I cannot tell a lie: I've already started buying holiday teas!
These holiday teas will be featured in upcoming posts.
Since I didn't stick to my tea buying freeze in October, it's a good thing that I sipped down a lot of teas that month!
Oldest (2018): Spiced Chai Tea by Crabtree & Evelyn
Newest (Oct 2020): Pumpkin Spice Rooibos by Clearview Tea Co.
There are some teas in my collection that I'll never open...
I will never drink these Twinings Teas because they were signed by Stephen Twining! He was in town in 2016 to promote the launch of the Twinings Large Tea Leaf Discovery Collection!
Stephen Twining is a 10th generation Twining who has worked in the family business for over 30 years!
A few years ago, my aunt gave me the Ahmad Tea Britannic Collection which commemorated the birth of Prince George in 2013. The "Best Before" date is 2015 so the teas are wayyyyyy past their prime. The British-themed tins are super cute though!
The quintessential autumn tea time: Enjoying T by Daniel's Jack-o-Lantern black tea (in my October teacup) with a Lindor pumpkin spice truffle.
Earl Grey is one of my favourite blends so I drink it year round. I was gifted this Twinings London Strand Earl Grey--the pretty box has major fall vibes.
I have a habit (that I'm trying to break) of saving things for "special occasions". I finally decided to use this cute tea towel. Life is short! Use your pretty linens!
If I were a baker, I would have bought these cookie cutters for cookies that hang on cups and mugs (spotted at Dollarama).
As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Mississauga Fire's #PinkTruckTour travelled around the city all month. I was more than happy to purchase a T-shirt to support Trillium Health's cancer program.
Tea-themed Christmas ornament alert! This Hallmark limited edition,"Season's Treatings, 10th Anniversary", can be hard to find. So I'm glad that I brought this adorable ornament home with me instead of waiting for the post-Christmas sales (I'm still stalking the tiny teapot and the Nutcracker tea time ornaments).
I also cold-brewed overnight Davids Tea's Melon Drop Tea. This herbal infusion of apple, honeydew melon, papaya, watermelon, kiwi is one of my favourite summer teas and makes a refreshing light iced tea.
I forgot to photograph the sandwiches and desserts (blogging fail!).
My tea wagon was inspired by Alice Through the Looking Glass.
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.
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!
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