Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: The Spice & Tea Exchange
Tea Description:
A classic Breakfast tea that is rich and malty with subtle notes of chocolate. This robust and flavorful black tea makes a great first cup to start your day. Contains: black tea. Contains caffeine.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
The other day, I managed to talk my husband in to taking me to the Spice & Tea Exchange in Portland, Oregon. It wasn’t too difficult as I had a Living Social Voucher. Normally, though, when it comes to going somewhere to buy tea, my husband balks at the idea, as he is convinced that I have “enough” tea. As if that were possible. Ha!
This is one of the teas that I selected from their pleasing array of teas. They don’t have a dizzying selection, which I actually like, because I think that too many teas in an establishment leads to the possibility of procuring a tea that has been there too long. You know? The selection at The Spice & Tea Exchange is large enough to give a good variety without being so big that you’re choosing between two teas that seem almost identical, and can’t be sure of how fresh your selection is going to be.
I also liked that when I walked into The Spice & Tea Exchange, the air wasn’t overwhelmingly scented by the spices (I like the smell of spices, but, it’s hard to find spices you’re interested in if the air around you is consumed by a heady aroma of spice), and that it was clean and friendly and easily accessible. Additionally, it is nice that the teas and spices are available online as well as in-store.
This is a nice breakfast blend. As the description above suggests, it does have a pleasant malty tone and a subtle note of chocolate. The chocolate is a little difficult to discern while the tea is piping hot, so do let it cool for a moment or two before taking a sip if you’re looking for that chocolate-y note. There is a pleasant earthiness to this tea, as well as a delicious undertone of caramel that melds nicely with the malt.
Overall, a very tasty breakfast blend. I would like it more if it had more of a stimulating effect to it, It is a black tea blend, and as such it does manage to encourage some wakefulness, but it is not as invigorating as some other breakfast blends I’ve tried. It takes the addition of milk and honey well, if you care to add it, but, it isn’t so edgy that you need these additions, as it tastes quite nice on its own.
I enjoyed this, my first sampling of a tea from this company. I am glad I have more to try from them!
