The Tea Enthusiasts- Black Forest Gateau

Time for Tea Please?

Over the festive period, I may have over indulged (and so we should) a little on one of my fave christmas treats, and thanks to The Tea Enthusiasts, im now able to drink it too! Black Forest Gateau.

The Tea Enthusiasts

(Direct from Website)The Tea Enthusiasts was founded by Mother and Daughter team Carol and Liza in 2004. Liza was the foodie with a passion for tea and Carol was a biomedical scientist who thought she had retired. It began as many businesses do in a spare room, but it quickly grew into its own premises. Liza had begun to explore the world of tea when she found the taste of coffee unpalatable during pregnancy. She was importing samples from all over the world and sharing them with friends. Its this ethos of sharing teas and knowledge with friends that still forms the foundation of the Tea Enthusiasts today.
In 2016 Carol took the decision to retire for good and Liza moved the company to a warehouse in the north of County Durham. Interestingly our building used to be a coaching inn and local pub. It had been closed for 11 years by the time we took it over and renovated but the building in some form has been on this spot since the early 1800s. From there we began to branch out from Internet sales to wholesale, stocking some of the finest delis, cafes, restaurants and shops in the region. 

To find out more or to try for yourself hit the link: https://tea-enthusiasts.com

Black Forest Gateau

For this blend, Tea Enthusiasts uses: Black tea, Pomegranate, Cherry stems, Moringa, Cocoa beans, Cranberry, Cornflower + Safflower petals, Natural flavours.

Upon opening the tea pouch you are instantly hit with the aromas of the cocoa and the floral notes of the Safflower petals.

Let’s Get Brewing!

The aroma whilst brewing isn’t too dissimilar to that of its dry state. The cocoa is still very much the main aroma with undertones of the earthiness of the black tea being present now as well.

The brewed liquid is that of a dark brown colour.

I’ve chosen to drink this brew black as my preference is to not add milk to a flavoured black tea. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t, if you’d enjoy it more that way.

Let’s Get Sipping!

First sip and I am hooked!

This brew is what I call a two part sip.

The first part of the sip brings the taste of the black tea and the cocoa. This combination brings a deep depth of flavour and an almost bitterness to it.

The second part of the sip brings the sourness of the cherry, yet mixed with the floral ingredients brings a mellow, almost sweetness to the blend, which works in perfect contrast.

The after taste is earthy of the cocoa and the black tea. Yet the sour cherry keeps you wanting to sip more and more!

It may even be worth trying with a dash of milk as it might add a creaminess to it or whipped cream ! We’ve got to use these festive goodies right?! OK just me!

Happy Sipping 🙂

Pekoe Tea – Black Forest Gateau

Time for Tea Please?

Sipping on a black tea is one my fave things todo come the afternoon. Thanks to Pekoe Tea I’m able to try their Black Forest Gateau, black tea.

Pekoke Tea

(Direct from website) Established in 2008, PekoeTea is family owned, luxury tea business run by Jon Cooper and Esther Kungu-Cooper.

We source the finest single-estate teas and create unique hand-crafted blends at our Edinburgh tea factory in the historic port of Leith.

We have gone from a small market stall and online order business to where we are today, importing teas directly from around the world and creating our own blends in-house.

We have a tea shop on Leven Street in Edinburgh where all out teas are available to buy.

pekoe

noun [pee-koh]

derived from the Chinese pek-ho or baihao.

bai or pek meaning white
hao meaning down or fine hair

refers to the fine white down that covers certain kinds of leaves and buds of the tea plant; Camellia sinesis.

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

Black Forest Gateau

For this blend Pekoe Tea uses:

Upon opening the tea pouch you are instantly hit with the rich earthy cocoa tones like a rich dark chocolate blended with that of fruity berry notes of the cherry and raspberry it’s mouth wateringly good in its aroma.

Let’s Get Brewing!

The aroma whilst brewing isn’t too dissimilar to that of its dry state the black tea is still lacking in aroma wise but the floral notes of the blend are starting to come through now as well.

The brewed colour of this tea is that of a dark brown colouring.

Let’s Get Sipping!

First sip and I am hooked.

This blend is just tealicious.

It’s very rare to find a blend of tea that tastes as good as it smells but Pekoe Tea has managed todo just that. I’ve chosen to drink this blend black without milk and would highly advise that you would too also without sugar as it’s sweet enough. Tea is unique to the drinker so you do you!

This tea is everything you want and more, the black tea is subtle within the blend however this isn’t a bad thing as it provides the earthiness of the cake side of the blend. With cocoa and floral side of the blend it enriches the black tea and enhances gateau side.

The mix of the cherry and the raspberries add not only the other essential side of a Black Forest but also adds a lighter berry tone which is just works harmony with everything.

It’s the perfect afternoon sip as it brings a much needed sweet caffeine boost full of flavour.

When this blend says it’s a Black Forest Gateau they certainly have been able to achieve it and I love it!

Happy Sipping 🙂