Amy

Mr. Grey wants to do something, he just doesn’t know what that is yet. Hiding in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity to make a statement, he perhaps might be waiting quite a while. His many personalities speak of a mysterious combination and hint towards more like something of confusion. Walk down this tea-laden path at your own financial peril. Once this gent is up, I won’t renew.

My dearest Peach Apricot, I love you so! We’ve been friends for several years now, and I still do not get tired of our brief moments spent together!

She holds up well on her own and likens herself to a medium-bodied lady. Able to wear many a different teapot, she beckons to be appreciated in only the finest of cups. She welcomes cream and sugar, only asking that she not be over-steeped as she tends to get very bitter about that. ;) A very understanding lady, she’s fine with your visiting other “friends” knowing that soon you will want to catch up with her again over a tasty sandwich or two.

Definitely not for purists of the Earl, this one gets the “Royal” pardon. A time-tested favorite mellowed to a creamy afternoon echo. While on the softer side, it still holds up pretty well. I would recommend brewing just a smidge longer, or using more than one heaping teaspoon per cup when brewing to punch up the strength. To me the cream guides this flavor more into the “dessert teas” even without any cream or sugar.

I was inspired by a local tea house here in LA to think about tea blending possibilities. I purchased this base raspberry flavored tea specifically for the purpose of blending with other teas. If I were to have this tea on it’s own it would be as brewed ice tea, however I have not yet tried it this way. This tea blended with straight Earl Grey black tea is AMAZING, and made even more of treat with milk and sugar added! Don’t be afraid to guide your time-trusted Earl in a whole new direction! :)

I created a tea blending matrix for my teas so that I could create new flavors based on my current stock. When blended with other teas, this one gets a ratings boost.

I first had this tea at the August Tea Room, and it made for a perfect pairing with lunch. Although since then I’ve had this tea at breakfast as well. No frills on this one, however it’s nice to have a medium-strong black tea from China every once in a while to keep my tastebuds guessing. This one is more robust than the Nine Bend Black Dragon and can turn bitter if steeped for too long. Milk and sugar bring punch up the flavor nicely.

A truly mysterious blend of flavors, and richly comforting at the same time. This is a medium-bodied tea that beckons reflection and dare I say a smidge of solitude. While not yet tempted to enter a deep meditation with this flavorful tea, it deserves the attention of one who is not in a rush for their caffeine fix. Any time of day is the right time for this tea.

This is a beautifully delicate black tea that is right in the pocket for an afternoon lift. Flavors come to the for with a little milk and sugar to round out the notes. Flavors are not over-powering and this tea could sit well on it’s own without food. Jasmine takes my expectation for this tea in a dlightful new direction then what I usually like to drink.

One of my favorites, and a morning standard. This tea has a medium robustness to it. Steeped a little longer than 5 minutes and it might just pass for a semi-strong morning tea. It’s a beautiful blend of black teas that taste delightfully classy and refined. Can hold up to medium types of sweet and savory dishes without getting lost in the strong flavors of the food. Can turn bitter if steeped to long, timing is crucial. Although not needed, this tea gets an aesthetic boost when nurtured in a beautiful cup.

I love having my tea in fine bone china. Makes just about any tea taste better! Lady Londonderry is definitely a perfect afternoon tea! Nice and light, plus the flavors do not over-power the taste of the black tea. I would pair with light afternoon sweets or tasty savory morsels that allow for the delicate tea flavors to still have room to be recognized as a compliment with the chosen fare. Not the best morning tea, as there is no robustness to it. Will leave you wanting more if you’re drinking it to wake up in the morning. However this light tea makes a delicious afternoon treat! Flavors are delicate enough that not much milk or sugar is needed.