As I mentioned in my previous note, I visited Steven Smith Teamaker in Portland today … my husband was surprisingly affable earlier this week when I asked him if he would take me to Portland to visit not one but TWO tea shops. He usually grumbles (loudly) when I make such a request, and these grumbles are usually followed by comments such as “you have enough tea” or “you don’t need more tea” or “you’re going to spend more money on tea?” … something like that. Basically stating that he isn’t going to take me shopping for more tea.
But, this week, I think he may have had some residual guilt over spending a lot of money on his Christmas gift (an early gift) – a new PS3 because his old one went kaput – so, he was, as I said, surprisingly agreeable to taking me where ever I wanted to go. And I wanted to go to Steven Smith because they had a new holiday blend – this blend – that I had to try!
First of all, this is a bagged (or should I say sacheted?) tea. It wasn’t made available in loose leaf, and if I had any complaint about the blend at all that would be it. But even as a sacheted tea, it’s amazing. I like that it’s a silky sachet and not a paper bag, because … well, I don’t taste the paper bag in the finished product.
This is incredibly yummy. The black tea blend is rich and smooth … even a tad creamy tasting. Nutty, malty, sweet, and comforting. Some astringency, yes. And then you have the touch of Douglas Fir needles … and this adds a hint of refreshing, exhilarating, pine and mint taste. It’s so crisp and wintery, and yes, very Christmas-y.
I love this and am so glad that my hubby took me to get it. He’s a keeper.
Comments
wow I love the sound of this tea, and the packaging, and your mention of Douglas Fir :) can’t wait to visit this tea shop!
@CupofTree – this tea is a very limited edition – one batch made, that’s all, and I was told by the nice gentleman at the register yesterday that when it’s gone, it’s gone. As is the case with the occasional tea from this company. However, they do have plenty of
“regulars” that will keep me coming back, I will say. It is definitely a must visit kind of place for a tea drinker who visits Portland. :)
wow I love the sound of this tea, and the packaging, and your mention of Douglas Fir :) can’t wait to visit this tea shop!
@CupofTree – this tea is a very limited edition – one batch made, that’s all, and I was told by the nice gentleman at the register yesterday that when it’s gone, it’s gone. As is the case with the occasional tea from this company. However, they do have plenty of
“regulars” that will keep me coming back, I will say. It is definitely a must visit kind of place for a tea drinker who visits Portland. :)