Dear Tea Lovers,
Here in Wisconsin, we got so excited about melting snow and increasing sun… only to be hit with more bleak winter weather this week.
The seasons are shifting, the first flowers are appearing, and we know that the worst of the cold is behind us; but even in the springtime, mornings are often dreary, damp and chilling. Recently, I have fallen in love with our new tea blend – Smoky Grey, a mix of soft and subtle Earl Grey and Lapsang Souchong teas – because it is really warming and invigorating, especially in gloomy weather. We mix up Smoky Grey right here at BCT, and we are eager to share the pleasant cheerfulness of this unique blend with everyone.
Earl Grey tea is typically served with lemon, not milk like all other British teas. But some folks also like it with milk, especially steamed milk like a latte. They often add vanilla and lavender flavors and call this scrumptious beverage a London Fog, an appropriate name because it is a lovely sparkly pick-me-up in the chilly North Atlantic mist. Adding the smoky Lapsang Souchong into the mix amplifies the warming powers of this tea, and imbues even more rich silky body into the cup. In this blend, both the bergamot and the pine smoke flavorings are complimentary and rather subtle, delivering a flavor profile that is very soft yet still leaves a fuzzy-tingly sensation on the palate. It brings a smile with every sip.
Try our new Smoky Grey BCT Blend – on sale today!
And keep your eyes open for more interesting new arrivals and BCT-exclusive blends. I am looking forward to exploring the exciting world of premium teas with all of you!
Cheers,
Tyler (BCT “tea trader”)
RECIPE: How to make a London Fog
Perhaps a little smoky flavor in your Earl Grey Latte makes the taste even more reminiscent of London – ha! This charming silky-sparkly beverage will give you a warm cheery moment, a little break in the clouds.
Ingredients:
- 1 Tablespoon Smoky Grey Tea
- 1/2 cup hot water (212°F)
- 1/2 cup milk (or almond milk or other milk substitute)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract and/or lavender extract
- 1-2 tsp honey or sweetener of your choice
Instructions:
- Steep tea in water for 3-5 minutes (depending on strength preference)
- Mix tea with frothed milk (if you do not have a frother or steamer, warming milk on stove top will also work)
- Stir in sweetener and vanilla/lavender
- Enjoy!
