I’ve seen the top tumbler before. While I’m sure plastic is the most durable and affordable material I prefer stainless, aluminum or preferably strong tempered glass. I’ve found many plastic cups add an unpleasant aroma or taste to hot teas and become very difficult to clean over time.

The Timolino is an example of a stainless mug with infuser.

With Basket:
http://kitchen-dining.hsn.com/timolino-12-oz-tea-connoisseur-mug-stainless-steel_pf-1011572_xp.aspx?club_id=1011572&sz=5&sf=QC0073&rdr=1&cm_mmc=Shopping%20Engine-_-Froogle-_-Kitchen-_-Timolino%2012%20oz.%20Tea%20Connoisseur%20Mug%20-%20Stainless%20Steel%202790933

With drinking spout strainer:
http://www.inpursuitoftea.com/Timolino_Travel_Mug_with_Infuser_12_oz_Titanium_p/xc021.htm

I totally agree. I have a stainless steel one from China and, while it can stain a little, cleans much easier than plastic.

I’m still deeply worried about how this will taste. The water goes through the leaves with each sip?

I get the idea, but I’m just worried about the execution.

Summer, usually this kind of a mug is used with a white tea or a light green tea. The idea is to leave the tea in the mug and just keep refilling it through out the day. With white and green tea, it won’t get too powerful or bitter and stands up to a large number of infusions.

I would recommend to never use black tea with one of these mugs. That’s just groddy.

I received a Nissan 12-Ounce Stainless-Steel Tea Tumbler with Infuser for Christmas 2007 and I’ve been pretty happy with it. I use it all day with multiple infusions of white tea. http://www.amazon.com/Nissan-12-Ounce-Stainless-Steel-Tumbler-Infuser/dp/B00004S1CV/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1203970686&sr=8-1