Eighty Degrees – Issue 02

Japan – Where Tea Tradition Meets Innovation

Issue 2 takes us on a journey to Japan, where tea culture is both carefully preserved and continuously reimagined.
We sit down in Uji, the spiritual home of matcha, with an 11th-generation tea master, uncovering the nuance and legacy behind this treasured green powder.

Wabi Sabi – The Philosophy of Imperfect Tea

Explore wabi sabi, a Japanese aesthetic and worldview that embraces imperfection, transience, and quiet beauty.
We examine how this philosophy can ground us in the present, especially through the meditative rituals of tea.

Rooibos in Crisis – Climate Change Hits the Fields

Travel to South Africa, where the once-resilient rooibos crop faces devastation under the pressures of climate change.
We document the effects on local farmers and consider what the future holds for this unique infusion.

Tea in Brazil – Beyond Coffee Culture

Brazil may be globally known for coffee, but tea is quietly finding its voice.
We explore how a new generation of tea drinkers and makers are shaping Brazil’s emerging tea identity — one steep at a time.

Brewing Like a Conductor – The Art of Gong Fu

What does orchestral conducting have in common with brewing gong fu tea?
We step into the shoes of a conductor to explore how tempo, timing, and attention are key to delivering the perfect infusion.