Stem and Leaf Tea -Ali Shan Jin Xuan.

Time for Tea Please?

A mug of mountain calmness could be the answer to your afternoon dip and thanks to Stem and Leaf Tea I’m able to share with you their blend: Ali Shan Jin Xuan Oolong Tea.

Stem and Leaf Tea

(Direct from website)

We are Stem & Leaf Tea House, a Taiwanese-British company dedicated to sharing the depth and beauty of Taiwan’s tea culture with the world. Though we’ve spent over a decade living in London, our hearts remain rooted in the quiet rituals of Taiwanese tea, traditions that continue to shape and ground us across continents.

Our story began with family, guided by our founder Wen-Wei’s mother who studied the art of tea, exploring how cultivation, firing, and tasting intertwined with an ancient brewing culture. Today, we continue that legacy in partnership with a respected tea expert in Taiwan, sourcing rare and exceptional leaves directly from growers who honour generations of cultural knowledge and cultivation expertise.

At Stem & Leaf, we approach tea as others approach fine wine with deep respect for terroir, cultivar, and artisan technique. Each tea in our collection tells a story: of misted mountains, skilled hands, and centuries of culture, distilled into a single stem and leaf.

Rooted in heritage, we invite a new generation to discover Taiwanese tea as a living art, both elegant and authentic.

To find out more or to try for yourself, hit the link: https://stemandleaftea.co.uk

Ali Shan Jin Xuan Oolong Tea.

For this blend Stem and Leaf Tea uses: Origin : Oolong Tea from Alishan Township, Chiayi, Taiwan.

Upon opening the tea pouch, you are instantly hit with the aroma of a floral grassy kind of scent not too dissimilar to that of a green tea.

Let’s Get Brewing!

The aroma whilst brewing isn’t too dissimilar to that of its dry state other than maybe slightly milder.

The brewed liquid is that of a yellowy green goldyish colouring.

Let’s Get Sipping!

First sip and I am very intrigued.

I was intearested in what flavour difference between this oolong and a more well known “milky” oolong. This blend is what’s known as without artificial scents. The flavour is light and airy.

Its tasting notes are very similar to that of its dry/ brewing aroma. Where it does give off a mild green tea vibe. This is purely for a flavour comparison description.

The blend itself is naturally sweet and is perfect without any additions. Which makes it a great afternoon blend where you just need a mug of calm and lift without the tones of say a black tea.

As the blend cools the flavour dimensions don’t change which works perfectly for this blend and adds to the almost magical tones this blend gives off while you sip. It tastes almost clean. Which fits with the dimension of it being mountain grown.

Happy Sipping 🙂

Fortnum & Mason

Time for Tea Please?

This weekend I spent in the capital celebrating a friends engagement but made sure I had time to head out on a tea hunt. Where else would I go other than Fortnum & Mason.

Where if you are after Tea and Biscuits you are certainly in the right place.

I love how they also give pairing recommendations….

It’s never too early to think of the C word and the Christmas Floor is very much now opening!

How tealicious are these christmas tree decorations!!!

Happy Sipping 🙂

Char Brew – Earl Grey

Time for Tea Please?

I love nothing more than sipping on an Earl Grey of an afternoon! Thanks to Char Brew I’m able to share with you their Earl Grey.

Char Brew

(Direct from welsite)

Here at charbrew, we’re slightly eccentric about creating fantastic tasting products. Jetting around the world, we find and use only the best natural ingredients to bring you healthy treats for your taste buds…

But enough chatting!

..It’s time to put on the kettle, put your feet up and discover for yourself our exciting range of products.

To find out more or try for yourself hit the link:

https://www.charbrew.com

Earl Grey

For this blend Char Brew uses: Black Tea (98.5%), Bergamot Flavour (1.5%).

Upon opening the tea envelope you are instantly with the aromas of intense bergamot which is exactly how I like my earl grey to be!.

Let’s Get Brewing!

The aromas whilst brewing aren’t too dissimilar to that of its dry state, just a lot milder.

The brewed liquid is that of a medium brown colouring. As my personal preference I will be drinking this blend without milk/ black as that’s the way I prefer to drink it. Tea is unique to you so drink however you please.

Let’s Get Sipping!

First sip and it tastes like it’s brewing aroma.

I’m only mildly disappointed by this. I love a really strong flavoured earl grey. However despite its mild side it’s a really easy tea to drink especially when drinking without milk. However I would be more tempted to add a slice of lemon to add an extra flavour dimension to it too. Which would also enhance the bergamot too.

Or maybe i just didnt brew it long enough. Just because I like my tea one way doesn’t mean you will too. Or two tea bags and a bigger mug! As you can never get enough of a mug of earl grey!

Happy Sipping 🙂

Darwin Tea – Çayî Kurdi

Time for Tea Please?

Flavoured black teas are always a good idea to me and thanks to Darwin Tea I am able to share with you their blend Çayî Kurdi.

Darwin Tea

(Direct from website)

Why Darwin Tea.

We grew up with a kettle that was never quite off. Darwin is our attempt to put that into a pouch.

In a Kurdish home, tea isn’t an event. It’s the thing in the background of every conversation: a small glass, refilled, slowly going cold while someone tells a story.

When we couldn’t find a tea in Sweden that brewed the way we wanted, we made our own. One blend. A black tea base that holds up to a long steep, with a small amount of blue cornflower for colour.

We blend and pouch it ourselves, in small batches, in Sweden. No flavourings, no fillers, and no story about ancient secrets. It’s just good tea, made the way we drink it at home.

To find out more or to try for yourself, hit the link:

Çayî Kurdi

For this blend Darwin Tea uses: Black tea and blue cornflower.

Upon opening the tea pouch you are instantly hit with the floral tones of the cornflower.

Let’s Get Brewing!

The aroma whilst brewing isn’t too dissimilar to that of its dry state. The cornflower is still the primary scent with a very mild hint of black tea on the undertone.

The brewed liquid is that of a dark brown colouring.

For this blend I am choosing to drink it black without milk , and any other extra additions (honey, sugar etc.) this is based on my personal taste.

Let’s Get Sipping!

First sip and I’m hooked!

The flavour of this blend is super intense. The Blue Cornflower is the primary flavour of each sip. Its floral taste is at the forefront right and centre. It’s delicate yet at the same time bold.

The flavour of the cornflower is almost like a palate cleanser between each sip despite it being the primary flavour. It lifts the blend to an extra level.

It’s only really on the after taste of each sip that the black tea is present. Other than the colour of the tea being dark brown the black tea provides an almost light bitter undertone. Which contrasts with the floral side, bringing out the floral side even more.

The flavour of this blend is so intense that it remains the same strength throughout the sip. Even as the blend starts to cool.

Happy Sipping 🙂

TeaTsy – Linglong Porcelain Teacups

Time for Tea Please?

Todays Tea Tuesday post is a bit different to normal where the star of the show isn’t a tea but a mug. Or to be more specific: TeaTsys : Linglong Porcelain Teacups: A Modern Take on Ancient Chinese Craftsmanship and Mindful Tea Rituals.

TeaTsy

(Direct from website)

We believe that every cup of tea should be an experience to be savored and enjoyed.

Our story began in 2019, when a group of Chinese international students found themselves struggling to find good quality tea products and accessories while studying abroad. Frustrated by the lack of options, they decided to take matters into their own hands and founded TeaTsy with the goal of providing tea lovers around the world with high-quality, affordable tea accessories.

At TeaTsy, we are passionate about tea and dedicated to offering only the finest, high-quality tea accessories. We carefully select our craftsmen and suppliers to ensure that we are able to offer environmentally friendly, sustainable products that are free from pollution.

TeaTsy is more than a brand; it is a celebration of passion, culture, and community. Join us in savoring the moments that tea brings – from quiet contemplation to joyful gatherings.

To find out more hit the link: https://teatsy.com

Linglong Porcelain Teacups

(Direct from website)

Linglong porcelain — also known as “rice-grain porcelain” or “Devil’s work” porcelain — originated in the imperial kilns of Jingdezhen, Jiangxi Province, during the late Ming dynasty.

When light passes through, the entire vessel appears to glow from within — a quiet, luminous radiance that has captivated collectors and tea lovers alike for centuries.

The TeaTsy Linglong Porcelain Mug Collection bridges ancient craftsmanship and contemporary design sensibility, creating a tea set that is as meaningful to use as it is beautiful to behold. Four thin-walled white porcelain cups rest on a circular black walnut base engineered to rotate a full 360° with effortless smoothness. As you turn the cup, the openwork characters catch the light from different angles — making the act of admiring the piece a ritual in itself.

For more info hit the link: https://teatsy.com/blogs/blog/linglong-porcelain-teacups-a-modern-take-on-ancient-chinese-craftsmanship-and-mindful-tea-rituals?utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv4&fbclid=PAVERFWAUw3yxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAmZkaWQWUPs7WgW_5Qr61xCvyMOYGATDE9I_2HNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzEyNDAyNDU3NDI4NzQxNAABpxZcRWzEHB8jp3Abu9oflJKXgUZimlwJti140E7WmQv4sVsgAAz6wydh07aJ_aem_9sR94FS70XK3W8iRDnSTRQ

Just look at the glow!

There really is something quite therapeutic not just in the act of sipping on their tea but also the way you can spin the cup too making it a tranquil way to drink.

Happy Sipping 🙂

Jeeves and Jericho – Rhubarb Rooibos

Time for Tea Please?

With the nights drawing in and flavours changing to meet the autumn needs while still clutching on to summer thanks to Jeeves and Jericho I’m able to share with you their blend Rhubarb Rooibos.

Jeeves and Jericho

(Direct from website)

Not Your Usual Brew. Tea with Character…

Meticulously Sourced, Impeccably Crafted.

To find out more or to try for yourself, hit the link: https://www.jeevesandjericho.com

Their packaging is also on point , the shine on it !

Rhubarb Rooibos

For this blend Jeeves and Jericho uses: Rooibos, apple, elderberries, hibiscus, rose hip, rhubarb and natural flavouring.

Upon opening the tea pouch you are instantly hit with the sweet fruity aromas with the undertone of woody vanilla

Let’s get Brewing!

The aroma whilst brewing is really fruity and the rhubarb aroma is really strong and mouth wateringly so with a light vanillary undertone of the Rooibos coming through.

The brewed liquid is that of a redy brown. Which is distinctive to that a rooibos tea.

Let’s get Sipping!

First sip and I am hooked it’s such a flavoursome sip. So much so you can’t overly tell that this a Rooibos blend. The flavour of the rhubarb is enhanced and intensified through the use of the apple and rosehip. It’s naturally sweet and there is no need to change the complex of this blend adding sweetener or milk to it.

The after taste of this blend is exquisite and super refreshing and just entices you sip by sip. The teas only downside is that my mugs not big enough!.

This blend is such a versatile sip, the flavour remains the same throughout the sipping experience. Even when it cools the flavour is on point and even intensifies in a dynamic way and would be perfect iced cold or even in a spritz. Which could be perfect for a summer autumn mix or spiced up for the festive period!

Happy Sipping 🙂

Birchley’s Loose Leaf Tea- Mango White Tea

Time for Tea Please?

With summer coming to an end a cup of sunshine is sometimes what you need! Thanks to Birchley’s Loose Leaf Tea I’m able to share with you their blend – Mango White Tea.

Birchley’s Loose Leaf Tea

(Direct from website)

Based in the historic Norwich City Market, we here are Birchley’s believe that you should have your tea your way and it shouldn’t cost the earth!

We stock a plethora of different teas to suit almost everybody. Get your taste buds into a variety of flavours, such as a fresh Oolong, a floral White, or go completely Fruity! All our products are sold with the environment in mind, so we package everything in either a paper or biodegradable, resealable pouch. If you come to our shop we will even fill up your tea caddy for you.

We source our tea from a lovely UK based supplier who receives shipments direct from tea plantations in countries such as India, China and Kenya, amongst others. From here the tea we sell is always as fresh as it is like to be once it arrives in the country. As a result we can pass on savings to our customers without skimping on quality.

To find out more or to try for yourself hit the link:

https://www.birchleystea.co.uk

Mango White Tea

For this blend Birchley’s uses: white tea, mango pieces, marigold flowers and natural flavouring.

Upon opening the tea pouch you are instantly hit with a light smokey aroma.

Let’s Get Brewing!

The aroma whilst brewing is very different to that of its dry state where the mango is the primary aroma with light tang from the white tea.

The brewed liquid is that of a yellow colouring.

Let’s Get Sipping!

First sip and I’m hooked.

I’ve had a white tea quite like it before. It’s such a light and refreshing sip and the flavour is full and fluent throughout.

The primary flavour of each sip is that of the mango. Bringing with it a strong fruity flavour that’s clean cut and brings a sweetness to each sip.

The white tea brings a light known tang to each sip brings an almost floral side to the tea. As well as bringing a slight woody/smokey note. The only sign of the original dried loose leaf.

Overall the blend is super refreshing and almost addictive the marigold leaf brings an added floralness and mixed with mango intensifies the white tea side of the blend adding an extra mellowness.

Each sip is like a sunny lightness and it would certainly uplift your afternoon.

Happy Sipping 🙂

Doğuş- Royal

Time for Tea Please?

After spending the past 16 days in Turkey it was only right to share with you my breakfast brewing and bringing you Doġuş and their Royal Blend.

Doğus

(Direct from website)

Doğuş Çay, established as a family business in 1985, made its first investment in the tea sector. The activity area that started with tea, continued with sugar and canning activities in the following years. Being able to see the future, to determine the right strategies against the changing consumer preferences and to take place in the market with products exceeding expectations and to compete without sacrificing quality and honesty has been the basic dynamics of Doğuş Çay’s development since the year it was established.

To find out more or to try for yourself, hit the link: https://www.doguscay.com.tr

Royal

For this blend, Doğus uses: black tea.

Upon opening the tea envelope you are instantly hit with a light earthy tone.

Let’s Get Brewing!

The aroma whilst brewing like its dry state is light and earthy but not too strong.

The brewed liquid is that of a brown colouring.

This blend is perfect with it without milk but today I’m choosing to drink with milk where as in Turkey some lemon was also just as good. It’s a versatile blend.

Let’s Get Sipping!

First sip and I am hooked.

Over the past 16 days I have drank this tea a lot. Either pre brewed at breakfast or self brewed in my hotel room!

It’s a fairly mild black tea hence you can drink it however ever you seem fit.

The tea is light and refreshing but also rich and earthy in equal parts. Making each sip a little uplifting sip. It’s a clean tea with very little tang unlike other black teas.

So whether your looking for a blend to start the day, drink without milk or iced cold then this blend can more than work for you!

Happy Sipping 🙂

A few Hol Snaps too …..

Book the holiday!

Sunday Sipping

Time for Tea Please?

Is there anything better Turkish Tea, a good book and a breakfast you didnt have to make?!

Charbrew – Mad Hatter Tea Book

Time for Tea Please?

Two of my favourite things is drinking tea and reading books. So when Charbrew offered me the chance to try their Mad Hatter Tea Book I was hardly going to refuse.

Charbrew

(Direct from website)

Here at charbrew, we’re slightly eccentric about creating fantastic tasting products. Jetting around the world, we find and use only the best natural ingredients to bring you healthy treats for your taste buds…

But enough chatting!

…It’s time to put on the kettle, put your feet up and discover for yourself our exciting range of products.

To find out more or try for yourself hit the link: https://www.charbrew.com

Mad Hatter Tea Book

(Direct from website)

Design: The Tea Book contains 64 teabags of premium tea, individually wrapped in beautiful envelopes. The Tea Book itself contains themes of Alice In Wonderland, from a short passage to the beautifully hand-drawn images of different characters from the book.

Includes: This Mad Hatter Tea Book includes 4 of classic teas: Afternoon Tea, Earl Grey, English Breakfast and Chai. They will be a guaranteed hit for the tea lover or casual tea drinker! This set provides a balanced range of teas to fit any occasion, from Monday mornings to cosy Sunday afternoons.

English Breakfast

For the blend Charbrew uses: 100% Black Tea.

Upon opening the tea pouch you are hit with a light earthy aroma.

Let’s Get Brewing!

The aroma whilst brewing isn’t too dissimilar to that of its dry state where the earthy aroma increases.

The brewed liquid is that of a dark brown colouring. With English Breakfast Teas I like to drink them with a splash of milk. As my flavour preference.

Let’s Get Sipping!

First sip and just what I needed.

From brewing to sip the black tea is earthy and rich. The splash of milk doesn’t take anything away from the flavour complexity of the taste. If anything it adds a dimension / cuts through the black tea taste. It continues to be malty with an almost woody side to its earthiness. Which if you drink a lot of black tea you will know what I mean.

Especially when the woodyness lingers on the tongue and continues throughout each sip.

The perfect blend to sip on, while getting lost in a good book. As somehow as the blend cools the flavour intensity increases. Which is always a bonus when drinking a tea and you may or may not have forgotten about it. Yes we’ve all been there, no secrets here!!!

Happy Sipping 🙂