Close your eyes and imagine a cup of black tea.
What type of tea popped into your head? Don’t tell us yet… but here’s a fun fact: 85% of the tea consumed in the Western world is black tea!
So, if black tea came to your mind, you’re not alone. It makes total sense.
Black tea is grown in more countries than any other type of tea. Places like China, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Turkey, Thailand and even Australia grow this tea type, just to name a few.
It goes through five processing steps—plucking, withering, rolling, oxidation and drying. With oxidation levels of 90% or higher, black tea produces a bold & rich brew.
Flavour changes a lot depending on where it’s from. You might get a malty kick, some honeyed sweetness, a touch of cocoa or even hints of stone fruit, sweet potato or muscat grapes.
Let’s explore how different cultures enjoy a black cuppa.
We’ll start our journey in England, where there’s a long-standing tradition of high tea, served in the early evening alongside hearty dishes. And of course, high tea wouldn’t be complete without a steaming cup of black tea.
Travel a bit east, and you’ll find Tibet’s famous butter tea, which is exactly what it sounds like: black tea mixed with butter and salt. A warm bowl of butter tea is designed to keep your energy flowing all day long.
Hop over to India, and you’ll find chai in nearly every household. It’s gently simmered with spices, milk and a sweetener. The spice mix varies by region, but you’ll often find cardamom, ginger, cloves, cinnamon and black pepper, creating a comforting tea that hugs you from the inside.
Then there’s Russia, where tea is often enjoyed with a spoonful of jam as a way to cut through the intensity of the brew.
Now, let’s take a look at our assortment.
Black tea from Nepal | HIGH CAFFEINE
Smooth, full-bodied flavour with sweet honey notes.
Tea Guide Tip: Try it iced with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a refreshing twist!
What makes it great:
-1st place winner in the Gold Medal Tea Competition at the North American Tea Conference 2023.
-Jun Chiyabari is a small but world-renowned family estate in Nepal, and we’ve had a long relationship with them for over a decade!
-What makes it even more special? They use their earnings to support local schools, help underprivileged families and care for the elderly in their community.
-1% of proceeds will go to our Impact Fund that helps provide access to clean water in Nepal.
Organic Cream of Earl Grey
Black tea from India, China & Africa | HIGH CAFFEINE
Rich with creamy-sweet vanilla and a citrusy hint of bergamot. This tea has been our best seller since day one!
Tea Guide Tip: For an extra treat, add frothed milk and a bit of agave syrup for a quality London Fog.
Black tea from India, China & Africa | MEDIUM CAFFEINE
A spicy cinnamon-rich chai, but allows the bold & malty notes shine through.
Tea Guide Tip: Try it iced “Viet-style” with sweetened condensed milk.
Vanilla Cappuccino
Black tea from China | LOW CAFFEINE
Sweet & creamy, with a light coffee flavour—like a decadent French vanilla iced capp. This tea is perfect as a coffee alternative.
Tea Guide Tip: Try it as a mocha-inspired iced latte with a drizzle of chocolate.
Organic Jasmine Black Pearls
Black tea from Yunnan Province, China | HIGH CAFFEINE
Sweet jasmine is balanced with rich caramel & dark honey notes.
Tea Guide Tip: Brew in a large glass teapot and watch the pearls unfurl.
What makes it great:
-Did we mention this tea won an award? It took first place in the black tea category at the Toronto Tea Festival in 2023.
-Jasmine teas are hand-scented, and each jasmine pearl is hand-rolled!
-Don’t let the soothing jasmine fool you—this is the most caffeinated tea in our year-round assortment.
Black tea is sipped, shared and savoured in many different ways. It’s more than just a drink—it’s a daily ritual, a comfort and a connection that brings people together across cultures.
