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This is for the tea sachets, not loose leaf. I spent the weekend in Rochester NY, and my son had mentioned that he was in Wegmans Pittsford store, and there was a huge tea selection. Anyone who knows Wegmans knows they rock. I was already familiar with the brands they were likely to carry, so jotted down a few things to look for before going. Since Pittsford is their “Super” (mega super duper flagship) Wegmans (they are based in Rochester), this was written on my list, since SimplyJen found it at a store here in Ohio. And they had it !!!! (did I mention Wegmans rocks?). I wasn’t expecting the Harney ones (maybe 8 choices) but none I recognized as ones I wanted to try. I managed to leave the store with only 2 teas (very proud) lol. I did put 3 back, after remembering my cupboards back home. For the record, I’ve never seen Steven Smith or Harney at any of the other Wegmans (from smaller to bigger ones). That one also had a “Tea Bar” serving tea by the cup, with what looked like 20-30 selections. Was there after driving all day from Ohio (not in mood to explore further).

Anyway! This tea! Testing with honey (no coffeemate, which is usual for Earls). Fearing bitter, I only steeped 4 minutes, instead of their instructions for 5. There is no bitterness, and the tea manages to be strong and obvious. I’m not picking up strong bergamot flavoring with only sweetener, and I would prefer it stronger. Halfway through cup, going to add some coffeemate sweet cream …

Since I’m used to drinking my morning Earl Grey with honey and creamer, this is a fairer comparison I think. Now I can taste the bergamot “playing” with the cream and giving it more emphasis. I like, but don’t love. But it might be steeped too long for my tastes (the Assam is booming the most). Will re-try at 3.

Wegmans price for 15 sachets (boxed) was $9.99 … does anyone know how the loose leaf compares?

Preparation
Boiling 4 min, 0 sec
Dylan Oxford

His website (www.smithtea.com) has 2 oz for $5 or 4 oz for $9. Though strangetly enough, the box of 15 is actually $12… so you got it cheaper at retail. Mind is blown.

Cheryl

I bought a bunch of teas from Republic of Tea, only to find them for less at Wegmans too ($2-3 less average). Thanks for looking up price comparison. It will remain on wishlist until my buying moratorium (oops) ends though. But ummm, online moratorium (hey, I did put 3 back, hehe). But loose leaf might/must be better?

Dylan Oxford

Not sure. This guy is kind of the teabag king. I did a little reading up on him. He founded Stash tea, sold it to Japan. Then he founded Tazo tea, and sold it to Starbucks. Now he’s doing this. It looks like he’s been in the bag game a lot longer than the loose leaf one ;)

Cheryl

Ah ha! I remember reading that story long ago (while browsing online retailers) but didn’t make the connection that it was him. Hmmm, interesting. I have liked Stash in general, but not Tazo (w. one exception). I will explore his choices more when my (ummm) buying moratorium ends : )

TeaBrat

ha – interesting background, thanks Dylan

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Comments

Dylan Oxford

His website (www.smithtea.com) has 2 oz for $5 or 4 oz for $9. Though strangetly enough, the box of 15 is actually $12… so you got it cheaper at retail. Mind is blown.

Cheryl

I bought a bunch of teas from Republic of Tea, only to find them for less at Wegmans too ($2-3 less average). Thanks for looking up price comparison. It will remain on wishlist until my buying moratorium (oops) ends though. But ummm, online moratorium (hey, I did put 3 back, hehe). But loose leaf might/must be better?

Dylan Oxford

Not sure. This guy is kind of the teabag king. I did a little reading up on him. He founded Stash tea, sold it to Japan. Then he founded Tazo tea, and sold it to Starbucks. Now he’s doing this. It looks like he’s been in the bag game a lot longer than the loose leaf one ;)

Cheryl

Ah ha! I remember reading that story long ago (while browsing online retailers) but didn’t make the connection that it was him. Hmmm, interesting. I have liked Stash in general, but not Tazo (w. one exception). I will explore his choices more when my (ummm) buying moratorium ends : )

TeaBrat

ha – interesting background, thanks Dylan

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Bio

Originally started testing teas, to replace a lifelong Coke (Coca-Cola) habit. Now I’m just amazed at all the choices. Still in beginner stage of tea education. Until I get really good at iced/cold tea, the Coke habit remains, but is down to a minimum.

My cupboard here on Steepster was ridiculous, containing each and every sample size that I have been accumulating. It now only contains non-sample size teas. Loose leaf outweighs the bagged teas, but it doesn’t look that way by the list (over 100 samples).

I started my tea journey testing flavored teas. My favorites are chai and mint flavored teas, along with Earl Grey. Also like chocolate, caramel, coconut, almond, vanilla, cinnamon, clove and some others. Most flavors are better with a nice black tea base. The mint ones seem best paired with greens. I’m branching out now to unflavored teas and it is way more overwhelming then the flavored category. Phew.

My (grown) son has decided that he wants to try to find tea that he likes too, so I’ll be passing along the ones I don’t care for to him (with instructions to then pass them on to his sister…evil plot? yes!). So I’ve removed my shopping list from Steepster and moved it to a spreadsheet (swaps are out for now). My shopping list had grown to 197! By going through each one, I was able to split that in half (since many were added in beginning, before I knew what I like/don’t like).

While not swapping, if there’s something in my cupboard that you’d like a sample of, please feel free to ask : )

Ratings (for now):
90s: Must have in personal rotation. Crave it.
80s: Makes me a happy tea drinker. Very good. Unsure of long term relationship.
70s: Like this. Will drink what I have (sample/tin/box), but unsure of whether I’d buy again.
60s: Probably a good tea for what it is. Just not to my personal liking.
50s and below: Do not like…at all. Either poor quality, yuck flavor or … (see tealog).

Old (and still current) obsessions: books, music and fragrances. Hopefully my tea collection stays much more “normal” then those. (too late)

Location

Central Ohio

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