Metropolitan Tea Company

My dearest Peach Apricot, I love you so! We’ve been friends for several years now, and I still do not get tired of our brief moments spent together!

She holds up well on her own and likens herself to a medium-bodied lady. Able to wear many a different teapot, she beckons to be appreciated in only the finest of cups. She welcomes cream and sugar, only asking that she not be over-steeped as she tends to get very bitter about that. ;) A very understanding lady, she’s fine with your visiting other “friends” knowing that soon you will want to catch up with her again over a tasty sandwich or two.

Definitely not for purists of the Earl, this one gets the “Royal” pardon. A time-tested favorite mellowed to a creamy afternoon echo. While on the softer side, it still holds up pretty well. I would recommend brewing just a smidge longer, or using more than one heaping teaspoon per cup when brewing to punch up the strength. To me the cream guides this flavor more into the “dessert teas” even without any cream or sugar.

I was inspired by a local tea house here in LA to think about tea blending possibilities. I purchased this base raspberry flavored tea specifically for the purpose of blending with other teas. If I were to have this tea on it’s own it would be as brewed ice tea, however I have not yet tried it this way. This tea blended with straight Earl Grey black tea is AMAZING, and made even more of treat with milk and sugar added! Don’t be afraid to guide your time-trusted Earl in a whole new direction! :)

I created a tea blending matrix for my teas so that I could create new flavors based on my current stock. When blended with other teas, this one gets a ratings boost.

I first had this tea at the August Tea Room, and it made for a perfect pairing with lunch. Although since then I’ve had this tea at breakfast as well. No frills on this one, however it’s nice to have a medium-strong black tea from China every once in a while to keep my tastebuds guessing. This one is more robust than the Nine Bend Black Dragon and can turn bitter if steeped for too long. Milk and sugar bring punch up the flavor nicely.

A truly mysterious blend of flavors, and richly comforting at the same time. This is a medium-bodied tea that beckons reflection and dare I say a smidge of solitude. While not yet tempted to enter a deep meditation with this flavorful tea, it deserves the attention of one who is not in a rush for their caffeine fix. Any time of day is the right time for this tea.

This is a beautifully delicate black tea that is right in the pocket for an afternoon lift. Flavors come to the for with a little milk and sugar to round out the notes. Flavors are not over-powering and this tea could sit well on it’s own without food. Jasmine takes my expectation for this tea in a dlightful new direction then what I usually like to drink.

One of my favorites, and a morning standard. This tea has a medium robustness to it. Steeped a little longer than 5 minutes and it might just pass for a semi-strong morning tea. It’s a beautiful blend of black teas that taste delightfully classy and refined. Can hold up to medium types of sweet and savory dishes without getting lost in the strong flavors of the food. Can turn bitter if steeped to long, timing is crucial. Although not needed, this tea gets an aesthetic boost when nurtured in a beautiful cup.

Oh Lady Londonderry, how I love catching up with you so! Light, airy, refreshing base of ceylon and assam with intended notes of strawberry, lemon, and a hinted floral finish. Only a pinch of sugar and few drops of cream round out the overtones of your respectable character.

Today I’ve cocooned myself indoors, setting aside the hot Southern California sun for another day. This afternoon a leisurely nap has been taken and has been molded into music writing duties with the hubs. At the moment I give myself sway to go over the week ahead and review the tasks, projects, and scheduling that helps me to carry out my intended desires. I have a creative room where my music, drawing, writing, reading, and spirituality nestle. Completely feminine feel and equally as fortifying and empowering. Alas the Sunday hours continue to wane, and I’ll be preparing dinner nourishment before I take my sleep to begin the week anew. It is where the Lady Londonderry and I are holding court. Lovely Lady, for now you have my full and undivided attention.

I love having my tea in fine bone china. Makes just about any tea taste better! Lady Londonderry is definitely a perfect afternoon tea! Nice and light, plus the flavors do not over-power the taste of the black tea. I would pair with light afternoon sweets or tasty savory morsels that allow for the delicate tea flavors to still have room to be recognized as a compliment with the chosen fare. Not the best morning tea, as there is no robustness to it. Will leave you wanting more if you’re drinking it to wake up in the morning. However this light tea makes a delicious afternoon treat! Flavors are delicate enough that not much milk or sugar is needed.

This is the first time I have tried this brand and I will tell you that I will be trying more very soon as it is now available to me locally. I had this specific tea as a free sample of a gift shop that was having an autumn open house. It was delightful! The coloring is that of a reddish brown. The scent is powerful but not overwhelming. The taste is a black tea but with fruity undertones and a hint of an iced wine hint. Usually I find Iced Wine to be very sweet and sugary…some almost too much so and may leave a syrup-type aftertaste – WINE-wise – not tea. This is the first Iced Wine Tea type I have tried and I must say it seems to be the best of both worlds! Lovely!

Success! 150F, 2 min. By paying closer attention to water temp and steep length, I did justice to this delicious tea. Genuine natural jasmine notes float in the nostrils while vegetal juciness fills the mouth, with both lingering afterwards.

This is one of my favorite Assams. I generally use 1 teaspoon per cup or 5 teaspoons per 4-6 cup teapot. Brew time is 5 mins.
This is a full bodied malty tea that gets even better with a little milk & sugar.

One of my favorite tea

My first cup of tea for the new year is the last of this tea in my stash. It’s a really good cup. And it’s pretty to watch steeping, too.

I went through my tea cupboard at home yesterday and turned up several teas with only 2-3 more cups left to go. This was one of them. I’m sure I was saving it because I really like it, but I figured if I really like it I should go ahead and have a cup. So I am.

first steep, just as good as the second.

(I brewed two cups, and had the second steep first, to see if I could tell the difference.)

with agave nectar

Used my last paper filter to get a cup of this. Just what I needed. Now I need new filters!

A very good cup of green tea.