Tea types, brands, and companies... which ones do you prefer?
Hey Steepster.
I used to drink lots of tea in bags, mostly by Twinings, Bigelow, or Celestial Seasonings, but a few years ago someone got me a starter set from Adagio teas and I’ve hit the loose leaf pretty hard! While I’m slowly opening my tea horizons, the majority of my tea consumption and purchases are from Adagio.
Recently, I discovered a David’s Tea store near my work, so I’ve been trying their summer flavors, but I’m a bit skeptical of all the complicated candies and things mixed into their other blends; that said, I’m sure I’ll still be trying more soon.
Joining Steepster has opened my eyes on just how many types and brands and companies are out there. I was curious if any of you have loyalty to certain companies or brands? And if yes, why? Any excellent experiences that I’m missing? Anything I should avoid? Any good stories about finding your favorite tea?
This thread might help you: http://steepster.com/discuss/7321-you-can-only-order-from-three-companies-for-the-rest-of-your-life
Woah, that’d be awful! I’m not even going to attempt picking three, sorry, that’s so harsh! :|
Well… if you want to be a little crazy you can try to pick up some tea from TJmaxx. Yes I know… sounds weird, but I found one of my favorite tea companies that way. Island Rose.
(If you want to try anything from them take a look at my cupboard and we can do a swap if you like _)
I also have loyalty to Indigo Tea because its a pop and ma shop near my house. (They make awesome matcha green tea lattes.)
That’s the second time in two days someone has mentioned TJ Maxx, I definitely need to go there.
Marzipan, it’s a game of chance when you go there, but some times you get great finds, like the Fauchon and I heard about some Palaus de thee around x-mas. Some of their Canadian chains have had tealish teabags lately, and once I picked up some tea from a company in the maritimes. Its a case of dropping buy occasionally and trying your luck.
This does sound crazy but I know TJMaxx enough to make it seem plausible. Hmm, I’ll have to do some sleuthing and give it a try!
I found Wild Strawberry Wedgwood British Breakfast Tea (bags and loose leaf) at a TJ Maxx in Omaha about a year ago. They carry different brands from other countries. Had fun exploring many brands. Check it out. Worth the visit. Reasonably priced.
Thanks, YYZ. I’m going to check out TJ Maxx, too. I’ve peeked here & there, but not regularly.
My big tea leap was via David’s Tea. And I still love them, but I"m trying to get away from all the fake flavorings, too (didn’t someone mention recently that one of their new teas has food coloring?).
I have had a few Teavana flavors but I find they taste more fake to me. I do like the Oprah chai, though.
I’m interested to try some of the other brands mentioned here in the forums. But first I have a massive supply of DT to drink up. My daily habit is Coffee Cake + White Chocolate Frost – YUM! I think both are in their web specials right now. If I didn’t already have enough to tide me through to winter, I’d buy more.
If there were a DT store near me, I’d be sunk. I went when I was in NYC and my luggage was insane flying back with all the tea I’d amassed.
Luckily it’s near my work and not my house, so I’m only there in rushed or limited capacities. If it were down the block I’d fill my room with tea.
If you would like to do a swap so you can try out some new teas, follow me and then we can pm and we will set something up. Check out my cupboard.
If you wanna try different teas from different companies, I say participate in swaps or traveling tea boxes! I’ve got those two to blame for my collection of teas I have now.
Have fallen in love with Ginger Peach from The Republic of Tea. Available in pods, loose leaf or Kcups-my favorite. A refreshing Summer-Time treat served over cracked ice. Enjoy!
When I started drinking loose leaf tea several years ago, I discovered Upton Tea. They have hundreds of different types from just about about every tea-producing region of the world. Truly, you could spend a happy evening curled up by the fire just reading their catalog. I like that they offer sample sizes of most of their teas so you can try it before committing to a larger quantity. Also, their delivery is insanely fast, so you don’t have to wait to try what you’ve ordered.
Can I just ask what’s up with Upton Tea’s website? Does it just load strangely on my computer or is it always sort of narrow and outdated looking? Good colors but strange proportions.
Thank you for the tip. Will give Upton Tea a try. Have you ever ordered from Simpson & Vail, Inc.? It is a family owned tea store in Brookfield, CT. Wonderful to work with. They really know their teas. Enjoy!
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