Monday, March 7, 2016

Twinings Tea Tasting with Stephen Twining

When I heard that Stephen Twining--a 10th generation Twining who has worked in the family business for over 30 years--was coming to town to introduce their new line of premium teas, I HAD TO BE THERE!

The pretty Easter-themed tea display. 
Twinings' classic and new tea products appeal to both the British royalty and modern tea drinkers across the globe. You can read about the London-based tea company's 300-year-old history here.

According to Stephen, their new Discovery Collection gives tea drinkers the "best of both worlds"--large tea leaves in silky pyramid-shaped bags.

The new teas that are available in Canada are (left to right): Exotic Mango and Ginger Green Tea; Golden Tipped English Breakfast; Berry Blush Infusion; Budding Meadow Camomile; Medley of Mint; London Strand Earl Grey. Of course, I tried all three of the available tea samples!

Sample #1: Exotic Mango & Ginger Green Tea
This was a very nice light tea with a "full, plump flavour of mango" and a subtle hint of ginger.

Sample #2: Berry Blush Infusion
This fruit infusion was a mix of "jammy berry flavours": blueberry, raspberry, and blackberry. It would also make a great iced tea in warmer weather.

Sample #3: Golden Tipped English Breakfast
This strong black tea from the Assam region in northeast India will definitely get you moving in the morning!

As the Director of Public Relations for Twinings Tea, Stephen still gets "a great buzz" introducing new teas that bring pleasure to people's lives. Even though the Twining family is regarded as royalty in the tea world, Stephen was humble and affable, chatting with attendees and and graciously granting requests for photos and autographs.

In addition to meeting Stephen, I also had the fun opportunity to watch his interview with local cable TV personality, Steve Ruddick. Click on the above video to view the 7-minute interview which covered topics such as: quality control of Twinings tea in over 100 countries; differences in countries' tea preferences; how to brew the perfect cup of tea; when to add milk and/or sugar; loose leaf vs. bagged teas. 

I have a penchant for unique tea flavours so a box of Exotic Mango and Ginger Green Tea signed by Stephen came home with me. I love the new packaging's pretty design and drawer-style box!

I also couldn't resist getting a signed tin of the classic Earl Grey Tea.
 
I'm beyond grateful that I was able to participate in this memorable Twinings Tea experience!

What is your favourite Twinings tea?


I'm joining the following parties this week:

20 comments:

  1. Oh how fun meeting The big guy! The new teas sound so yummy, especially the mango...Christine

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  2. Margie, What a great opportunity. Thanks for sharing and I will keep any eye out new teas. Sylvia D.

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  3. Of course you had to go, Margie! What a tea-riffic experience for you, and I'm so happy that you go to these events. I would've gone too, if I'd had the chance. It's so nice that he autographed your boxes for you. I'm going to go and listen to the interview now...thanks for sharing with us.

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  4. How wonderful! I would have gone in a heartbeat, and so glad you did and shared it with us! Thanks so much for linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea!
    Ruth

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  5. What an experience - and a signed tin of tea. Great information.

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  6. Nice to see the Easter display and teas you tried - I meant to ask you but forgot. I like Lady Grey from Twinings but have their Earl Grey too. Not sure if I like the the triangle bags, they aren't compostable are they?

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  7. I really like Earl Grey from Twinings - I have several of those canisters and enjoy seeing them around the house in their second lives!

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  8. You lucky girl, you! What fun, my friend :) Thank you so much for sharing with us and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed the interview. Oh, how I love a British accent :)

    Hugs to you!

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  9. What a wonderful opportunity for you, Margie! I would love to have joined you. What fun to taste test those new teas. I like the Chai best of all but I do enjoy other teas too such as Earl Grey and Lady Grey.
    I too love a British accent and I could listen to my Uncle Doug talk for hours. So glad you shared your experience with us. Every week, one wonders where you will take us next. :-)

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  10. Dear Margie:
    What an amazing opportunity and the fact that he signed your tea - what a great keepsake and experience. So glad you shared and linked Margie.

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  11. Margie,
    What a treat!! So happy you had this great experience!!
    Thanks so much for stopping by!!

    Hugs,
    Deb

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  12. Such a fun event! I wish I could have joined you. My current favorite Twining is apple and pear green tea.
    Amalia
    xo

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  13. Oh my, what a wonderful experience to meet Stephen Twining! I like collecting their boxes and yours is so special:) I have never tried the Exotic mango and ginger tea before, I have to try it out now! Thanks for sharing such a lovely post with us! Hugs, Poppy

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  14. wow, how much fun!! So happy for you that you got to go. And wonderful to get that tea tin with the autograph. I would have gone for the black, strong tea with milk and sugar. I wish I liked all those exotic flavors, but I prefer the plain old black. I do love those silky bags, but I saw Judith's comment about not being compostable? Not sure, but they are very nice.
    And thank you Margie for all your kind visits to my blog. xo Deborah

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  15. Margie, I came over from your link on Ruth's link party. Couldn't resist a post about Twinings, nor a blog with Tea in the name! How I wish I could have been there.

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  16. Another remedy to preserve our health condition is the Linden Tea it has the ability to help those suffering common cold and flu sicknesses in which the first symptoms in any kind of illnesses prevail.

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  17. Hello Margie,I found your lovely place here through my dear daughter, Stephanie. Her Sunday post today mentioned you as she shared the beautiful teacup you gifted her with, so I had to come for a visit and I'm so pleased that I did! I will be following you from now on too. :-)
    What a delightful experience you had in meeting Mr. Stephen Twinings. I loved listening to him speak, and He makes the flavors of tea all sound delicious. I'm like him, it depends on my mood or the time of day as to what my favorite tea would be. I do enjoy the breakfast blend in the mornings and a fruity flavor in the afternoons our evening. Black currant is my all time favorite! When we are in Canada visiting my husband family I try and stock up on my black currant tea as I cannot get it here in the states.
    Thank you for sharing this post full of great information.
    So nice to meet you, and I look forward to following along with you.

    Have a blessed day~~
    Debbie

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  18. I too found you at the Enchanting rose. I thoroughly enjoyed the interview with Mr. Twinning I don't know a lot about tea yet, but I'm finding new flavors that I like and discovering how different the tastes and value of the teas are. I want to learn more of the teas themselves and how and when to serve them. I hoping to find the Mango and Ginger at our local store. I look forward to becoming friends and learning much from you.
    Blessings
    Tonia

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  19. Excited to taste those new teas. I look forward to following along with you.

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