News from Upton Tea

New Product: Formosa Tung-Ting Classic

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Naturally sweet, fruity, and with orchid-like aromatics and a full-bodied taste, this selection possesses all the fine points of a top Tung-Ting Oolong. As the name suggests, this is a true classic.

Upton Tea is a Little Greener

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Thinking about making our world a little greener? Prefer to browse through our traditional catalog of over 500 teas in a less traditional way? Our print catalog is now available in its entirety in Adobe PDF format. You can then opt-out of receiving our paper mailing without missing a thing!

New Product: China Green Foucha

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A superlative selection with outstanding character. The hand-processed leaf is well made and attractive. The aroma is fresh and inviting. The flavor is sweet with a good balance and gentle pungency. This is a China green of the highest quality.

New Product: Premium Darjeeling Sampler

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A tin (approx 35g) each of the following: Margaret's Hope Estate FTGFOP1 Musc. (TD38), Ging Estate First Flush FTGFOP1 (TD66), Castleton Estate FTGFOP1 Musc. Second Flush (TD75), Namring Upper Estate FTGFOP1 First Flush (TD88).

New Product: Harishpur Estate TGFBOP CL

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A great everyday Assam, with characteristic strength and some malty nuances. This tea also works great as a base for masala chai.

New Product: Tie-Guan-Yin Vintage Style

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This tea was produced specifically for Upton Tea Imports, utilizing an older process with longer roasting time at a lower temperature. This produces a mellow tea with a gentle, toasty quality. The liquor is very smooth, with light fruity and floral notes.

New Product: Harishpur Estate TGFOP CL

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This robust selection is a perfect choice for a morning cup. With a dark infusion and stout character, this selection stands up well to the addition of milk.

New Product: Temi Estate TGBOP (SK-08)

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This BOP selection is a great value for Sikkim lovers. A 1.5-2 minute infusion yields a bright, rich cup in the style of fine Darjeeling teas. Highly recommended.

New Product: Super Fancy Oolong

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

An exquisitely crafted Formosa Oolong with the style of the more fermented (oxidized) level of 60-70%. The cup is lively with a balanced body and fresh fragrance. Steeping for five minutes or longer produces a cup with chestnut notes and hints of grape-like sweetness.

New Product: Ligripookrie Estate BPS Cl

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A rich and intense Assam with a dark liquor that invites a generous splash of milk. This is a bracing tea that will satisfy those who like their Assam on the hearty side.

New Product: Sree Sibbari Estate SGFTGFOP Cl.

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Purchased for us at the Calcutta auctions, this lot was one of the top offerings for 2009. The leaf style is stunning, with a profusion of golden tips. The cup is thick and rich, with complex flavor, accented with pleasing floral and spice notes which are noted with the addition of milk.

New Product: Tie-Guan-Yin Imperial

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The light, golden-jade liquor is delicate and balanced, with a floral/fruity taste. The finish is buttery smooth, with a delicate sweet, aftertaste.

New Product: Hokonguri Estate TGFOP1 Spl.

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In this difficult year for Assams, we cupped hundreds of samples to ensure we could source the best available at every price point. This selection represents one of the best cups we found at a moderate price. The dark cup has a bold flavor, light toasty note, smooth character and a clean finish. The aroma has a sweet note with a malty nuance.

New Product: Vietnam Shan Tuyet Black Tea

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This fully oxidized Shan tea (or Mountain Tea) is produced from ancient tea trees from the Northern Highlands of Vietnam. The dark leaves are decorated with a modest amount of tips. The liquor is a rich amber color with a smooth, clean taste and a lightly sweet finish.

New Product: Oolong Choicest Select

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A delightful addition to our list, representing a value that has been most difficlut to find in recent years. Choicest Oolong is the top grade below Fancy Oolongs. This flavorful tea has much of the complexity of a Fancy Oolong, but can be enjoyed at a moderate price.

New Product: Steinthal Estate TGBOP First Flush (DJ-25) Organic

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A smooth, medium bodied BOP Darjeeling notable for its pleasant, lingering flavor. The fresh, floral note and the hint of citrus add depth and balance. Steep for approximately 1½ minutes to bring out the gentle pungency.

New Product: Herbal Tea Sampler

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A tin each of the following tisanes: Organic Rooibos Superior (BA20), Organic South African Honeybush (BA28), Organic Peppermint (BH46), and Holy Basil Purple Leaf (BH02).

New Product: Formosa Special White Tea

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The bold leaves of this selection have a somewhat crêpey appearance, a modest compliment of white tips and a fresh, enticing aroma. The light golden-jade cup has delicate hints of fruit, with a balanced, creamy smoothness and a clean, lingering finish.

New Product: Season's Pick Vietnam Black BP1

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A full-bodied CTC selection which can easily accommodate milk. This tea produces a flavorful cup with a deep amber liquor. Enjoy hot or iced.

New Product: Shan Tuyet Snow Green

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This green tea, produced from indigenous tea trees of the Northern Highlands in Vietnam, yields a clean tasting cup with full flavor. The cup has fruity notes and a character reminiscent of some green Assam teas. This selection is grown without the use of fertilizers or insecticides but does not have NOP certification.

New Product: Thurbo Estate TGBOP Cl/Tip First Flush (DJ-25)

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This broken First Flush Darjeeling produces a superior cup at a fraction of the cost of a full leaf style. The bright golden infusion has a pleasing pungency, as well as a refreshing minty nuance. One of the best Darjeeling values we have seen this year.

New Product: Panitola Estate STGFOP

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The wiry leaves are well twisted, with a generous percentage of light-golden tips. The cup has an aroma reminiscent of ripe apples with an added hint of cocoa. The flavor is smooth and clean. A great self-drinker, which can also accommodate the addition of milk.

New Product: Gue-Fei Thailand Oolong

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Similar to an Oriental Beauty Oolong in character, but tightly rolled into a ball shape. The lighter oxidation level produces a light liquor with a golden hue. The complex cup has sweet notes with a caramel hint in the finish.

New Product: Season's Pick Balijan North Estate GBOP

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This Assam selection produces a dark cup with a full flavor, mild pungency and light, spicy aroma. Recommended for both its quality and value.

New Product: Qianjiang Hubei Jade Organic

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This is the highest grade of gunpowder tea we have offered. The leaves are from a fine plucking, rolled loosely into a sphere. The aroma of both the liquor and infusion have a sweet, vegetal note. Recommended for those seeking a superior gunpowder experience.

New Product: Organic Gyokuro

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Produced for the demanding Japanese market, this China Gyokuro can be enjoyed at an everyday price. While we cannot rate this tea on par with "the genuine article", it is close enough to please a budget conscious green tea enthusiast.

New Product: Imperial Feng Huang Dan Cong

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Once a tribute tea, this ancient style of Oolong is made from select strains of Camelia 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. A rare treat for the Oolong connoisseur.

New Product: Organic Ginger Root

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a widely used tisane. Our new lot of this tea is from Jinxuan Province, China and has a zesty, lemony flavor, with a liquor that is lighter in color than our previous lot. A steeping time of 8-10 minutes is recommended.

New Product: Puttabong Estate SFTGFOP1 Ch Musc Second Flush (DJ-311)

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Produced from a fine plucking, this selection is notable for its smooth character, pleasant fruity aroma, and sweet finish. The liquor has a rich, golden-amber color, as well as a distinct muscatel nuance.

New Product: Jasmine Mao Feng

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

An extra-fine grade of organic Mao Feng pouchong tea, delicately scented with organic jasmine blossoms. The pleasing jasmine flavor and aroma complement the stylish, wiry leaves.

New Product: Margaret's Hope Estate TGBOP Ch. First Flush (DJ-10)

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Selections from this estate are always popular, so we were pleased to acquire this quality BOP selection at a great price. With a gentle, minty quality and a cleansing pungency, this selection should please the first flush enthusiast. A minute to a minute and a half steep-time is recommended.

New Product: Banaspaty Estate TGBOP Organic

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The attractive leaves of this organic BOP selection produce a cup with a pleasant aroma and a clean, full body. The liquor has a natural sweetness, dark color, and notes of fruit. While organic selections from the Assam district are often difficult to find, the Banaspaty estate is proving to be a consistent source of quality.

New Product: Zhang Ping Shui Hsian Oolong

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This Fujian province tea, while loosely rolled, is tightly packed into mini vacuum-sealed "bricks" to preserve freshness. Infusion reveals bold leaves which were finely plucked and skillfully crafted into an exquisite tea. The color of the liquor is between greenish/honey brown and yellow-gold. The aroma is fresh and strong, with notes of lilac and orchid. Vacuum-packed into 9g. mini bricks.

New Product: Banaspaty Estate FTGFOP1 Organic

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This organic selection has a strong flavor profile that can readily accommodate milk. It has a smooth character, and is relatively low in tannin. Subtle notes of cocoa and honey round out the flavor profile.

New Product: Yin Miao Cui

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This Fujian green tea is composed of well-twisted young leaves and buds, which produce a lovely, light golden-jade infusion. The flavor is rich and very smooth, and the cup has a pleasant fragrance. This value-priced tea should please the green tea connoisseur on a budget.

New Product: Green Pu-Erh Tuo Cha

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A raw or "green" Pu-Erh with rich character and smoky notes. The cup has a pleasing, sweet finish. This selection will mellow and improve with age. Each tuo cha weighs approximately 5-6 grams and is suitable for 2 cups with multiple steepings.

New Product: Jasmine Maiden Blooming Tea

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This display tea has a cone shape when dry. Once infused, the green leaves unfurl into a tea-leaf blossom, with a floating string of hand-tied jasmine flowers rising above. Samples include packet of 2 blooming teas.

New Product: Makaibari Estate FTGFOP1S Vintage Musc. Second Flush (DJ-123)

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The dark, aromatic leaves of this selection are complemented by a generous amount of white tips. This tea has a classic Second Flush character, with fruity, muscatel notes and a complex character. Vintage is Makaibari's designation for specially selected leaves from plants of a singular garden area.

New Product: Makaibari Estate FTGFOP1 Musc. Second Flush (DJ-141)

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A spicy nuance adds interesting character to this fine second flush offering. The smooth cup has pleasing muscatel notes and a sweet, grape-like note in the finish.

New Product: Osmanthus Drifting About the Fragrance

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This decorative green tea has a mushroom shape which, when infused, unfurls into a green tea leaf bowl cradling a red floral bowl. Osmanthus blossoms "drift about" to add to the overall effect. A sample includes one packet with two blossoms.

New Product: Floral Jinxuan Oolong

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This Fujian province Oolong has a light oxidation (around 18%), a floral aroma and a sweet character with light vegetal nuances. An outstanding example of a fine "green" Oolong.

New Product: Season's Pick Longview Estate First Flush FOP

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A pleasant First Flush offering, with a citrus/lemon note, and cleansing pungency. A great value for a First Flush Darjeeling.

New Product: Butterfly Loving the Flowers

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This green display tea is hand-tied into a mushroom shape which when infused, unfurls into a bowl shape with red and green flowers hovering above. A sample includes one package with two blossoms inside.

New Product: Panyang Bohea Supreme

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The bold, curled leaves of this selection are punctuated with golden tips. The liquor is creamy-smooth and bright, with sweet cocoa nuances that linger in the pleasant finish.

New Product: White Peony Reserve

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A special grade of China white tea, crafted from fine pluckings and with a generous complement of tender leaf buds. The cup is delicate, with well-balanced flavor and soothing aroma. Highly recommended.

New Product: Lonely Mountain White Mist

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This meticulously processed tea is produced in Fujian province from a delicate, fine plucking. When infused, the fragrant cup has a lovely, sweet character with full flavor and gentle, refreshing pungency.

New Product: Keemun Jade Pekoe

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This rare Keemun is produced from a fine plucking, which is handcrafted into a unique, flat shape, somewhat resembling a Lung Jing tea. The delicate cup has a complex profile, with classic Keemun notes and subtle nuances of nutmeg and cinnamon.

New Product: Phuguri Estate SFTGFOP1 First Flush (DJ-22)

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This first flush offering from the Phuguri estate has a pronounced crisp pungency and lingering minty note. In a difficult year for Darjeelings, we are pleased to offer this quality selection at an affordable price.

New Product: Choicest Hairpoint Organic

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Superior quality leaves are tightly rolled to produce this distinctive, value-priced tea. The flavorful cup has a pleasant vegetal character and subtle sweet finish.

New Product: "Wu Yi" Water Fairy Oolong

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

While not a true Wu Yi mountain tea, this Fujian province oolong is a flavorful and affordable alternative. The dark, chocolate-brown leaves produce a dusky ecru liquor with a harmonious flavor and a sweet, lingering finish. Some who have enjoyed this selection have observed nuances of honeysuckle, citrus and peach. Grown without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers.

New Product: Earl Grey Sampler

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A tin (approx. 35g) of each of the following earl grey teas: Earl Grey Crème Vanilla (TE01), Organic Earl Grey Lavender (TE12), Earl Grey Chocolate (TE13) and Earl Grey Blue Flower (TE16).