Nine months gone and the tenth month of the year is beginning, a time for enjoying those cooler temperatures and the landscape change from leafy to bare branches against skies where birds flock to warmer climes. Normally, I list some teas for you to enjoy during a particular month, but this month is special and so are the teas – ones that certainly can scare your tastebuds, or at least give them a bit of a wake-up call:

1 Conjuring: Pumpkin Spice Flavored Black Tea

The very name makes me think of the horror film Pumpkinhead where a demon was conjured up to exact revenge. The name of this tea also conjures up (pun intended) images of some fairly scary pumpkin carvings. The tea itself, though, is neither demonic nor wickedly grinning at you from the cup. It’s a blend of black teas and South African Rooibos, using natural pumpkin flavoring and spicy notes of cinnamon. It also includes pieces of apple, almond, orange, rosehip, and vanilla, and petals of calendula, sunflower, and hibiscus. Perfect served hot with milk and sugar. Might make you afraid to have any other type of tea.

2 The Strength of Ogres: PG Tips – The Strong One

Huge, hideous beasts said to eat us humans, ogres are the stuff of scary tales indeed. Their strength in legendary. Thus the need to imbibe a tea that will instill you with a comparable level of strength. And this tea from PG Tips, the most popular British brand, is a perfect option. Kenyan and other African teas have been blended for a bold cuppa that has a strong, bright red color, malty aroma, and thick character. Great with a splash of milk and a dash of sugar to enhance that bold flavor. And you can give those ogres a strong scare!

3 A Sinking Feeling: Le Marche Spice Naturally Flavored Black Tea

This tea’s name “Le Marche” (pronounced “luh mar-SHAY”) makes me think of the horror movie from 2006 called The Marsh. Don’t recognize it? Small wonder. Despite the splendid acting talents of Forrest Whitaker and others, the movie reeked in whatever theater it appeared. Have no fear, though, for this tea does not reek – quite the contrary. It’s an excellent spiced black tea (natural high grown Ceylon tea from estates at more than 5500 feet above sea level) combining the taste of cinnamon with delicious fruity tones. So good, it’s scary!

4 Very Grimm: Blackforest Naturally Flavored Black Tea

The Black Forest in Germany is home to various gruesome tales, many documented by the Brothers Grimm (Jacob and Willhelm). The original versions they gathered from people living in the area were often too sexual for children and so in later editions were “sanitized” in the sexual area and beefed up in the gore area. Fortunately, this tea is neither X-rated nor gory. It’s a blend that beautifully captures the subtleties of chocolate, cherries, and cream. The base is a natural high grown Ceylon black tea. Fantastic with a dash of sugar and a spot of milk. And keeps you away from scary forests.

5 Transforming: Dorian Grey Blend Tea

In case you haven’t heard of one of Oscar Wilde’s most famous stories, The Picture of Dorian Grey is about an astonishingly handsome young man who wishes to remain so and have a life-size full-length portrait of himself age instead. His wish comes true, as he soon finds out after mistreating a young woman who was in love with him. The portrait, hidden away in the attic of his home, grows old and grotesque, bearing witness to his evils deeds, while his appearance never changes. This tea, though, will neither grant your wishes, whatever they may be, nor prompt you to a life of debauchery and ruination. Thank goodness! It’s based on the floral notes of a strong Earl Grey with a touch of caramel, dried apple pieces, calendula petals, and delicate elder blossoms – products of nature that lend a character of tragic allure. You’re sure to feel years younger, more attractive, and more free of the guilt of your misdeeds. And not scared to look in the attic…well, maybe.

Hope you get to try some of these during October and don’t get too scared!

See more of A.C. Cargill’s articles here.

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