185F in a similar technique to black tea:
Use 5-6 grams of black tea per 100ml of water. Brief 10 second wash... then 10s, 15s, 20s, 30s, 45s, and then maybe a minute each time until it's brewed out.
I tend to take my white tea, especially aged white, a little hotter, and treat it EXACTLY like black tea. That’s just my preference, but doing it this way I find the flavor a little more intense.
Keep it Fast, Warm, and Lively
Good Friends and Great Companies!
Nothing is built alone. Tea is as much about the leaves in your cup as the people who share it with you. Here you’ll find the artists, artisans, writers, herbalists and others who make this place come to life.
Like what you see? Check them out and support their work!
Riley Sophia Penaluna makes inky messes at her kitchen table in Corvallis, Oregon. Follow her work at instagram.com/studio.rsp
Karen Markgraf works wonders in clay, bringing beautiful tea ware, sculpture and beyond to life in Newark, Ohio. Find her at markgrafclayworks.com
With a mushroom as my canvas... Nature inspired art and whimsy! A true naturalist and artist who works the natural world into wearable art.
The Trash Wizard Himself! A huge inspiration and constant source of support and swag for wee critters everywhere!