News from Upton Tea

New Product: Teesta Valley Estate FTGFOP1 First Flush (DJ-17)

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

This selection is produced from a traditional China jat, and has a liquor with a characteristic cleansing pungency, and evergreen aspect. The infused leaves have a light minty fragrance.

Check out our 2013 Pre-Chingming Teas!

Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

We are pleased to offer a wonderful selection of 2013 Pre-Chingming teas. From greens to whites to an Oolong, why not try a variety of samples of these delicious teas with your next order? You may see the full list here.

New Product: Young Hyson

Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Brisk China green tea of the Chun Mee family. Superior quality; golden liquor with a hint of sweetness. Use sparingly for optimum flavor.

New Product: Singbulli Estate First Flush SFTGFOP1 (DJ-24) Organic

Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Certainly one of the premier first flush teas from the 2013 season. The liquor is initially subtle, with complex layers of flavor including notes of pineapple and tropical fruits, and hints of vanilla later emerging in the cup.

New Product: Gielle Estate FTGFOP1 CI First Flush (DJ-32)

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A fresh and light cup with subtle aromas of orange and tangerine. The liquor is smooth on the palate, and has sweet tones and citrus notes. The fresh floral aroma is evocative of spring.

New Product: Holy Basil Green Organic

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

This fine cut of Green Holy Basil ensures a full, robust infusion. The pleasant liquor has a mild minty taste, with hints of clove and spice.

New Product: Victoria's Peak Estate White Tea (EX-2) Organic

Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

This select tea is painstakingly processed in the style of the Chinese specialty Yin Zhen Downy White Pekoe. The flavor is subtle yet complex, with whispers of peach and melon gently emerging in the cup. The finish is lightly sweet and clean.

New Product: Premium Iced Tea Sampler

Fri, 10 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A tin each of the following teas recommended for iced teas: Rote Grutze (Red Groats) (BF60), No.1 Tippy Orthodox GFOP Darjeeling (TD50), Extra Bergamot English Earl Grey (TE11), and Traditional Masala Chai (TE30).

New Product: New Vithanakande FBOPF Ex Spl

Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The wiry leaves of this selection are decorated with silvery tips, and yield a rich, russet-colored liquor. The pleasant cup has toasty notes with hints of dark cocoa.

New Product: St. James Estate BOP

Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

This broken-leaf tea yields an aromatic, bright-coppery cup. The full-bodied liquor is pleasantly pungent and is accentuated with mellow wintergreen notes.

New Product: Aislaby Estate Pekoe

Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

This well-made selection yields an aromatic cup with a lovely wintergreen note. The liquor is full-bodied, bright, and brisk.

New Product: Jun Chiyabari Estate Himalayan Spring

Tue, 07 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

This is the best 2013 first flush selection we cupped from Nepal. The tea has a soft creamy mouth feel and mild pungency. The cup has dark berry notes and a light peppery accent, which come through slightly in the finish.

New Product: Steinthal Estate SFTGFOP1 First Flush (DJ-5) Organic

Tue, 07 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

This organic single estate tea delights with its classic muscatel character and tangy astringency. The infused leaf, while somewhat broken up, contains a good number of larger bold leaf fragments.

New Product: Thurbo Estate FTGFOP1 Tip/Cl. First Flush (DJ-21)

Tue, 07 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A light golden cup with a distinctive aroma containing sweet melon notes, like honeydew. This selection boasts an elegant bold leaf which unfurls in the cup to reveal abundant intact buds and shoots.

New Product: Victoria's Peak Est FTGFOP1 Sun/Cl.1st Fl. (EX-3) Org.

Tue, 07 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A fine selection with a fresh herbaceous and floral quality in the aroma. The liquor is reminiscent of a dry white wine, with a light grapey sweetness and a subtle dry pungent aspect. Harvested at sunrise for optimum flavor.

New Product: Margaret's Hope Estate FTGFOP1 Tippy/Cl First Flush (DJ-50)

Tue, 07 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The cup is incredibly smooth, with herbaceous notes and very subtle notes of stone fruits. The aftertaste slowly builds to a light sweetness with a gentle crisp feeling. A faint flowery note predominates in the aroma. The sample size is normally 12g for this type of tea are 10g now, at a reduced price.

New Product: Goomtee Estate First Flush FTGFOP1(DJ-3)

Mon, 06 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

From a premier estate, this classic first flush tea is one of the best high-end values from the 2013 peak harvest season. The liquor has floral hints in the aroma and taste, which some of our staff have likened to rose and lilac. On the palate, hints of citrus rind and white grape are balanced with a classic first flush pungency.

New Product: Ancient Organic Pu-Erh Mini Tuo Cha

Mon, 06 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

This organic Pu-Erh tea is made from select leaves, which are fully fermented and carefully compressed into cakes weighing approximately 7-8g each. The rich infusion has a full mouth feel with sweet, earthy notes.

New Product: Pre-Chingming Snow Pekoe

Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

For this selection, a fine plucking is fashioned into a style of tea similar to Pai Mu Tan, but with slimmer leaves and a greater portion of downy buds. The light-jade liquor has a sublime, refreshing savory quality and a smooth, brothy mouth feel. The flavor is delicate, with a wisp of sweetness and a faint note of winter melon.

New Product: Singtom Estate BPS First Flush (DJ-14) Organic

Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Among the best values in 2013 first flush teas, this selection has a liquor with a gentle sweetness, smooth character and interesting evergreen note. The BPS leaf style has a squarish "chunky" appearance, which is not very common.

New Product: Berry Herb Blend

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A harmonious herbal blend with soothing flavors of mint, lemon, ginger and other calming herbs. Naturally caffeine-free.

New Product: Makaibari Estate FTGFOP1S First Flush (DJ-3) Organic

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Refreshing evergreen notes predominate in this Makaibari Estate tea. An affordable 2013 Darjeeling that would make an excellent daily cuppa.

New Product: Chamillo Blend

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A relaxing and tart herbal blend with notes of mint, lemon and other calming herbs. Naturally caffeine-free.

New Product: Pre-Chingming Jade Buds

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

This beautifully crafted Fujian tea is made from an extra-fine plucking, consisting of a bud and first leaf. The dry leaf appearance is striking, with the hidden white bud tips enveloped inside the folded first leaf. The flavorful infusion has a soft character, with delicate pungency for a nicely balances cup profile.

Let us help you make Mother's Day special!

Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Looking for a gift idea for Mother's Day? Whether it's her current favorite, a special tea never tried before or a new teapot and cosy for brewing up her daily pot of tea, all make great gifts! We'd be happy to assist you in putting together that special treat complete with a personalized gift message.

Would she prefer choosing her own tea? We have gift certificates available in both paper and electronic form, in any denomination. You may place your order online or by calling our toll-free number, 800-234-8327, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm ET.

We're looking forward to helping you create the perfect gift for Mother's Day!

New Product: Marinyn Estate GFOP1

Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

For years the Marinyn estate suspended Orthodox production in favor of producing CTC teas. We are pleased that Orthodox production has resumed on this estate, as it has always been a favorite with our customers. This tea has a wonderful balance of cup strength and character, accented with pleasant malty notes.

New Product: Korea Green Tea Sejak Organic

Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

This offering has a pleasantly sweet, earthy quality, with a fresh aroma and smooth flavor. The liquor has a slightly brothy quality and has a vegetal note that hints of seaweed. Good for multiple infusions, this early spring tea is hand crafted using time honored methods.

New Product: Vietnam Green Tea OP Tippy Organic

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

This tea yields a robust cup, with hints of fennel and tropical fruit. The liquor has a character reminiscent of some green Assam teas.

New Product: Pre-Chingming Mao Jian

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A fine China spring green tea from the Hunan province. The carefully crafted, wiry leaves are long and well-formed, terminating in a hair point. The full-flavored liquor has a pleasant aroma with light berry notes.

New Product: Java Dewata Estate Silver Tips

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Produced in the West Java Highlands, this rare selection is sun dried and carefully hand-processed in the style of downy white pekoe. The infusion is delicate, with interesting floral nuances in the cup and aroma.

New Product: Luponde Estate GFOP Organic

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A bold-leaf tea that yields a cup reminiscent of premium Ceylon teas. The liquor has a light, creamy mouth feel with a zesty crispness. Lemony notes and light cedar hints can be found in the aroma and cup.

New Product: Pre-Chingming Lung-Ching

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

This exceptional Lung-Ching (Long-Jing) is only produced before the Qing Ming holiday. The quality is superb, with a subtle, nutty aroma and delicate flavor profile. The satisfying cup is clean and smooth. Highly recommended.

New Product: Pre-Chingming Top Pai Mu Tan

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A fantastic selection from Fujian province, made from a superior varietal. The liquor and aroma have a note of dark grape and light hints of tangerine. The sweet cup is silky smooth, with a delicate crispness.

New Product: Golden Kenya GFBOP/TGFOP

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

This is our Golden Kenya tea, sold in either bold broken-leaf or whole-leaf, depending upon availibility. The cup has full flavor and aroma, with medium body. May be enjoyed plain, but it is strong enough to accommodate a touch of milk. Flavor hints of rose and nuances of pepper make this selection especially interesting.

New Product: Pre-Chingming Pi Lo Chun

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

One of the most famous teas in China, traditional Pi Lo Chun comes from Zhejiang. This superlative example from Jiang Su yields a light cup with an outstanding sweet flavor. Early teas of this style are prized for their subtle complexity.

New Product: Pre-Chingming Fenghuang Dan Cong

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Once considered a tribute tea, this ancient style Oolong is made in Fujian from select strains of Camellia sinensis bushes. This selection is notable for its peach-like flavor and honey nuance. Suitable for use with the gong-fu method, the leaves can be steeped several times.

New Product: Pre-Chingming Dian Hong Yunnan Gold

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The beautiful leaf of this selection yields a liquor with a light, spicy aroma. The cup has complex flavor notes, complemented with hints of cassia and cocoa, which linger in the finish.

New Product: Pre-Chingming Jun Shan Yin Zhen

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A rare selection notable for its attractive appearance and fine cup. Produced at Jun Mountain in the Dongting Lake region of Hunan, this tea is made from traditional Camellia sinensis cultivars. The production is done entirely by hand, and finished with a delicate basket drying/roasting over charcoal. The liquor has a delicate tangy finish with floral hints.

New Product: Goji-Açai Green Tea

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A green sencha with the flavor of goji and açai berries.

New Product: New Vithanakande FBOPF Ex Spl

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A fine selection from a world-renowned estate, this wiry whole-leaf tea has an abundance of golden tips. The rich cup has a pronounced honey fragrance with hints of citrus and a pleasant lingering crispness.

New Product: Pomegranate Magnolia White Tea

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A white tea with modest tip, coupled with the flavor of pomegranate and magnolia flowers.

New Product: Christmas Tea; Mélange Noël

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A blend of black tea with cloves, vanilla and cardamom. Decorated with citrus peel, rose petals and almond pieces.

This product contains tree nuts (almonds).

New Product: Lumbini Estate FBOPF Ex. Spl.

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

This well-made tea yields a robust, brisk infusion that can be enjoyed plain or with milk. The rich flavor profile has a clean character with an interesting hint of wintergreen.

New Product: Sakhira Estate SFTGFOP1 Tippy

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

This fine selection boasts attractive leaves in brown hues, decorated with some golden tips. The aroma is exquisite and the cup has a clean, satisfying pungency. The liquor has a note of stone fruits, and a lingering hint of spice.

New Product: Ceylon Sampler

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A tin (approx 35g) each of the following premium Ceylon teas: Greenfield Estate BOP Organic (TC58), Lumbini Estate FBOPF Ex. Spl. (TC76), Uva Highlands Pekoe (TC52), and Kenilworth Estate OP (TC85).

New Product: Tindharia Estate FTGFOP1 First Flush (DJ-12) Organic

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A delightful organic Darjeeling from the 2013 first flush season, with characteristic muscatel flavor and fresh floral aroma. A lingering note is reminiscent of fresh grape juice.

New Product: Glenburn Estate FTGFOP1 Cl. First Flush (DJ-17)

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

This flavorful single estate offering from the 2013 first flush season has a light and fresh mouth feel. Hints of tangerine and citrus fruit round out the cup.

We will be closed on Patriots Day (April 15th)

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Upton Tea Imports will be closed on Patriots Day (Monday, April 15th). Orders received by 1 pm Eastern Time on Friday, April 12th, will be processed on the same day. Orders placed after 1 pm on Friday, or over the holiday weekend, will be processed upon our return on Tuesday, April 16th.

We've purchased some first flush Darjeelings!

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

We've been busy with first flush Darjeeling sampling and have made 5 purchases so far. We expect the teas to arrive here in about two weeks (mid-April) and we'll have them up on our website as soon as they're prepared and ready for sale. The season has not been a good one but we are pleased that we have found some high quality teas to offer to all of you very soon.

New Product: Lumbini Estate FF Sp.

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The Lumbini Estate is located in the Ruhuna growing district, and is known for producing superb teas. The stunning leaf of this special lot is composed of a very fine plucking with a profusion of golden tips. This cup has a rich character, with sweet, malty notes and interesting spicy nuances.

Closed due to snowstorm

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

We are closed on Tuesday, March 19th, due to a winter storm in our area. We anticipate reopening on Wednesday, March 20th (the first day of spring!). Any orders received on Tuesday, March 19th, will be processed as soon as we return on Wednesday. Thanks for your patience!