I don’t normally drink strong black teas without milk, but this one was surprisingly pleasant taken plain. There’s very little mouth drying astringency or bitterness, and yet it packed an impressive kick that woke me up and cleared the cobwebs from my mind (no mean feet early in the morning!). It’s full-bodied and yet smooth with hints of maltiness and maybe even a tiny bit of smokiness.
Queen Mary
Black Tea by Metropolitan Tea Company
Country of Origin: India, Sri Lanka, Kenya
Region: Assam, Dimbula, Kericho
Shipping Port: Haldia, Colombo, Mombasa
Grade: FBOP, FP, BP1
Altitude: 1500’ft, 6400’ ft, 7100’ ft above sea level
Manufacture Type: Orthodox, CTCCup Characteristics: Round cup. Good flavour tempered with flowery character and malty notes.
Infusion: Bright coppery colour
Ingredients: Luxury black tea.Information:
Once the world’s largest and fastest ocean liner, the Queen Mary represents the pinnacle of the art of ship-building for it’s day. Put into service in 1936, she soon captured the imagination of the public on both sides of the Atlantic and came to represent the spirit of the era that was characterized by elegance and style. In 1940 the Queen Mary was pressed into military service and became a troop carrier. She was painted grey (and gained the nickname – ‘The Grey Ghost’). Once refitted in this role she could carry 15,000 men across the Atlantic in 4 days. The ship was allowed to cross the Atlantic alone because of her speed. It was known that she could outrun all U-boats and the odd military cruiser that could keep up with her were required elsewhere.Of all the ships commissioned by the Cunard Line, the Queen Mary and her sister ship the Queen Elizabeth best transcended the utilitarian association of transatlantic travel. With her legendary speed and stateliness, the sleek new liner provided a tangible symbol of the end of the Depression. An afternoon tea would be one of the many daily rituals that travelers would enjoy whilst aboard the Queen Mary. It has been said that a voyage on the Queen Mary was a remedy for the travails of life. The fresh salt air and sunshine would be sure to put a spring in anyone’s step and a comforting cup of tea would be sure to take the chill out of the night air while watching the sea miles disappear into the darkness.
We have prepared a blend commemorating those days gone by, keeping in mind the relationship between quality, comfort and piece of mind. The “Queen Mary Blend” is a wonderful tea to imbibe whether you are lounging in your deck chair or sitting seaside. We’re sure you’ll enjoy this classic sensation where you can take a trip on a transatlantic liner with every sip!!!!!
