Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Upton Tea Imports
Tea Description:
Grown high in the Teesta valley at the base of the Himalayas, this 2nd flush brews up with the famed muscatel aroma associated with high grade Darjeelings. A classic afternoon tea.
Learn more about Steepster Select here.
Taster’s Review:
Lovely! I know I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again anyway … I love second flush Darjeeling teas. And this Namring 2nd Flush Darjeeling Tea from Upton Tea Imports is a delightful example of why I adore them.
It has a pleasant fruity character that is reminiscent of a wine. I taste black currant and grape! These fruit notes deliver sweetness and a hint of tart. There is a somewhat tannic quality to this tea that is also reminiscent of that aforementioned wine, and it finishes with a dry astringency.
But when it comes to a second flush Darjeeling, it’s really all about that muscatel note. And this has a really lovely muscatel. It’s sweet and fruity. Notes of wood. Subtle hints of earth. Everything melds together in a very enjoyable way, bringing those delectable fruit notes forward, while the earthier tones fill in the background.
It’s a very elegant tasting tea, one that would be a good choice to serve to friends. A nice afternoon tea.
Another wonderful tea brought to me by Steepster Select!
Season’s Pick Earl Grey Crème Vanilla Black Tea from Upton Tea Imports
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Upton Tea Imports
Tea Description:
A classic Earl Grey, accented with vanilla and cream flavors. This delightful variant will appeal to most Earl Grey enthusiasts.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
While sorting through my tea stash, I was happy to find this Season’s Pick Earl Grey Crème Vanilla Black Tea from Upton Tea Imports among those teas! I’m always eager to try a new-to-me Earl Grey, and I really enjoy the creme varieties of this classic favorite.
And this is a really tasty Earl Grey Creme! The sharpness of the tangy bergamot has been softened with the notes of vanilla and cream. This is more “creme” than it is “Earl Grey” which I might otherwise be iffy about (I do love my bergamot!) but in this tea, it’s working for me.
The black tea base has a smooth, even flavor. It’s not a “weak” tasting tea – it certainly has some impact – but it isn’t an aggressive tea either. It is strong enough to hold it’s own without attempting to interfere with the flavors of bergamot and creamy vanilla. A nice balance has been achieved here.
The bergamot is not as strong as it might be in a classic Earl Grey (without the “creme” added) and while I do appreciate a good, strong bergamot flavor, I like the way the bergamot has been lightened by the presence of the cream and vanilla flavors. These are creamy and sweet and give the cup an indulgent flavor that might seem almost too luxurious to drink first thing in the morning! Then again, why not!
Sacher Blend Tea from Upton Tea Imports
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Upton Tea Imports
Tea Description:
Inspired by the Hotel Sacher in Vienna, this is a traditional blend of Darjeeling with a hint of Ceylon. The blend is then lightly scented with oil of Bergamot and a hint of genuine Bourbon vanilla. The result is a floral Darjeeling surrounded by soft, fruity, citrus notes. A new formula which we find especially pleasing.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
When I came across this Sacher Blend Tea from Upton Tea Imports in my stash, the thought that immediately came to mind is one of my favorite television shows: Grimm. Most of the show is filmed in Portland, Oregon, which is what drew me to start watching it in the first place and one of the reasons I still love the show. Portland is almost like one of the “characters” of the show, and I feel like I “know” Portland … or at least am somewhat familiar with my odd neighboring city.
Anyway, the reason this tea reminds me of Grimm is because some of the scenes over the last couple of seasons have been filmed in Vienna and the main location in Vienna is the Hotel Sacher. So when I found this tea in my stash, I was excited to try it. Is that nerdy of me?
I was even more excited when I opened the package and I realized that this was an Earl Grey blend! I could smell the bergamot – one of my favorite scents when it comes to tea! The bergamot aroma is softer in this blend than in some other Earl Grey teas that I’ve sampled, and even though I do love a good, strong bergamot (so long as it’s a good quality bergamot!) I also have an appreciation for the more subtle approach when it comes to bergamot.
And Upton took the subtle approach with this blend. The bergamot is not just a softer fragrance, but it is also represented in a more delicate way in the taste. Oh, it’s still there, definitely! But the flavor is not in your face. This Earl moves in on you slowly but surely, enveloping you in its flavor. I think that this could be an Earl Grey that those who are typically put off by the strong, perfume-y taste of some Earl Grey blends, this is not perfume-y at all. This is sweet, tangy, and uplifting.
The black tea base is a blend of Ceylon and Darjeeling teas, and this provides a mild, light-to-medium bodied tea that seems to glide over the palate. There is nothing heavy to this cup, making it a perfect choice for an afternoon tea. It is a mellow, gently invigorating cup of tea. One of the better Earl Grey teas that utilizes Darjeeling in the base that I’ve come across.
This is something I could definitely see myself sipping in Vienna at the Hotel Sacher, and hopefully avoiding any unfortunate encounters with Wesen.
Creme Caramel Black Tea Blend from Upton Tea Imports
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Upton Tea Imports
Tea Description:
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!
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
Yum! This delicious Creme Caramel Black Tea Blend from Upton Tea Imports almost reminds me of the caramel blend that I used to sell back when I was blending teas. Although, I have to say it: I think mine was just a little better. I think it was that my blend was a balance of both Ceylon and Assam teas, and the malty tones of the Assam really accentuated the caramel flavors marvelously.
But, I’m not here to reminisce about my blending days! I’m here to talk about this tea!
And this tea is yummy! It is sweet and caramel-y, just as a caramel tea should be. The black tea base is smooth and mild, but with a richness to it that provides an ample backdrop for the delectable flavor of luscious caramel. It is a delightful treat for someone with a sweet tooth (like me!), this tea would certainly satisfy that sweet craving without fat and calories.
I liked this served straight, but I do think that a small amount of sugar will amplify the caramel tones just a bit. (I used about a 1/4 teaspoon for my tea mug and it enhanced the flavor without making it too sweet.) It would also be really delicious as a latte!
The above description states that this one is “back in stock” but I did want to alert my readers to the fact that supplies appear to be quite limited on this one, so if you want it … better hurry and grab it while you can! This one seems to be a really popular one – and with good reason. It’s delicious!
Shou Mei Classic White Tea from Upton Tea Imports
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: White
Where to Buy: Upton Tea Imports
Tea Description:
This fine selection from Fujian province boasts a delicate herbaceous aroma, full flavor, and clean finish. The well-balanced cup has a subtle sweetness with delicate walnut flavor nuances.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
I don’t drink as many white teas as I do other tea types, and I’m not sure if that’s because I don’t find as many “unique” white teas out there, or if it’s just because I prefer other tea types over white tea. But I do certainly enjoy white teas … especially later in the afternoon and early evening … when I’m starting to wind down. I find the flavor of a white tea to be calming. The gentle, delicate notes relax me.
And this Shou Mei Classic White Tea from Upton Tea Imports produces a perfect calming, relaxing cuppa.
The flavor is soft and sweet, with vegetative notes. I usually call white tea’s vegetative qualities “hay-like” and that description suits this tea well too. There is a warm, nutty quality to this cup, as the above notes from Upton suggest … it is almost like a walnut-type note. I don’t know that what I’m tasting here is walnut … but it is nutty and pleasant.
The finish is subtle and there is very little noticeable astringency to this cup. The aftertaste is a barely-there whisper of sweetness that lingers on the palate.
Overall, a really pleasing Shou Mei.