White Pre-Chingming Tea

This unique black tea offering, “Zi Juan,” meaning “purple beauty,” originates from a purple bud varietal that was developed at the Menghai Research Station in Yunnan province. The purple-brown leaves have been loosely rolled and produce a dark amber liquor with a pronounced stone fruit aroma. The cup is smooth and sweet with a jammy/juicy character that hints of red wine. A suggestion of almond/nutty nuances leads to a clean finish.

This superior China black tea is a great after-dinner tea. Stands up nicely to milk; delectable plain. (Our original China Yunnan, introduced as item TP50.)

Dark olive-green leaves have been rolled into tight spiral shapes to create this premium green snail tea offering from Yunnan province. An aroma reminiscent of sweet tobacco imparts an interesting counterpoint to the classic fruity flavor profile of a Yunnan green tea. The mouth feel is full and buttery smooth with a lingering finish that whispers of spice. This premium selection is the perfect choice for those looking for a less vegetal Chinese loose leaf green tea.

New lot. Elegant, downy gold tips are showcased in this superb black tea offering from Yunnan province. A sweet aroma with notes of brown sugar pairs well with rich earthy notes in the thick, syrupy cup. A silky smooth mouth feel envelops hints of spice that linger long into the finish.

A pronounced aroma and flavor of rich melted chocolate distinguishes this outstanding black tea selection from Yunnan province. A profusion of downy golden buds yields a dark amber cup with a rounded, velvety smooth mouth feel and caramel-like sweetness. The finish lingers with dark, bittersweet notes of malt and cherry, reminiscent of a Porter beer. A staff favorite. Small lot with limited availability.

This high-grown Yunnan is a great value of excellent quality. The rich, earthy cup exhibits brisk flavor with a full mouth feel, complemented by inviting hints of honey, cocoa and spice.

The dark brown leaves of this selection are accented with golden tips. Rich, earthy notes are present in the aroma and dark amber cup, and hints of white pepper and cassia add a pleasing accent. The smooth finish has a light tangy feel.

A Broken Orange Pekoe from Yunnan province, this tea is a hearty version of the whole-leaf varieties. Try it with milk for a British style Yunnan cup.

This outstanding Yunnan black tea selection is composed of handcrafted golden tips with a beautiful downy appearance. The russet-amber liquor is fragrant with hints of molasses. Layers of cocoa, spice, and earth weave together to create a rich flavor that is complemented by a caramelized sugar sweetness. A whisper of spice lingers in the finish.

This selection is handcrafted from a bold-leaf Yunnan varietal. The dry leaves are tightly rolled into a spiral snail shape, dark in color, with golden tip accents. The smooth cup is rich and full-bodied with notes of bittersweet cocoa and carob, as well as the classic Yunnan spice hints.

This organic tea has the bold flavor of a high-fired tea, yet it has a pleasing smoothness with delicate sweetness. The thin, well-twisted leaves produce a liquor with a pale green color. This is a very popular style of China green tea with a bolder leaf.

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

The choicest of the standard grades of Jasmine tea. Delicate flavor with a natural sweetness that is enhanced by the sublime aroma of the finest jasmine flowers.

4 tins (approx. 35g each) of the following flavored black teas, depending upon seasonal availability: NT11: Extra Bergamot Earl Grey, NT33: Chai Spice Black Tea, NT94: Melange de Chamonix, NT01: Earl Grey Crème Vanilla Black Tea, NH26: Honeybush Vanilla, NT91: Christmas Black Tea, or NF90: Vanilla Black Tea.

Please note that Sampler Sets cannot be personalized.


Please note that the 4 teas in this sampler set will vary according to the season.

Produced at a small family tea garden in Shizuoka, Japan, this unique black tea is smoked for 6-8 hours using wood chips from an oak whisky barrel. A sweet, savory aroma, reminiscent of an autumn bonfire, introduces the velvety, full-bodied cup. A rich smoky/oak flavor takes center stage in the ruby-amber liquor, and is supported by a rounded fruity sweetness. The bold smokiness lingers long into the smooth finish, complemented by sweet whispers of amaretto and rose.

Produced at a small family tea garden in Shizuoka, Japan, this unique black tea is smoked for 6-8 hours using wood chips from a Japanese cherry wood whisky barrel. With layers of smoke, Burgundy and hints of floral sweetness, the aroma is reminiscent of a warm charcoal fire. A buttery mouth feel and hints of toffee complement the pronounced smoky notes in the smooth, rich cup. That smoky character is joined by a prevailing sweetness that lingers long after the last sip.

4 tins (approx. 35g each) of teas from the following flavored tisanes/teas, depending upon seasonal availability: BH101: Apple Mint Valerian Herbal Blend, BH102: Cinnamon Apple Guarana Maté, BH104: Lemongrass Apple Rosemary Herbal Blend, BH46: Peppermint Organic, ZH102: Ginger Pu-Erh, or BH105: Chamomile Mint Herbal Blend. All selections are caffeine-free except for BH102 and ZH102, which contain caffeine.

Please note that Sampler Sets cannot be personalized.


Please note that the 4 teas in this sampler set will vary according to the season.

Traditionally known as “red tea” in Vietnam, this unique loose leaf black tea selection is notable for pronounced peach notes in both the fragrant aroma and velvety smooth cup. The stone fruit character is complemented by a hint of vanilla and honey sweetness, which lingers into the finish.

A profusion of silver tips enhances the bold, handcrafted tea leaves of this unique Oolong tea selection from Vietnam. Fragrant notes of apricot, peach, and honey introduce the smooth, rich cup, which fills your mouth with its buttery mouth feel. An ambrosia-like sweetness lingers long into the finish.

Smooth and rich, this second flush Darjeeling offers pronounced muscatel notes in both the fragrant aroma and the dark amber cup. Nutty/toasty nuances and hints of honey lead to a dry, lingering finish that hints of spice. Another sublime selection from Victoria’s Peak, a division of the renowned Steinthal Estate.

Named after Queen Victoria, the Victoria’s Peak garden is a division of the renowned Steinthal Estate. In this 2023 first flush Darjeeling tea offering, premium loose leaf black tea leaves in rich tones of olive green are laced with silvery tips. A full, lively mouth feel enhances the sweet floral character, which is complemented by juicy notes of pineapple and tropical fruit. Nuances of corn silk and honey linger long into the crisp finish.

This organic South African Rooibos is blended with Bourbon vanilla bits, marigold petals and natural flavoring. Delicious hot or iced, you may enjoy this herbal infusion neat or with your favorite milk and sweetener.

This naturally flavored, whole-leaf black tea is smooth and rich with creamy vanilla flavor. The aroma is fragrant with notes of sweet vanilla bean. Enjoy this decadent treat any time of day.

The Upton Tea Imports Electric Tea Kettle is made from quality materials and electrical components. Perfect for heating 10 to 40 ounces of water, this 1200W model will bring water to a boil in approximately five minutes and then shut off upon reaching the boiling point. The Upton Tea Imports Electric Kettle is cordless, and features a 1200-watt heating element, safety shut-off, a locking lid and brushed stainless steel construction. ETL-listed (conforms to UL Standard 1082). Made in China. One year limited warranty.

This 6-cup (36 oz.) size is made exclusively for us in the USA by Fiesta Tableware Company. This food-service quality, fully-vitrified ceramic pot is designed to be durable and will provide many cups of enjoyment. A Chatsford Teapot provides a convenient way to prepare loose leaf tea quickly and easily. Fitted with a convenient tab for effortless removal, the ample polypropylene and mesh infuser basket allows full infusion of the leaves. A standard 6-cup red infuser basket (BPA free) is included with every teapot. A small "lip," located above the spout, is there to assist with the pour. Dimensions - Height: 7", Length: 9", Width: 4.5". Each teapot comes with a 30-day warranty. Please note that this teapot should never be placed in the microwave or directly on a heat source. Limited supply. All colors, including white, have a shiny finish.

Pair with our 6-8 Cup Teapot Cosy to keep your tea piping hot.

Replacement lids for the Chatsford teapot are available and listed below.

This 20-ounce Chatsford Teapot is made exclusively for Upton Tea Imports in the USA by Fiesta Tableware Company. This food-service quality, fully-vitrified ceramic pot is designed to be durable and should provide many cups of enjoyment. Chatsford teapots provide a convenient way to prepare loose leaf tea quickly and easily. Fitted with a convenient tab for effortless removal, the ample polypropylene and mesh infuser basket allows full infusion of the leaves. A standard 4-cup red infuser basket (BPA free) is included with every teapot. This teapot holds 20 oz. Dimensions - Height: 5", Length: 8", Width: 4.5". (Please note that image colors may vary due to monitor settings.) Each teapot comes with a 30-day warranty. Please note that this teapot should never be placed in the microwave or directly on a heat source. Limited supply. All colors, including white, have a shiny finish.

Pair with our 2-4 Cup Teapot Cosy to keep your tea piping hot.

Replacement lids for the Chatsford teapot are available and listed below.

Enjoy your favorite tea in our new signature mug! This elegant white porcelain mug sports our blue teapot logo on each side. With its generous handle and 9-ounce capacity, it will quickly become the mug you reach for whenever it’s time to steep your tea. For the perfect pairing, try it with our AS31: Chatsford Mug Infuser. The mug is 4 ⅛ inches tall with a 2 ¾ inch diameter. Dishwasher and microwave safe. Made in Germany.

This deluxe gift set includes our Upton Signature Mug and your choice of one 4-tin Sampler Set from the multiple option list. Beautifully packaged in our blue gift box.

Please note that Sampler Sets cannot be personalized.

The unique adapter funnel on this universal filter provides a perfect fit to a wide range of mugs and teapots. Made of micro-fine stainless steel and a durable, heat-tolerant frame, the filter offers ample room for tea leaves to unfurl and release their full flavor. The filter’s “hat” helps to prevent heat loss while steeping and then doubles as a drip tray. 4 ¼” tall, including funnel. Fits mug or teapot diameters 2 ½” - 4 ¼”. Dishwasher safe. Made in Germany.

This gift set pairs your choice of 2 Sampler Sets from the multiple option list. Beautifully packaged in our blue gift box.

Please note that Sampler Sets cannot be personalized.

A pronounced lemon fragrance introduces this caffeine-free, organic herbal blend. The smoothness of apple, the zest of turmeric and the freshness of lemon weave together to create a delicious tapestry of flavors. This tisane is delightful hot or iced.

Made by third generation preserve makers in Vermont, this special edition jam is the perfect treat for any time of year. Featuring juicy pineapple, complemented by refreshing lemon juice, this slightly tart jam is delicious with your favorite tea hot or iced. This 10 oz. jar should be refrigerated after opening. No GMOs.

A melange of dried papaya, passion fruit and pineapple, blended with a rich black tea, creates a decadent tropical fruit experience. Fragrant and sweet, this tea is wonderful hot or iced.

A traditional Indian spiced tea recipe with a warm and robust character. The full flavor notes of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and clove hold up to milk and honey, the traditional way to take this tea.

This tea is the perfect choice to enjoy with a spoonful of our Tupelo Honey.

A whole-leaf Assam with golden tips (young leaf buds). Characteristic maltiness and complex flavor. This is our most popular Assam tea.

A uniform, broken-leaf tea with bold character and strong, malty flavor. This tea is a great choice for breakfast and throughout the day.

This outstanding selection displays beautiful leaves in shades of green, sprinkled with delicate, silvery tips. The fragrance is fresh and sweet, with hints of corn silk. The sparkling amber-gold cup is bursting with honey sweetness and rich floral notes reminiscent of a spring garden. A buttery smooth mouth feel supports light vegetal hints and a crisp, lively quality that lingers long into the finish. Savor each sip of this stellar offering.

Harvested on March 8, 2022, this is the very first plucking of the first flush season at Tindharia Estate. A profusion of downy silver tips decorate the olive-green leaves, which produce a fragrant golden liquor redolent with buttery floral notes suggestive of honeysuckle. The silky smooth cup fills your mouth with a lively feel that awakens the palate. Classic floral notes pair with a fruity sweetness reminiscent of juicy pineapple, which linger into the crisp finish. A truly delightful way to enjoy a tea moment at any time of day.

This organic Darjeeling green tea is a great choice for those looking for a green tea with less vegetal flavor. The aroma is fresh and delicate with sweet melon hints. The pale golden cup is light and refreshing with hints of tropical fruit and flowers, supported by a silky smooth mouth feel. The finish is crisp and lingering.

The loosely rolled leaves of this finest grade of China Tie-Guan-Yin Oolong produce a pale golden cup with a full, buttery mouth feel. A sweet, floral fragrance introduces notes of dried fruit and a hint of honeysuckle in the flavor. The finish lingers with a light toastiness.

The dry leaves of this top-quality Oolong offering are fragrant and expertly rolled, producing a sparkling gold liquor with a sweet floral aroma. Notes of orchid are complemented by a buttery mouth feel in the silky smooth cup. Hints of honey lend a richness to the lingering finish. This tea is a great choice for multiple steepings.

This naturally flavored selection is the perfect balance of bergamot, stone fruit and black tea flavor with a dollop of vanilla sweetness. Light hints of bergamot and a whisper of anise complement the distinctly sweet aroma. The cup is medium-bodied with a smooth creamy mouth feel and lingering finish.

In this superb second flush Darjeeling selection, warm notes of toast and fruit weave together in the fragrant aroma, reminiscent of stone fruit jam on toast. This rich combination reveals itself in the silky smooth flavor as well, complemented by hints of spice that linger into the finish. Try a splash of milk to enhance this tea’s great qualities.

With elevations ranging over 6,000 feet, the Thurbo Estate has been producing premium Darjeeling teas for over a century. In this first flush offering, silver tips decorate attractive leaves in a colorful display of olive greens. A rich toasty aroma introduces an amber-gold cup with an assertive character that enhances its full, lively mouth feel. Fresh floral/herbaceous notes and a honey sweetness are complemented by notes of stone fruit, which lend a gentle crispness to the lingering finish.

Written by master tea merchant, Roy Fong, this classic guide, an educational book about the extraordinary tea world of China, has been revised and expanded to include new material, particularly around water, teaware, and the brewing process. Fong also included more memories, anecdotes, and photographs from over 30 years of travel and learning in China's tea regions. From hand-picked white teas from Fu Ding and expertly crafted Oolongs from Taiwan, to patiently aged Pu-Erh from Yunnan and everything in between, Fong offers his insights on choosing, brewing, and enjoying more than a dozen iconic Chinese tea varieties.

Finum brand 100 Tea Filters "Large". UPC: 004060 420729. These teapot filter bags are ideal for 4-6 cups of tea and they make infusing loose tea simple. Try securing the top with one of the metal holders (AI33). Measures 5" long by 3" wide. 2" flap folds over opening. Made from biodegradable oxygen-bleached paper.

Finum brand 100 Tea Filters "Medium" (UPC: 004060 420217). Biodegradable oxygen-bleached filter bags designed for use with the plastic holder (AI35). Measures 5" long by 4" wide.

The Upton Tea Imports thermometer features a custom three-colored temperature dial, indicating the suggested temperature for steeping tea. The dial is divided into three ranges: Green Tea: 140-180 degrees Oolong Tea: 180-200 degrees Black Tea: up to 212 degrees At Upton Tea imports, we find it easiest to use an electric kettle to heat the water to the boiling point, then insert the stem of the thermometer into the kettle between the lid and rim, and monitor the temperature until it lowers to the desired level. Caution: Let the water cool slightly before removing the lid of a kettle and use extreme caution to avoid exposure to hot steam."

Start your tea journey with this specially curated loose leaf black tea set for beginners. This tea flight contains 5 black tea samples and a box of Finum Filter Bags (100) with Stick (AI45). Each tea sample will make approximately 4-6 cups. Tea glass sold separately. Grab your flight and enjoy your journey.

SK01: The Black Tea Flight for Beginners contains:
TD50: No. 1 Tippy Orthodox Darjeeling (India)
TA40: Tippy Orthodox GFOP Assam (India)
TC05: Ceylon BOP (Sri Lanka)
TK12: Rukeri Estate Rwanda BOP (Africa)
ZY45: Yunnan FBOP (China)

Please note that substitutions may be made according to seasonal availability.

Bold, well twisted leaves, in shades of olive green, produce a yellow jade liquor with a bright, brothy aroma. A refreshing character is well balanced with a rich buttery mouth feel and sweet hay notes. The finish is clean and satisfying.

Tamaryokucha, literally translated as "coiled tea", is a superb, handcrafted green tea that has a full, complex flavor. Vegetal notes and a pleasing pungency are accentuated by hints of dark berries and a sweet aftertaste. This organic offering was produced in Takachiho, Miyazaki, from the Yabukita cultivar.

Decorated with dried orange peels, this naturally flavored black tea is redolent with the scent and flavor of a freshly squeezed orange. The citrus notes provide a delicious accent to the smooth tea base, which finishes on a crisp, clean note.

Formosa Keemun has a unique style that has attracted a dedicated following. This selection has the characteristic Oolong notes and gentle smokiness of this tea. It also has the lighter-colored leaf and infusion of our original Formosa Keemun from several years ago. Recommended for those seeking a divergence from traditional China Keemun.

Located in the Rung Bong valley at altitudes ranging from 3,500 to 5,500 feet, the Sungma Estate was first planted in the 1860s. This 2023 second flush darjeeling tea selection offers a smooth, medium-bodied cup with a sweet, toasty aroma, hinting of oak and cedar with a whisper of vanilla. The mahogany-colored liquor exhibits a classic muscatel bouquet, enhanced by a honey sweetness and complemented by woody/toasty hints. The finish of this loose leaf black tea is clean and refreshing with an appealing bittersweet quality.

A rich, full-bodied black tea provides a premium base for this naturally flavored selection. Refreshing notes of citrus fruit are prominent in both the aroma and the dark amber cup. Tiny juniper berries lend a crisp counterpoint to the lingering sweetness. Great hot or iced.

This selection is a mixture of Shou Pu-Erh and the Nuo Mi Xiang herb. When infused, the liquor yields an earthy aroma with hints of cinnamon. The earthy flavor emerges in the cup, along with notes of dark molasses and honey. Each square or heart-shaped (as available) piece will yield approximately two cups of tea.

This selection is a mixture of Sheng Pu-Erh and Nuo Mi Xiang, a Yunnan province herb with the natural fragrance of sticky rice. When infused, the pale golden liquor yields a distinctive aroma with hints of earth and sticky rice. An earthy quality also emerges in the cup, complemented by a dark sweetness. A note reminiscent of freshly baked bread lingers into the finish. Each square piece will yield approximately 2-3 cups of tea.

Pronounced floral/herbaceous notes permeate the sweet aroma of this broken-leaf second flush Darjeeling. The dark amber cup fills your mouth with rich notes of fruit and honey, which linger into the crisp finish. A great choice for a splash of milk, if desired.

Chunky leaves, in variegated shades of brown, produce a solid cup redolent with fragrant layers of fruit and spice, complemented by toasty/nutty hints. The dark amber liquor exhibits rich toasty notes wrapped in a stone fruit sweetness, which becomes more pronounced as the tea cools. This sweet character makes this second flush Darjeeling the perfect choice for iced tea.

The 2-Cup Steelite strainer baskets are designed specifically for the Steelite hotelware line of Chatsford teapots and the Korean porcelain series. Due to the location of the removal tab, these infusers are not recommended for use with the other Chatsford teapots or in ordinary teapots. Available in 4 colors. BPA free product.