This is for the tea sachets, not loose leaf. I spent the weekend in Rochester NY, and my son had mentioned that he was in Wegmans Pittsford store, and there was a huge tea selection. Anyone who knows Wegmans knows they rock. I was already familiar with the brands they were likely to carry, so jotted down a few things to look for before going. Since Pittsford is their “Super” (mega super duper flagship) Wegmans (they are based in Rochester), this was written on my list, since SimplyJen found it at a store here in Ohio. And they had it !!!! (did I mention Wegmans rocks?). I wasn’t expecting the Harney ones (maybe 8 choices) but none I recognized as ones I wanted to try. I managed to leave the store with only 2 teas (very proud) lol. I did put 3 back, after remembering my cupboards back home. For the record, I’ve never seen Steven Smith or Harney at any of the other Wegmans (from smaller to bigger ones). That one also had a “Tea Bar” serving tea by the cup, with what looked like 20-30 selections. Was there after driving all day from Ohio (not in mood to explore further).
Anyway! This tea! Testing with honey (no coffeemate, which is usual for Earls). Fearing bitter, I only steeped 4 minutes, instead of their instructions for 5. There is no bitterness, and the tea manages to be strong and obvious. I’m not picking up strong bergamot flavoring with only sweetener, and I would prefer it stronger. Halfway through cup, going to add some coffeemate sweet cream …
Since I’m used to drinking my morning Earl Grey with honey and creamer, this is a fairer comparison I think. Now I can taste the bergamot “playing” with the cream and giving it more emphasis. I like, but don’t love. But it might be steeped too long for my tastes (the Assam is booming the most). Will re-try at 3.
Wegmans price for 15 sachets (boxed) was $9.99 … does anyone know how the loose leaf compares?
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His website (www.smithtea.com) has 2 oz for $5 or 4 oz for $9. Though strangetly enough, the box of 15 is actually $12… so you got it cheaper at retail. Mind is blown.
I bought a bunch of teas from Republic of Tea, only to find them for less at Wegmans too ($2-3 less average). Thanks for looking up price comparison. It will remain on wishlist until my buying moratorium (oops) ends though. But ummm, online moratorium (hey, I did put 3 back, hehe). But loose leaf might/must be better?
Not sure. This guy is kind of the teabag king. I did a little reading up on him. He founded Stash tea, sold it to Japan. Then he founded Tazo tea, and sold it to Starbucks. Now he’s doing this. It looks like he’s been in the bag game a lot longer than the loose leaf one ;)
Ah ha! I remember reading that story long ago (while browsing online retailers) but didn’t make the connection that it was him. Hmmm, interesting. I have liked Stash in general, but not Tazo (w. one exception). I will explore his choices more when my (ummm) buying moratorium ends : )
ha – interesting background, thanks Dylan
His website (www.smithtea.com) has 2 oz for $5 or 4 oz for $9. Though strangetly enough, the box of 15 is actually $12… so you got it cheaper at retail. Mind is blown.
I bought a bunch of teas from Republic of Tea, only to find them for less at Wegmans too ($2-3 less average). Thanks for looking up price comparison. It will remain on wishlist until my buying moratorium (oops) ends though. But ummm, online moratorium (hey, I did put 3 back, hehe). But loose leaf might/must be better?
Not sure. This guy is kind of the teabag king. I did a little reading up on him. He founded Stash tea, sold it to Japan. Then he founded Tazo tea, and sold it to Starbucks. Now he’s doing this. It looks like he’s been in the bag game a lot longer than the loose leaf one ;)
Ah ha! I remember reading that story long ago (while browsing online retailers) but didn’t make the connection that it was him. Hmmm, interesting. I have liked Stash in general, but not Tazo (w. one exception). I will explore his choices more when my (ummm) buying moratorium ends : )
ha – interesting background, thanks Dylan