My last tea order was in November 2013, and I’m getting down to the point at work where I have just a few varieties left. Last time, I ordered from Upton Tea Importers in Holliston MA, and I was pretty satisfied with their quality and price. I discovered I didn’t like the teas with really small particles; they were a pain to clean out of the French Press. Here’s what I’m ordering this time (teas shown with 🍵 are new this year; ☕ indicates repeats):
- TDA4: Risheehat TGBOP Musc. Organic. 🍵 This BOP single-estate Darjeeling selection has both a dark-colored leaf as well as a dark-colored liquor. The well-balanced cup has good strength and a pronounced muscatel character. We find this selection to be particularly versatile in that it is excellent both hot and iced. $9.40/125g.
- TD50: No.1 Tippy Orthodox GFOP Darjeeling. ☕ An exceptional golden tip Darjeeling blend. We first introduced this tea in 1990 and it continues to be our most popular Darjeeling. $8.80/125g.
- TA30: Tippy Orthodox GBOP Assam.☕ A classic, fine broken-leaf Assam with smooth, malty notes and a rich, mellow finish. Takes milk very well. $7.40/125g.
- TN05: Korakundah Estate BOP Organic.🍵 This BOP Nilgiri District black tea selection has a dark amber/light brown infusion that exhibits notes of carob/cocoa in both the aroma and liquor. The cup is smooth and rounded with a clean finish. For a lighter cup, infuse for 3 minutes, infuse longer for a stronger cup. This selection also makes great iced tea. $6.40/125g.
- TE21: Monk’s Blend. ☕ × 2. A Ceylon-based Earl Grey is blended with a fine China green tea and accented with natural Bourbon vanilla. The fruity taste of bergamot complements the hearty green tea, while the hint of vanilla adds a mellow complexity. A delightful tea that can be enjoyed hot or cold. $6.40/125g.
- TP12: Premium China Keemun. ☕ Often called the burgundy of China teas, this North China Congou is rich, flavorful and appropriate for any time of day. We offer this as our basic Keemun, although it is in the middle range of the standard series. $5.80/125g.
- TB49: Darjeeling-Ceylon Iced Tea Blend. ☕ Half whole-leaf Darjeeling and half OP Ceylon. A great hot tea as well! The brewing information provided is for making an iced tea concentrate. $6.20/125g.
- ZG20: First Grade Gunpowder Green. ☕ Superior grade of green tea in the style of gunpowder teas (tightly rolled tea leaves resembling gunpowder pellets). $5.20/125g.
- TT11: Oolong Standard Grade. 🍵 A classic restaurant grade tea, with a smooth character, and classic Formosa Oolong flavors. Priced for everyday use, this selection is an excellent choice for its value and quality. $6.60/125g.
- TC12: St. James Pekoe. 🍵 This offering from the Uva district has an interesting leaf style, with a rolled/rounded look. The infusion is dark, with a full mouth feel. Light hints of rose and cedar have been noted in the liquor. This tea is very appropriate as a self drinker, but can easily accommodate a dash of milk. $8.00/125g.
- TB15: Java Blend. ☕ A rich breakfast blend especially suited for those who enjoy a powerful cup in the morning. This also is a great choice for iced tea. Java teas are never expensive, so you get the best produced for a few cents a cup. $5.20/125g.
- TB02: Leadenhall Street Breakfast Blend. 🍵 A tribute to the famous London tea auctions, our Leadenhall Street Breakfast Blend is a blend of two classic British teas: a brisk Ceylon and a thick, malty Assam. The result is a flavorful mixture which lends itself to the addition of milk. $5.80/125g.
- TB05: Mincing Lane Breakfast Blend. ☕ For this blend, we paired a hearty Assam with a smooth and flavorful Yunnan, for a cup that is highly enjoyable. The invigorating liquor has a full mouth feel, subtle spicy notes, and a lingering aftertaste. While milk is recommended, it is enjoyable plain. $7.80/125g.
- TB14: Scottish Breakfast Blend. ☕ Blended to appeal to those who favor an eye-opening experience in the morning, this tea yields a cup with a round, full flavor, malty notes, and brisk character. A perfect choice to start the day. $5.60/125g.
- TB75: Baker Street Afternoon Blend. ☕ A bit of Lapsang Souchong is blended with Keemun and Darjeeling, yielding a mildly smoky tea. Perfect for an afternoon uplift. Another special (whole-leaf) blend from our London source of fine teas. $7.40/125g.
- TE86: Creme Caramel.☕ Black tea from Sri Lanka with a mild, creamy caramel aroma. Pieces of caramel are added to complement this flavorful blend. Enjoyable on cold days, and throughout the seasons. Back in stock! $7.20/125g.
- TE45: Black/Green “Midsummer Dream”.☕ China Black tea harmonizes with green Sencha. Blended with sunflower petals, cactus flowers and flavored with rhubarb. A refreshing tea for any time of day. $5.20/125g.
- TB86: Richmond Park Blend.🍵 A mellow, whole-leaf blend of Keemun, Ceylon, and Darjeeling. An exceptional tea which is smooth enough for drinking plain, and sturdy enough to take milk or lemon. From our London blender. $8.80/125g.
- TE26: Black Tea Wild Berry. ☕ China black tea with natural blueberry and strawberry flavoring. This tea was produced without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. $5.25/100g.
- TF90: Vanilla Tea.🍵 A vanilla-flavored, whole-leaf black tea base, with pieces of genuine Bourbon vanilla. $6.80/100g.
- ZG14: Young Hyson Imperial Organic.🍵 This organic tea has the bold flavor of a high-fired tea, yet it has a pleasing smoothness with delicate sweetness. The thin, well-twisted leaves produce a liquor with a pale green color. This is a very popular style of China green tea with a bolder leaf. $5.40/100g.
- ZS80: Lapsang Souchong Imperial.🍵 The best China Lapsang Souchong we have found. To our knowledge we are the only importer of this grade of China Lapsang Souchong. Superior in flavor. Very smoky, yet quite mellow. $7.20/100g.
As for home, we’re pretty well stocked — we’ve been hitting the Russian and Middle-Eastern markets, and getting quite a variety. Still, there are some we want for home:
- TE35: Hearthside Chai Tea. ☕ A classic chai tea, blended with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, licorice, and cacao pieces. A creamy taste lends a smoothness and elegance to this selection. $9.80/125g.
- TE94: Mélange de Chamonix. ☕ Fine India tea is blended with cocoa, cardamom, and a hint of cinnamon to produce a balanced and warming cup. A delicate treat for any chocolate or tea lover. $9.60/125g.
