The Subject: Scottish Breakfast Tea from The English Tea Store.

Water temperature: 212° F
Steeping time: 5 minutes

Tea type: Black blend
Scents, flavorings, etc.: Nothing added
Aroma, dry: Earthy, planty, good basic black tea smell
Aroma in the cup, plain: Full-bodied, expected yet distinct from other Breakfast Blends
Taste, plain: Full-bodied, flavorful, slightly bitter, slight astringency, very drinkable for those who like their tea straight
Aroma in the cup, enhanced: Smooth, earthy tea aroma still evident
Taste, enhanced: Smooth, still full-bodied, fills the mouth, mild aftertaste
2nd Infusion: Lighter color, weaker taste, still drinkable

Comments:
The Little Yellow Teapot got his Scottish mojo going with this tea. For my part, I borrowed hubby’s clan-plaid tie to add a touch of Scotland to our tea tasting experience. It was hardly necessary. One sip transported us to the highlands with the smell of heather after a gentle rain. It also reminded me of a hearty breakfast I had at an inn along with a cup of tea just like this.

We steeped the tea loose since it consists of large leaf pieces, not the fine particles in teas like Typhoo, Irish Breakfast, and PG Tips. The aroma in the teapot was heavenly, full of that smell and taste that many of us have come to think of as “tea.” Smoothed with milk and with a bit of sweetener, the tea was still full-bodied with a mouth-filling taste that leaves behind an aftertaste reminiscent of the flavor but very mild and slight. Truly deserving of a 5-teapot rating.

A cup of Scottish Breakfast is truly a tasty part of your breakfast, whether its “Highlands hearty,” like shown here, or a bit lighter (my usual is yogurt, OJ, and a hot “cuppa” breakfast blend tea).

Disclaimer: This tea was provided by the company named. However, the rating of the tea and any opinions concerning it are always strictly objective.

You can find more first-class tea reviews on A.C.’s blog, The Yellow Teapot Tea Reviews!