Sutherland's Foodservice

Salted Caramel Brownie:

Sutherland's salted caramel brownie is a dessert with balanced flavors. The brownie itself is very light and has a cream cheese flavor that is intermixed with the chocolate. The bottom of the brownie balances the sweet cake by presenting a salted pretzel crust. The crust crumbles similar to a graham cracker crust. To top the decadent treat, caramel is drizzled on top. I would pair this treat with any black tea. Drinking a black tea will cut some of the sweetness from the dessert and clean the palate for the next tasting. 

Aoi Tea

Matcha Supreme:

Matcha Supreme is a Japanese matcha green tea made by Aoi Tea. The dry tea powder has a herbal and grassy aroma. The powder is a bright green color. The liquor has a dark evergreen color. The body of the tea is thick in consistency and slightly bitter. The flavor of the liquor is buttery and slightly grassy. This buttery flavor lingers on the tongue for quite some time after the tea tasting. 

Four Seasons Hotel

Park 75

Today I had afternoon tea at the Four Seasons Hotel. The menu is composed of a savory selection that includes egg salad and truffle mayonnaise, cucumber and watercress, coronation chicken salad, and creamy crab in profiterole. The sweet selection includes a tea cake, fruit tart, jam filled tea cookies, meringue cookie, coconut and almond macaroon, and chocolate dipped strawberries. For my tea selection I had vanilla oolong. The color of the tea was a golden brown. It had a sweet floral aroma with a hint of vanilla.This liqueur has a smooth texture that floats on the tongue. The vanilla flavoring mellows out the earthy tones from the oolong base. The honey used for the tea comes from one of the five bee hives kept on the roof top level of the hotel.      

The Ritz-Carlton

The Ritz-Carlton

Today I had afternoon tea at The Ritz-Carlton. For my level of tea service I had the Buckhead Classic Afternoon Tea. This tea service featured luxurious teas, tea sandwiches, and tea pastries. For the savory selection there were assorted sandwiches. The pastry selection was composed of tea cakes, tarts, assorted miniature tea cookies, housemade candies, and warm scones with devonshire cream and strawberry preserves. For my tea I had a wild blackberry tea. The wild blackberry tea was a scented black tea. This tea has a dark orange almost reddish color. The aroma of the tea is of mixed berries. The flavor is a light black tea with an array of mild fruit flavors. I had a wonderful time at my afternoon tea session at The Ritz-Carlton and I encourage everyone to try them for your next tea tasting venture.  

The St. Regis

The St. Regis

I recently had the pleasure of visiting The St. Regis for afternoon tea. The afternoon tea session began with a sweet and savory selection. The savory selection included a handcrafted tea sandwich assortment. The sweet selection was composed of a seasonal pastry assortment. In addition to the sweet and savory selection there were freshly baked strawberry vanilla and pistachio orange flavored scones. The tea served was a black tea called the Mad Hatter's Tea Party. This tea had a amber color and fruity aroma. The aroma was drawn from the passion fruit and pomegranate infused into the tea. The tea also had a vanilla flavor. The flavor of the tea was light and smooth. The fruit flavor was not overpowering and the tasting ended in a clean and crisp finish.  

Empress' Secret

Empress' Secret is an herbal beverage made to boost the immune system. The key ingredients in this beverage are goji berries, ginseng, lotus seeds, dragon eye fruit, and jujube dates. The drink has a dark orange color and a fruity aroma. It has a fruity flavor with a spicy finish from the ginseng. From a personal experience, I drank Empress' Secret before going to bed. I had a good night's rest and felt energetic in the morning. The link to the product page is below.  

www.theempresssecret.com

American Tea Masters Association

I recently became certified as a Tea Professional by the American Tea Masters Association. To receive this certification one must read the book, Tea Mastery: Pursuing Your Odyssey Into Tea, and sample 38 different teas. After reading the book and sampling the teas, the student must take a two part exam to become certified. The link to the association's website is below. 

http://teamasters.org/tea-mastery-book/



   

Igara Tea

Igara Tea

The World Integra Tea Union of Igara Tea and Call To Care Uganda have a mission to bring tea from the Igara Growers Tea Factory in Uganda to the United States and to provide humanitarian work in the communities of the tea farmers. The mission helps the people of Uganda improve their overall quality of life. Igara black tea is a tea with a very strong earth aroma. The aroma can be closely related to fresh soil. The color of the infusion is black. The flavor is high in strength and very viscous. 

If you are interested in reading more information on the efforts of the Call To Care and World Integra Tea's Union in Uganda, please visit the link below.

www.worldintegratea.com

Gingerbread Tea

Adagio Teas - Gingerbread Tea

Gingerbread Tea is a flavored black tea made by Adagio Teas. This tea has the aroma of fresh baked gingerbread cookies. Gingerbread Tea has a black tea base that is infused with ginger, cinnamon, and orange pieces. The flavor of this tea is black tea with an orange flavor. 

Cranberry Tea

Adagio Teas - Cranberry Tea

Cranberry Tea is a flavored black tea made by Adagio Teas. This tea has a dark red color. The aroma of this tea is fruity. Cranberry Tea has a black tea base that is infused with cranberries and raspberry leaves. Cranberry Tea has a strong black tea flavor with a hint of fruity flavors. 

Chestnut Tea

Adagio Teas - Chestnut Tea

Chestnut Tea is a flavored black tea made by Adagio Teas. The infusion has a dark brown color. The aroma is nutty and sweet. This tea has a black tea base and is infused with chestnut flavor. Chestnut Tea has a nutty and earthy flavor. 

Echinacea & Goldenseal

Alvita - Echinacea & Goldenseal

Echinacea and Goldenseal is an herbal infusion made by Alvita. This infusion has a dark brown color and a thick consistency. Echinacea and Goldenseal has a floral aroma. The flavor of the infusion is bitter and a bit strong.  

Ginger Root

Alvita - Ginger Root 

Ginger Root is an herbal infusion made by Alvita. The infusion has a brown color and a strong aroma. This infusion also has a thick consistency. Ginger Root is light in flavor and paired with hints of spiciness. 

Turmeric Root

Alvita - Turmeric Root

Turmeric Root is an herbal infusion made by Alvita. This infusion has a bright golden brown color. The aroma of the infusion is earthy and smoky. Turmeric Root is a beverage with a higher viscosity than most herbal infusions. The flavor is earthy with a light lemon flavor. Turmeric Root has a long history of use in China and India to alleviate temporary discomfort. 

Alvita is a company that makes single herb infusions with the purpose of providing people with the health benefits attached to each herb.  

Instant Cardamom Chai

Nature's Guru - Instant Cardamom Chai

Instant Cardamom Chai is a powdered beverage drink made by Nature's Guru. The beverage has a very smooth black tea base. This is a savory tea that will leave your mouth watering and filled with spices. This tea has a creamy texture and presents a variety of subtle flavors throughout the tasting experience. 

World Tea Expo

World Tea Expo

The World Tea Expo is an event hosted in Las Vegas, Nevada that focuses on tea and tea related products. The expo held a variety of tea companies that allowed the attendants to sample their teas and speak with their representatives and executives about their company. I had the pleasure of attending the event and participating as a volunteer for two educational presentations at the expo. The events were as follows: how to put together a comparative tea and wine tasting and how to put together a comparative tea and beer tasting. Both events were taught by sommeliers from The Cultured Cup and The Four Seasons Hotel.    

Golden Pu-erh

Golden Pu-erh

Golden Pu-erh is a Pu-erh tea that has been aged for five years. This process produces a very mellow tea with a smooth texture. The leaves of this tea are long with a brown and green color. The aroma is earthy and fragrant. Golden Pu-erh is a full-bodied tea with a wild flavor that may not appeal to all tea drinkers. 

Green Rooibos

Green Rooibos Red Tea

Green Rooibos Red Tea is an herbal infusion made from the Rooibos plant. This is a multicolored soft textured plant that has an aroma of sweet oats. The infusion also has a sweet flavor and a peach colored liqueur. Green Rooibos is processed by immediately heating the Rooibos plant once it is picked to stop the oxidation process. Green Rooibos has a higher concentration of nutrients than natural Rooibos.    

Almond Plum Perfection

Teavana - Almond Plum Perfection

Almond Plum Perfection is an herbal infusion made by Teavana. This infusion has a dark red almost wine color. It also has a variety of fruit flavors. As the fruit flavors settle, the beverage presents a nutty flavor that lingers after the tasting. 

Chocolate Banana Foster

Teavana - Chocolate Banana Foster

Chocolate Banana Foster is an herbal infusion made by Teavana. This infusion has a golden brown color. The brew starts with a banana flavor paired with the flavor of tropical fruits. Once this initial flavor settles, the beverage has a strong dark chocolate flavor. This beverage has a lot of natural sweetness. 

Fig Rose

Teavana - Fig Rose

Fig Rose is an herbal infusion made by Teavana. This is an infusion with a bright red color. The flavor of the infusion slowly develops in the mouth and leaves the taster with a fruity aftertaste. Fig Rose is an infusion with bold flavors. 

Shin-Cha

Mighty Leaf Tea - Shin-Cha 

Shin-Cha is a green tea made by Mighty Leaf Tea. This is a full-bodied tea that is full of flavor. Shin-Cha is an earthy tea with a sweet aftertaste. 

Yunnan

Mighty Leaf Tea - Yunnan

Yunnan is a black tea made by Mighty Leaf Tea. The leaves of this tea have a light earthy aroma. The liquor presents a smooth rich beverage.This is a strong tea that must be sipped slowly in order to appreciate the flavors that it has to offer.

Marrakesh Mint Green Tea

Mighty Leaf Tea - Marrakesh Mint Green Tea

Marrakesh Mint Green Tea is a green tea made by the Mighty Leaf Tea company. This tea has an aroma of mint and honey. The tea has a light mint flavor with a refreshing aftertaste.

Dr. Bombay's Underwater Tea Party

I recently had high tea at Dr. Bombay's Underwater Tea Party. This high tea experience began with a pot of your choice of tea. The choices of tea on the menu were as follows: green, rooibos, black, herbal, or ceylon. I chose to have a pot of Strawberry Vanilla Rooibos. A person is able to choose from condiments such as honey, sugar, steamed milk, or lemon to go with their tea. After a few minutes have passed a waitress will serve you a tray of different types of snacks. The selection included scones, quiche, small sandwiches, and sweets. My experience at Dr. Bombay's was filed with delicious tea and an assortment of flavorful snacks. I would definitely recommend Dr. Bombay's Underwater Tea Party for your next tea tasting experience. 

Route du Temps

Mariage Frères - Route du Temps

Route du Temps is a Thai green tea made by Mariage Frères. The tea leaves have an aroma of ginger and green tea. The liquor has a strong ginger flavor that is paired with the scent of jasmine. This is a full-bodied tea with robust flavor. 

Gone With The Peach

Capital Teas - Gone With The Peach

Gone With The Peach is a green and black tea blend made by Capital Teas. The tea leaves have an aroma of fresh peaches. The infusion has an earthy flavor with a light scent of cinnamon and nutmeg. 

Light Tea

Light Tea

Light Tea is an herbal infusion. The leaves of this infusion have an aroma of oranges. The flavor of the beverage is light and similar to a white tea. This is a very calming beverage. 

Willowy Tea

Willowy Tea

Willowy Tea is an herbal infusion. The tea leaves have a woody pine aroma. The tea has an earthy and refreshing flavor that lingers in the mouth. 

eZen Tea

Recently I had the pleasure of attending a tea tasting at eZen Tea in Atlanta, G.A. I attended a tea tasting focused on oolong teas. The tasting began with a mini pot of tea of your choice from their vast menu. While I sipped my tea, I was given an introduction by the owner of the many types of oolong teas she carried at the tea shop. I was then able to select five oolong teas to taste. As an intermission, I was given a plate of chocolate cake and black cherry sorbet. The tea tasting I did at eZen Tea was a great experience and I would recommend it to anyone.   

If you want to try a tea tasting or experience a traditional high tea ceremony, call eZen Tea and schedule a tea tasting for yourself.  

Jet Lag Awake Strawberry

Capital Teas - Jet Lag Awake Strawberry

Jet Lag Awake Strawberry is a sencha green tea and yerba mate blend made by Capital Teas. This tea has an aroma of strawberries and various fruits. The liquor itself presents a blend of green tea and fruit flavors.

Lemon Basil Oolong

The Cultured Cup - Lemon Basil Oolong

Lemon Basil Oolong is a Taiwanese oolong tea made by The Cultured Cup. I would recommend brewing this tea as accurately as possible so as to not miss the subtle flavors in this brew. This tea has an aroma of basil. This beverage presents a light infusion with hints of crisp lemon flavor.

If you are searching for a light refreshing tea that can be enjoyed at any time of the day, try a cup of Lemon Basil Oolong. 

Raja Chai Mate

Capital Teas - Raja Chai Mate

Raja Chai Mate is an herbal infusion made by Capital Teas. The leaves of this infusion have an aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The infusion presents a sweet beverage with fruit flavors. 

Royal Wedding

Capital Teas - Royal Wedding

Royal Wedding is an Earl Grey Black and Earl Grey White tea blend made by Capital Teas. The tea leaves are filled with the aroma of bergamot and roses. This tea is thick in consistency and has the flavors of black tea and bergamot that have been toned down by the addition of white tea. 

Mexican Mango Chili Mate

Capital Teas - Mexican Mango Chili Mate

Mexican Mango Chili Mate is a blend of Yerba Mate, Green Tea, and South African Rooibus. The leaves have an aroma of orange and mango. The infusion is a dark-brown almost black color. Mexican Mango Chili Mate is a tea with tropical flavors that end with a spicy aftertaste. 

Peppermint Bark

Capital Teas - Peppermint Bark

Peppermint Bark is a black tea infusion made by Capital Teas. This tea has an aroma of peppermint and cacao. This tea presents a peppermint flavor with a crisp lingering aftertaste.   

Caramel Toffee Apple

Capital Teas - Caramel Toffee Apple
 

Caramel Toffee Apple is a pu-erh and black tea blend by Capital Teas. The dry leaves of this blend present an aroma of caramel, cinnamon, and apples. The infusion is a dark brown color that has a sour apple flavor which draws sweetness from the caramel in this blend.

Capital Teas

Capital Teas is offering Teatrition readers a discount on their Artisanal Blends (http://bit.ly/Qx4gU3). When checking out, simply use the coupon code TEATRITION13 and you will receive 10% off all Artisanal Blends. This special will run until May 13. 

Below are some favorite Artisanal Blends:
Gone with the Peach: http://bit.ly/UoBhp4
Talk of the Town: http://bit.ly/TRVIGX
Mexican Mango Chili Mate: http://bit.ly/r0Gozs
Fountain of Youth White Acai: http://bit.ly/Ab8sfu
Royal Wedding Tea: http://bit.ly/I0Dw6v


I want to thank everyone reading the blog posts from my blog, Teatrition. Stay tuned for future tea related posts.   

Talk of the Town

Capital Teas - Talk of the Town

Talk of the Town is a Sri Lankan black tea and South African rooibos tea blend. The dry leaves of this blend have an aroma of cardamom and cinnamon. The brewed tea presents an infusion with various spices and a lingering flavor of orange and vanilla. 

South American Tea Culture

When the Portuguese and Spanish settlers traveled to South America, they adopted the customs of the natives and drank Yerba Mate. Mate is not a true tea but rather an herbal infusion. This hot beverage is steeped in a fashion similar to steeping tea. The health benefits of this herbal infusion are enhanced physical endurance and improved focus. Yerba Mate is a beverage commonly consumed at breakfast time or in the afternoon. Not only is this beverage the national drink of Argentina, but it is also consumed as a common social practice in Brazil, Bolivia, and Chile.      

If you are not an avid tea drinker and tend to prefer herbal infusions, try a cup of Yerba Mate. 

Formosa Gunpowder

Formosa Gunpowder

Formosa Gunpowder is a Taiwanese green tea. The color of the leaves are dark green and the leaves have a smooth texture. This tea gets its name from the leaves which resemble round gunpowder-like pellets. The first and second infusion present a rich, smooth, and earthy tea. The liquor is thick and almost feels as if it glides over the tongue during tasting. The leaves have a strong aroma that is similar to fresh soil. This tea is potent and can be infused many times.

For a thick green tea that continues to retain it's flavor throughout multiple infusions, try Formosa Gunpowder.

Peony White Needle

Peony White Needle

Peony White Needle is a white tea with soft velvety leaves. The leaves are a light green color and give off an aroma of pine. The first infusion presents an earthy liquor with an astringent lemon flavor. The second infusion presents a liquor with a lemon drop flavor and the aroma of fresh lemons. Peony White Needle is a refreshing tea that keeps its flavor throughout multiple infusions.         

Yuzu Temple

Mariage Frères - Yuzu Temple

Yuzu Temple is a Chinese green tea made by Mariage Frères. The aroma of the tea is filled with tropical fruit and various spices. Yuzu Temple presents an olive green liqueur that is full of fruit and spices. The initial sip fills the mouth with fruit flavors then develops into light spices that linger on the tongue.     

Kenyan Tea Culture

Teatrition Facts:
In Kenya tea is the beverage of choice at any time of the day. Tea is even incorporated in the school schedule. Kenyan tea culture is mainly borrowed from British and Indian tea practices. The tradition of having a tea time during the day is a British practice while the style of tea consumed is an Indian practice. Kenyans drink a version of chai tea that lacks the amount of spices commonly found in Indian chai. 

If you are in the mood for a creamy chai tea without all of the spices, try a recipe for a Kenyan style chai tea.

Thé à L'opéra

 Mariage Frères - Thé à L'opéra 

Thé à l'opéra is a Chinese green tea made by Mariage Frères. This tea has an aroma of strawberry and vanilla. The flavor of the liqueur is surprisingly strong. Thé à l'opéra presents a burst of tropical flavors paired with a subtle green tea flavor.    

Russian Tea Culture

Teatrition Facts:
The Russians began purchasing tea from the Chinese in the 17th century. Because the trip took nearly a year to complete, the tea was very expensive. The completion of the Siberian Railroad in the 1800's made the trip shorter and tea more widely available. The Russians used a samovar, an urn that holds hot water, to make tea at any time of the day. The water from the samovar was used to dilute a concentrated form of tea called tscheinik. This smoked tea flavor is unique to Russian tea culture. Tea in Russia is sometimes consumed with a sugar cube in the mouth or with jam.  

For a tea with a strong smoked flavor, try the Russian style of brewing tea instead of your usual steeping method. 

Montagne de Jade

Mariage Frères - Montagne de Jade

Montagne de Jade is a Chinese green tea made by Mariage Frères. The leaves of this tea have an aroma of apple and papaya. The tropical flavors presented in this tea blend with the green tea leaves to produce a crisp and refreshing beverage.

Darjeeling Selim Hill

The Cultured Cup - Darjeeling Selim Hill 

Darjeeling Selim Hill is an Indian Darjeeling tea made by The Cultured Cup. This tea is a full-bodied beverage with an earthy aroma and flavor. The color of the infusion is amber and the liquor has a thick texture. 

Indian Tea Culture

Teatrition Facts:
India is one of the largest tea producing countries in the world. Because tea in India has gained popularity in recent history, the tea culture in India lacks the elaborate rituals one would find in China and Japan. Tea in India is consumed as a morning and evening beverage. The preferred style of black tea sold by tea vendors is called Cha-ya. Cha-ya is a black tea with various spices, milk, and sugar. In the West we call this beverage Chai Tea. 

If you want to try a quality tea from India, order a tea from one of their famous black tea growing regions: Darjeeling, Assam, or Nilgiri. 

Casablanca

Mariage Frères - Casablanca

Casablanca is a Chinese green tea made by Mariage Frères. The leaves of this tea have a strong mint aroma. The liquor has a golden brown color and has the aroma of clover honey. The mint and bergamot flavors blend with the green tea to create a sweet flavored beverage.

Russian Breakfast

Mariage Frères - Russian Breakfast

Russian Breakfast is a Sri Lankan and Chinese black tea blend. The aroma of the dry tea leaves are very powerful. The aroma of the infusion is light and filled with bergamot. I believed that this tea would be strong but was pleasantly surprised to find a light infusion that is full-bodied and flavorful.  

French Tea Culture

Teatrition Facts:
Although the French are well known for their coffee, tea is still a popular beverage in France. Tea is sometimes used as a beverage consumed after meals to focus on digestion and settle the stomach. Black teas like Earl Grey are consumed in France with breakfast or with some pastries. Some of these black teas may even be served as a fruit blend. Herbal beverages made from verbena and tilleul are also popular because they aid in digestion but are caffeine free. 

If you are in the mood for a tea with layers of flavor, try a French tea from a company like Mariage Frères. 

Wedding Imperial

 Mariage Fréres - Wedding Imperial

Wedding Imperial is a Chinese black tea blend made by Mariage Fréres. The dry leaves have an aroma of caramel and vanilla extract. The black tea flavor is light and somewhat masked by the sweet flavors in this blend. After the liqueur is sipped, the mouth is filled with a sweet and minty aftertaste. 

Gongfu Tea Brewing

Teatrition Facts:
The Gongfu tea brewing style is a Chinese style of brewing tea that became popular during the Ming Dynasty. This method of brewing tea calls for more tea leaves to be used and for a shorter infusion period. The method of brewing allows for many infusions. Gongfu tea brewing became popular among tea connoisseurs as a way to magnify the flavor of the infusion. This tea brewing method works the best on oolong teas. Using this method on oolong teas allows for each infusion to present its own unique flavor.

If you are looking for a way to intensify the flavor of your tea, give the Gongfu tea brewing style a try.        

French Breakfast

Mariage Fréres - French Breakfast

French Breakfast is a Chinese and Indian black tea blend made by Mariage Fréres. As opposed to earl grey tea this is a black tea with subtle flavors. The aroma of the leaves are sweet and earthy. The addition of cream and sugar to the liqueur give it a different dimension of flavor that dampens the strength of the black tea.

Capital Teas

Capital Teas is offering Teatrition readers a discount on their Artisanal Blends (http://bit.ly/Qx4gU3). When checking out, simply use the coupon code TEATRITION13 and you will receive 10% off all Artisanal Blends. This special will run until May 13. 

Below are some favorite Artisanal Blends:
Gone with the Peach: http://bit.ly/UoBhp4
Talk of the Town: http://bit.ly/TRVIGX
Mexican Mango Chili Mate: http://bit.ly/r0Gozs
Fountain of Youth White Acai: http://bit.ly/Ab8sfu
Royal Wedding Tea: http://bit.ly/I0Dw6v


I want to thank everyone reading the blog posts from my blog, Teatrition. Stay tuned for future tea related posts.   

The Cultured Cup

Recently I had the pleasure of attending a tea tasting at The Cultured Cup in Dallas, TX. The structure of the tea tasting was to give the guest a tea experience filled with tea history, processing techniques, and tea samples. For a free tasting, contact The Cultured Cup through the link shown below. 

http://www.theculturedcup.com/#!visit-us/c1cyn

Tai Ping Hou Kui

Teavana - Tai Ping Hou Kui 

Tai Ping Hou Kui is a green tea made by Teavana. The tea leaves are long and flat. The infusion yields a spicy flavored tea with a mild aftertaste. 

Liu An Gua Pian

Teavana - Liu An Gua Pian

Liu An Gua Pian is a green tea made by Teavana. This tea has a very mild aroma. The flavor of the tea is slightly grassy but mellows out after tasting.    

Dragonwell

Teavana - Dragonwell

This is a dragonwell green tea made by Teavana. The tea leaves have an earthy aroma. The color of the liquor is an olive green. This green tea has a mild flavor with a clean finish.  

Silver Yin Zhen Pearls

Teavana - Silver Yin Zhen Pearls 

Silver Yin Zhen Pearls is a silver needle white tea made by Teavana. This is a subtle tea with light flavors. The tea leaves are hand rolled into pearl shaped tea leaves. 

Nan Nuo Shan Pu-erh

Teavana - Nan Nuo Shan Pu-erh

Nan Nuo Shan Pu-erh is an aged pu-erh tea made by Teavana. This tea has the aroma of a black tea. The flavor is mild but ends with a clean finish.  

Phoenix Mountain Dan Cong Oolong

Teavana - Phoenix Mountain Dan Cong Oolong 

Phoenix Mountain Dan Cong Oolong is an oolong tea made by Tevana. The leaves of this tea are a flat dark green leaf. This is a full-bodied tea with a fruity flavor. Phoenix Mountain Dan Cong Oolong initially has a burst of flavor that quickly softens after tasting. 

Huang Shan Mao Feng

Teavana - Huang Shan Mao Feng

Huang Shan Mao Feng is a green tea made by Teavana. This green tea is mild yet full of flavor. The tea has a subtle aroma. Huang Shan Mao Feng pleases the palette without yielding a grassy aftertaste.