Tea Blog

For some people, Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer. Others prefer to wait for the official arrival of autumn later in September. Either way, the changing season is the perfect excuse to celebrate with a fresh pot of tea and flavors that capture the spirit of fall.

As the days grow cooler and the leaves begin to change, many tea drinkers naturally gravitate toward richer, heartier, and more comforting blends.

Autumnal Darjeeling Teas

Most teas are produced from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and harvested multiple times throughout the growing season. Each harvest, or “flush,” produces its own distinctive flavor profile.

Many tea enthusiasts eagerly await first and second flush Darjeelings, harvested in spring and early summer. Personally, however, I have always been partial to autumnal Darjeelings.

Harvested during September and October, these later-season teas often develop deeper, fuller flavors. Their strength allows them to stand up beautifully to a touch of milk and sweetener while still retaining the fruity and malty characteristics that make Darjeeling tea so enjoyable.

Apple and Cinnamon Teas

Few flavors say “fall” quite like apple and cinnamon.

Fresh apples arrive in abundance during autumn, making apple-flavored tea a natural seasonal favorite. Add a hint of cinnamon, and the result is a cup that evokes orchards, baked treats, and crisp autumn afternoons.

A standout example is Apple Spice Flavored Black Tea, a blend featuring high-grown Ceylon tea accented by apple pieces, cinnamon, blackberry leaves, safflower petals, and natural flavors.

Pumpkin Spice Teas

No discussion of fall beverages would be complete without mentioning pumpkin spice.

As pumpkins are harvested and seasonal recipes begin appearing everywhere, pumpkin-inspired teas become a welcome way to enjoy those familiar autumn flavors without turning on the oven.

One excellent choice is Pumpkin Spice Flavored Black Tea, which combines black tea and South African rooibos with notes of apple, almond, orange, vanilla, rosehips, cinnamon, and botanicals. It is especially comforting when served hot with milk and a touch of sweetener.

Robust Black Teas for Cooler Weather

Fall is also a wonderful time to revisit strong, full-bodied black teas that pair beautifully with milk, sugar, baked goods, and cool mornings.

• Yorkshire Red Label Tea —
  A robust blend of teas from India, Africa, and Sri Lanka known for its rich color and satisfying flavor.
• Irish Breakfast Tea —
  A full-bodied blend featuring Kenyan and Assam teas with exceptional depth and character.
• Organic Assam TGFOP Tea —
  Rich, malty, and flavorful, with a profile that becomes even more expressive when milk is added.
• Taylors of Harrogate Scottish Breakfast Tea —
  A hearty Assam-based blend with classic malty notes and a strong finish.
• PG Tips – The Strong One —
  A bold blend of Kenyan and African teas producing a rich, ruby-colored cup that stands up well to milk.
• Sylvakandy Estate Orange Pekoe Tea —
  A balanced tea featuring malty notes softened by delicate floral undertones.
• Kambaa Estate Tea —
  A richly malty tea with subtle currant-like notes that make it particularly enjoyable on cool mornings.

Welcome Fall with a Teacup Toast

Whether your preference is an autumnal Darjeeling, a fragrant apple-and-cinnamon blend, a comforting pumpkin spice tea, or a hearty breakfast tea, the arrival of fall offers plenty of reasons to put on the kettle.

Choose your favorite, settle into a comfortable chair, and raise a teacup to the new season.

Enjoy!

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