The technique for producing black tea was first developed during the late Ming Dynasty. Fully oxidized tea leaves are more potent than other varieties, producing teas that are darker, stronger, and often more bitter as a result.
Lapsang Souchong / 立山小種
Standing Mountain Small Strain
China |
Also known as smoked tea, this style is very distinct from other black teas because the leaves are smoke dried over pinewood fires to reveal a strong, smoky flavor.
Kalami Assam
India |
This rich amber infusion, made from the second flush, is deliciously smooth and satisfying, perfect for kick-starting the day. Features heavy, malty flavors.
Barooti Assam
India |
This traditional breakfast tea features strong, bold flavors that hold up to cream and sugar. Less malt-forward than the Kalami Assam above, the Barooti variety offers a more traditional taste.
Jin Hou / 金丝猴
Golden Monkey
Fujian, China |
Hand-processed each spring with careful plucking of only one leaf and one bud, this tea is sweet and very aromatic: savory roasted apples, palm sugar, walnut, cocoa, rye and spice notes that linger as you sip.
Ceylon Orange Pekoe (OPA)
Sri Lanka |
A beautiful rich amber hue with fresh and zesty aromas. Well balanced, with a brisk and lively flavor, it makes an energizing cup.
Decaf Earl Grey
India |
This blend combines robust decaffeinated black tea with natural oil of bergamot to create a brew that is both deeply layered and delightfully citrusy.
More delicate than black teas, oolong tea is partially oxidized, withered in the sun and wind before being curled and twisted. The flavors of these teas vary greatly by cultivar and processing.
Tieguanyin / 鉄観音
Iron Goddess of Mercy
Anxi, China |
Presents a yellowish-green appearance and has a clear, yellow-green liquor that is silky and smooth. The aroma is fresh, stone fruit verging on peachy. The taste is soft and floral.
Da Hong Pao / 大紅袍
Big Red Robe
Wuyi Mountains of Fujian, China |
This tea is orange-yellow, bright, and clear. It has a unique fragrance of orchid flowers, flavor that is soft and smooth, a thick mouthfeel, and a long-lasting sweet aftertaste. The leaves can steep many times over, with some saying the third or fourth cup is best.
By undergoing no oxidation, these leaves retain more of a grassy, herbal character in their flavors. Unless over-steeped, these teas tend to be less bitter than other varieties.
Pingshui Pearl / 平水珠茶
Temple of Heaven Gunpowder
China |
The original and most common variety of gunpowder tea with larger pearls, better color, and a more aromatic infusion.
A popular alternative to traditional tea, this infusion uses needle-like leaves from a bush native to South Africa in place of leaves from the typical tea plant. The leaves are usually oxidized, just like regular tea leaves, producing a similar reddish-brown color and complex flavors without tannins or caffeine.
Red Rooibos
South Africa |
Bursting with antioxidants including quercetin and aspalathin, and low in tannins, this naturally caffeine-free needle bush brews a deep amber color with full-bodied flavor.
Green Rooibos
South Africa |
This unfermented, non-oxidized leaf offers a light, earthy flavor profile, much milder and slightly sweeter than that of traditional rooibos.
Chocolate Ginger Turmeric
United States |
This smooth combination of rooibos tea, ginger, and turmeric balances warmth, spice, and richness.
Blood Orange Vanilla
South Africa |
A delightful combination of organic South African rooibos, organic blood orange peel, organic hibiscus, organic rose petals, organic apple pieces and natural lemon-vanilla flavoring.
These tisanes contain neither tea leaves nor rooibos stems. Their flavors and colors come from a creative mixture of flowers, fruits, and roots.
Ginger Spice
India |
This tea combines a blend of herbs and aromatic spices that highlight the refreshing, spicy flavor of ginger. Ginger Spice combines organic ginger and robust, aromatic spices.
Kuding / 苦丁
Bitter Nail
Wuzhishan, Hainan Island, China |
Related to the plant used in mate (but caffeine-free), these large, curled leaves are exceptionally bitter. In fact, Kuding is often considered the most-bitter infusion on the planet. Touted for a long list of unproven health benefits, this brew is at least guaranteed to warm your body and wake up your tastebuds.
Tulsi Turmeric Ginger
This anti-inflammatory blend combines turmeric, cinnamon and ginger with three adaptogenic varieties of tulsi to produce a spice-forward blend with a zingy ginger finish.
Chamomile
United States |
A perfect union of sweet fragrance and soothing flavor, this flower has a natural calming effect and is perfect for bedtime.