Festival of Teas

January was National Hot Tea Month and aside from the in store specials we had, we enjoyed our first sit down tea tasting. Even with a small group, we enjoyed the chance to share our knowledge of teas and learn from each other. We tried caffeine free and low caffeine options. First, an herbal tea of choice including the Green Rooibos, Rooibos Darling & Winter Berries. We took a commercial tea bag apart to compare the leaves inside to the whole and broken leaf black tea we have in stock. We then tried white tea in the tea press so we could watch the leaves unfurl as the tea brewed. I was surprised that this tea actually did taste better when it was brewed that way, rather than in the tea bag. We moved on to gunpowder green because it is so interesting to watch the rolled balls of tea unfurl and expand in the 185 degree water. We offered our guests a Walker’s Shortbread cookie for in between courses, which provided a nice treat. While we didn’t move on to the black teas, as we were catering to caffeine free options today, we shared how we would brew both loose tea and teabags in little pots. Gotta warm up the pot first and dispose of the water. We plan to have more tea tasting events through out the year and have ideas for an overview of teas, tea tasting that features one type of tea such as several different black teas, or fruit flavored tea and such. It was nice to meet another tea lover and expand the types of events we can offer in the tea store. There really is a lot of information to learn about tea-the different types of tea, the ways to store tea, brew tea, how hot to boil the water. Slurping is allowed at a tea tasting, although we were all pretty well behaved in that area. Teas, like wine, can vary by taste based on where they are grown, which is interesting as well. Kettle River Tea Store is here to help you find the tea you love, and try new teas. February’s special is chocolate teas, including a custom blend of chocolate & strawberry flavored tea. Put the kettle on and relax, tea is good for you!