“Tea is similar to wine: it’s a
broad world of subtle nuances
affected by grower, weather, and
tea master. It can be similarly
elegant and enlightening.”
Do you notice a difference between the British and the
American tea customer? Both client bases are tea enthusiasts
to be sure. However, there are differences: the British tend
towards a more traditional palate of black teas and tea blends,
which is to be expected from a culture immersed in the
Anglocentric tradition of tea. The American clients are perhaps
more inclined to embrace a less traditional view of tea and
experiment with flavor and presentation.
How do you make blends? Our blends are inspired by a myriad
of things: the profile of the leaf itself, intriguing ingredients,
literature, geography, emotion, seasons, fashion, art,
memories… the list goes on.
If someone’s not tried exotic teas before, what’s a good
one to start with? If you’re moving forward from the tea bag
experience... perhaps a beautiful Yunnan–a Chinese black tea
with long, twisted golden leaves, lightly toasty, and rich honey
notes; or our Majorelle Mint–a blend of Chinese gunpowder
green and mint with a hint of sweet orange.
If someone’s adventurous and already prefers tea, what
would you give them? Our White Wolf blend: Chinese white
peony and cedar blend–it is stunning and reminiscent of the
American frontier in winter. Or perhaps an Ali Shan Oolong...
a sophisticated lighter-style oolong with gorgeous notes of
wild orchid, evergreen, and brown sugar.
What’s your favorite tea? There are so many! Bellocq Gypsy
Caravan, a slightly smoky black tea blend with roses.
I adore green teas too… and oolongs. The list goes on.
For all those coffee drinkers out there (of which I am
one), afraid to switch or even try tea, do you have any
suggestions? Drink properly prepared excellent-quality tea.
