My first experience with "real" tea was at a Zen monastery located near my childhood home. Tea was often a welcome respite during the day's visit. During college and through travel, I gained further appreciation of different teas and tea in the context of different cultures.

I've come to appreciate and enjoy most teas - from the hearty Assams and earthy Pu-Erhs to the exquisite Darjeelings and the most ephemeral whites. My days usually progress with the aid of several cups.

I think our customers appreciate with me the large variety of choices available and can rely on the standards and blends as well as single estate or artisanal, hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind offerings.

View Frank's favorites.

Since the early 70s, I have always loved to drink breakfast style teas with milk, no sugar. When I first came to Upton Tea in 1995 and started to discover the depth and variety of fine loose leaf tea, I found myself drawn to the teas I could drink plain - the refined Darjeelings, the spicy Oolongs, the clean greens and the delicate whites. I still enjoy a malty, rich Assam with milk for breakfast but then move on to lighter bodied teas for the rest of the day. I do love the taste of tea but it is the aroma that I find uplifting and inspiring!

View Karen's favorites.

I started drinking tea as a young girl and have loved it ever since. My choices used to be quite simple: English and Irish breakfast blends or strong Earl Grey. A family member finally introduced me to loose leaf tea and from then on, I was hooked. Once I was old enough to buy my own tea, I started to experiment a bit more. I discovered Upton Tea Imports first as a satisfied customer but now enjoy tea daily, as an employee.

My tastes in tea and my appreciation for variety has grown significantly since working here. Though my journey with tea started with a love for strong, hearty breakfast teas, I find that I now prefer lighter, more floral teas, such as lightly oxidized Formosa Oolongs and First Flush Darjeelings. My preferences continue to change and I find new favorites everyday.

View Amanda's favorites.

I can remember drinking fruity teas filled with sugar when visiting my grandmother as a little girl. I'm not sure if I so much enjoyed the tea as much as the ritual of sitting with my grandmother sipping this "big person" drink. In high school, I spent some time studying in the south of England. This is where I picked up the daily tea drinking habit. Still using tea bags, I stuck with the blends and herbals. My tea habit died down for a while once I discovered iced coffees, but eventually my stomach protested my Dunkin Donuts trips and alas I found my way back to teas. This time I became a bit more adventurous with my selections. I was introduced to Upton Tea by a friend years ago, but honestly felt overwhelmed when looking at the vast selections. When I started at Upton Tea, I embraced the chance to try so many different teas. Since I don't use milk, I've become fond of first flush darjeelings, oolongs, whites and some greens. I also still enjoy sipping those fruity herbals (with a little sugar.)

View Liz's favorites.

I confess to starting out with strong coffee leanings from the time I was old enough to drink it, with the occasional cuppa for good measure, interestingly enough, as a comfort beverage. It was not until around 2002, at the insistence of converted family members that I had no Idea what I was missing by not partaking of good, fresh, loose tea, that I discovered I really didn't! I would not have believed how quickly I could throw over my beloved coffee (a transition made easier, I suspect, by the aid of some good Pu-Ehr teas). I usually favor a stronger, darker cup (Assams and Pu-Ehrs) but am truly grateful for the education I have received from fellow staff members as well as customers of Upton Tea.

View Rebecca's favorites.