Forte Ruby Red Herbal Tea

I'm trying to use up some of the herbal teas that nice folks give me as iced teas since our summer seems to be interminable. The Forte red herbal tea is a lovely, very cinnamon-flavored tea that went nicely with pasta for dinner. 

Novel Teas

Oh dear, fellow tea lovers, I cannot believe it has been a year since we last had tea. It has been a strange time and I have found great comfort in drinking our favorite teas this year. I did not seek out any new teas to try until recently, as my stash of Adagio Brigadoon Breakfast has been whittled down slightly.

In June, my sister sent me Novel Teas. This delightful Ceylon bagged tea has a different literary quote not he tag of each bag. I have enjoyed tremendously both reading the quotes and sipping the delicate Ceylon tea. This is great gift item for the book- and tea-loving person in your life.

 

Oliver Pluff and Company East Indian Tea

I was in Boston earlier this year, and of course I had to visit the Boston Tea Party Museum. I didn't have time to eat at the tea room associated with it, But I did tour the museum. And naturally, I bought tea.

Oliver Pluff and Company East Indian tea is alleged to be the same blend of tea that was one of the tea varieties tossed into Boston Harbor that fateful night in 1774. It's a robust tea, somewhat malty but without the depth of an Assam. It's very hearty, and would make a good tea for a coffee drinker to try.

We served it for elevenses here on the patio with homemade blueberry cornbread. A delicious and decidedly unsweet morning break that was delightful.

 

As mentioned previously, I visited Elmwood Inn Teas last October. Ever since, we've been enjoying Kenya Safari at breakfast. This is a strong, deep, black tea, very robust. It would be a good choice for a coffee drinker looking to try a tea because of the strong depth. I've read that Kenyan teas are grown in a soil with a high mineral content, which presumably accounts for this flavor profile. I've also read that because of this, Kenyan teas have a higher antioxidant load than teas grown elsewhere. Regardless, this is a great morning tea because of its vigor, which meant we paired it with slow oats and blueberries for breakfast. 

A Visit to Elmwood Inn Teas

This autumn I visited my sister, who moved to Kentucky last year. Imagine my delighted surprise when I discovered she is not far from the wonder Elmwood inn Teas. What a beautiful shop, and yes, I did buy 4 teas while I was there (sis bought on2). The store has a lovely, calming atmosphere. The one tea I've tried so far is delicious (yes, review coming soon). I cannot wait to visit again. This time I'll make sure there is more room in my luggage for souvenir tea.

Teaism, Dupont Circle, Washington D.C.

 

I was recently in Washington D.C. for a conference, and had a delicious lunch at Teaism, Dupont Circle. Teaism is a small chain in the greater D.C. area. My lunch was fantastic: tea-cured salmon and flatbread, with a pot of Assam. Beautiful to look at, and delicious to eat. 

Simpson & Vail Nigiri Korakundah Estate Organic FOP/FBOP

 

This was the most delicious tea I've had in a very, very long time. Outstanding, rich flavor, brisk--perfect. This is a terrible photo, but I needed to snap one real quick because I was too impatient to drink it to make it look pretty. Maybe I'll replace the photo, but I won't replace the tea; this will now be a permanent part of my morning tea lineup.