Black Tea

A blend of Tippy GFBOP Assam teas for strength, plus a distinctive, bright Ceylon tea for briskness. This Orthodox Process Irish Breakfast style loose leaf tea is very flavorful.

4 tins (approx. 35g each) of teas from the following black teas, depending upon seasonal availability: TP12: Premium China Keemun, TD50: No.1 Tippy Orthodox GFOP Darjeeling, ZY51: China Yunnan TGFOP, TB10: Bond Street English Breakfast Blend, ZK11: China Keemun First Grade or TB51: East Frisian BOP Assam Tea. These 4 tea selections are representative of a wide range of fine black teas.

Please note that Sampler Sets cannot be personalized.

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

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.

China black tea base with bergamot flavor. Produced for the British market, this tea has less bergamot than some American counterparts.

Whole-leaf or broken-leaf Assam (depending on availability), decaffeinated with pure carbon dioxide.

A full-bodied and flavorful Ceylon blend. An excellent morning tea, especially suited for the addition of milk and sugar.

This premium blend of decaffeinated broken-leaf Assam black teas produces a rich, full-bodied cup. The aroma is sweet with hints of malt. The dark copper liquor is bright with a smooth mouth feel, leading to a pleasant pungency lingering in the finish.

This bold-leaf, breakfast-style black tea blend from Colombia has a warm aroma reminiscent of baking chocolate, with toasty hints. The dark amber cup is full-bodied and honey sweet with a creamy smooth mouth feel that sets the stage for notes of rich cocoa and apricot. The finish is smooth and lingering.

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

A bit lighter than our River Shannon Blend, this English Breakfast style tea is a rich blend of Assam, Ceylon, and Keemun. Best with milk.

The best value in Darjeeling tea. Broken-leaf Darjeeling is often overlooked, either because the price is so reasonable or because too much value is placed on a more stylish leaf. This flavorful BOP blend offers a great cup at a very attractive price.

Decorated with blue cornflower petals, this naturally flavored Earl Grey selection has a light bergamot fragrance and well-balanced flavor. Smooth and citrus bright, the medium amber cup offers the perfect blend of natural bergamot and black tea flavor. A light sweetness complements the bergamot and lingers into the finish.

Chai is traditionally made by simmering tea and fresh spices in highly sweetened milk. This naturally flavored version may be prepared like regular steeped tea, or the more traditional way by simmering 5-8 minutes in a pan of milk. Add lots of honey or sugar and serve hot or iced. This selection has pronounced clove and cinnamon notes that balance wonderfully with the premium black tea base.

A classic Ostfriesen blend of Assam teas. Authentic 100% orthodox tea blended in Germany for those who like a hearty, malty tea.

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.

The top standard of decaffeinated Darjeeling tea available, and by far the best we have cupped. Please note that even the best decaffeinated teas lose some of the flavor and complexity of their unprocessed counterparts.

Blended especially for Upton Tea Imports, this tea is a pleasing and subtly complex variation on a rich, smoky classic. The perfect gift for the Lapsang Souchong drinker who seeks a less smoky cup.

Located in the Dooars region at the southern edge of Darjeeling district, the Nuxalbari Estate is a tea garden dedicated to the safety of Asian elephants and their environments. A bright citrus/bergamot aroma introduces this organic Earl Grey selection. In the dark amber cup, lively bergamot notes are complemented by a thick rounded mouth feel and the bold flavor of the premium black tea base. Hints of lemon, cedar and flowers lead to a crisp, lingering finish.

A blend of whole-leaf Assam and genuine Bourbon vanilla. The combination makes a delightful afternoon blend.

The warm inviting aroma of this naturally flavored black tea is fragrant with notes of creamy vanilla and spice. This is the fourth of four special teas created to celebrate our 30th Anniversary. A blend of cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, clove and vanilla bits brings the perfect balance of sweet and spicy to the premium black tea base. Whether for a holiday gathering or cozying up with your favorite book, this delicious cuppa is sure to please.

This fine C.T.C. (Crush-Tear-Curl) style of tea infuses quickly. One minute of steeping produces a hearty cup of flavorful tea.

This decaffeinated tea offering is a medium-bodied, breakfast-style tea. A toasty hint complements the smooth, rich flavor.

A whole-leaf, organic Nilgiri tea with vibrant aromatics, a sweet cup, and a gentle, crisp bite. Smooth yet very flavorful with medium body. Enjoyable plain or with milk.

In this elegant blend of China Congou and Lapsang Souchong black teas, bold, ebony-brown leaves produce a dark whiskey-colored liquor with a pronounced peat smoke aroma. The velvety smooth cup is layered with notes of mellow smoke and Burgundy, accented by a whisper of toffee sweetness. The deep rich flavor lingers long into the finish.

The aromatic, dark-brown leaves of this Congou black tea produce a deep amber liquor, fragrant with hints of cocoa and a dark sugar sweetness. The medium-bodied cup is bright and smooth, featuring toasty/woody notes accented by hints of cocoa and a gentle, lingering toastiness. A solid everyday cup at an attractive price.

With its thick, robust character, this top-quality addition to our Assam offerings is the perfect morning eye-opener. The aroma is fragrant with hints of malt and freshly baked biscuits. The flavor overflows with rich layers of malt, wine, caramel and carob, punctuated by a bloom of stone fruit as the tea cools. The crisp finish lingers with a whisper of spice.

This naturally flavored Earl Grey tea showcases a perfect balance between the natural bergamot flavor and the black tea base. This is a great choice for those who enjoy a lighter Earl Grey tea.

Large, dark brown leaves have been carefully rolled into uniform pearl shapes to create this unique Black Dragon Pearl tea from Yunnan province. Both the dry pearls and the infused liquor are fragrant with the scent of chocolate, hinting of its delicious flavor. The golden-amber cup of Yunnan black tea is rich and earthy with notes of sweet cocoa and hints of stone fruit. The finish is smooth and lingering.

The neat, attractive leaves of this organic first flush selection exhibit a range of color from light to dark olive-green. The perfumed aroma is light, with hints of spring flowers and citrus. The amber cup is fresh and lively with honeyed floral notes and a smooth buttery mouth feel. A tropical fruit sweetness leads to a crisp, lingering finish.

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.

With its rich flavor profile and smooth mouth feel, this standard grade Keemun represents a great value for a China black tea. Hints of wine and a suggestion of smoke round out the earthy, full-bodied cup.

An eye-opening liveliness leads the way for rich notes of malt, oak and Burgundy, sweetened by nuances of caramel and amaretto, in this Assam selection. The full-bodied, ruby-copper cup is fragrant with an inviting maltiness and a fleeting whisper of rose. The finish is smooth and lingering. Add a splash of milk to enhance this tea’s rich qualities.

The natural flavor of blackcurrant lends a refreshing tartness to the black tea base. Contains dried blackcurrants and blackberry leaves.

The dark brown, uniform leaves are sprinkled with an abundance of golden tips in this low-grown, classic “spider leg” black tea. The deep copper cup awakens the palate with its lively yet smooth character. Layers of raisin, cocoa, dark sugar and Burgundy add to the complex flavor. A warm toastiness lingers in the crisp finish. Another exemplary selection from New Vithanakande.

A choice blend of regional Ceylons.

An abundance of downy golden tips provides a striking contrast to the dark brown leaves in this Assam selection. The toasty aroma is complex with hints of malt, warm cocoa and red wine. The deep copper cup is bright and lively, introducing layers of Burgundy and malt that are complemented by a suggestion of spice in the crisp, lingering finish.

Good color and strength for a hearty cup. Takes milk very well.

From the Chamraj Estate in the Nilgiri Mountains of southern India, this “Frost” tea is grown during the cold winter months, which imparts a unique character to the light amber cup. A sweet floral aroma introduces the silky smooth liquor, setting the stage for a pronounced sweetness that envelops notes of juicy tropical fruit. A long lingering finish completes a very satisfying tea experience.

A natural mango-flavored black tea base is decorated with dried mango pieces and sunflower petals. The dark copper liquor has a pronounced mango aroma and flavor, juicy and sweet.

Decorated with dried cranberries and blackberry leaves, this naturally flavored black tea is bursting with sweet cranberry notes in both the aroma and the cup. The flavor lingers long into the smooth finish. Great hot or iced.

High-grown Yunnan of excellent quality. Sold by some as the best available, this grade is actually the best of the commonly available grades. Brisk flavor without the harshness of lesser Yunnan teas.

This estate produces some of the best whole-leaf teas in Sri Lanka. For the Ceylon enthusiast. Drink with or without milk. A choice lot with a bold-leaf style. Steep for five to six minutes.

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.

The natural flavor of apricot lends a sweet, juicy flavor to the black tea base. Contains dried apricot bits (apricots, sugar).

Rated a top tea region since the Tang Dynasty, Hubei province produces this remarkable black tea. A special grade of Keemun.

Blended with dried lemon peels and blue cornflower petals, this CO2 decaffeinated black tea offering is creamy smooth and rich with notes of sweet lemon cake. Enjoy this delicious treat hot or iced.

A brisk, lively character distinguishes this Assam offering. Accented with hints of cocoa, a rich malty aroma introduces the dark copper cup. A toasty sweetness embraces notes of cocoa and malt in the flavor, ending with a smooth, lingering finish.

A light sprinkling of golden tips adorns the glossy dark brown leaves in this stunning Mao Feng selection. The copper ruby cup exhibits a complex aroma and flavor with rich notes of earth, wine and smoke. A hint of spice in the finish complements the silky sweet character.

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.

From An Hui province, home of the famous Hao-Ya Keemun teas, this selection offers a bright character with a suggestion of sweet tobacco in the aroma. The medium-bodied cup has warm toasty notes and a honey sweetness that blooms as the tea cools.

In this naturally flavored selection, the creamy vanilla aroma and flavor envelop the premium decaffeinated black tea base with a velvety richness. A delicious treat for the evening. Great hot or iced.

The wiry, ebony-brown leaves of this premium Congou black tea from Fujian province produce a very dark amber liquor with an enticing cocoa aroma. The smooth, rich cup tastes of premium dark chocolate accented by a whisper of spice. The finish is long and lingering with nuances of toffee. This decadent treat is the perfect accompaniment to dessert.

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 first flush offering is noteworthy for its eminently smooth character and pronounced honey sweetness. The light amber-gold cup is fragrant with an inviting aroma hinting of stone fruit and flowers. Tropical fruit hints and a gentle whisper of toastiness lead to a crisp, refreshing finish.

Silver-gold tips adorn bold, dark brown leaves in this second flush Nepal black tea offering. The amber cup is smooth and rich with a toasty aroma hinting of fruit. A honey-sweet aspect blooms as the tea cools, complemented by a full mouth feel and hints of muscatel. Herbaceous nuances linger in the lively finish.

Well twisted, ebony brown leaves and a complement of silver buds yield a dark, satisfying infusion with a sweet aroma. Notes of honey and malt round out the bright, toasty cup, which could accommodate milk, if desired. A pleasant briskness lingers in the light fruity finish.

This organic, broken-leaf selection has a classic high-grown aroma and flavor, brisk and rich. With its full body, the medium amber cup would make a great breakfast tea.

Located in the Dooars region at the southern edge of Darjeeling district, the Nuxalbari Estate is a tea garden dedicated to the safety of Asian elephants and their environments. This organic second flush premium black tea offers a sweet aroma that hints of honey and flowers. The velvety smooth, amber liquor is notable for its full mouth feel and perfumed floral quality, complemented by pronounced honey notes. The finish is crisp and lingering.

Dried blueberries and natural flavoring complement the full-bodied black tea base, yielding a dark copper liquor with a sweet blueberry aroma and flavor. Enjoy this well-balanced blend hot or iced.

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 superior selection is the second plucking of the first flush season at the Upper division of Namring Estate, one of the oldest tea gardens in Darjeeling district. Ultra-bold leaves, in shades of olive green accented with silver tips, produce a pale amber-gold cup, fragrant with hints of tropical fruit. A smooth buttery mouth feel complements pronounced floral notes and hints of corn silk, enfolded in a rich honey sweetness that lingers long into the finish.

This medium-bodied selection boasts elegantly long, thin leaves that yield a dark copper liquor with a toasty aroma hinting of chocolate. A creamy smooth mouth feel sets the stage for rich notes of dark cocoa and honey. A whisper of spice lingers in the finish.

Long, elegant leaves and a bright, lively character distinguish this fine offering. A honey aroma introduces a hint of cocoa and dried fruit sweetness in the dark amber cup. The finish is crisp and clean.

In this premium selection, a bounty of small golden tips provides a stunning contrast to the dark brown leaves. The medium amber cup is rich and full-bodied with a classic brisk character and honeyed fragrance. Burgundy notes join hints of spice and raisin, lingering in the finish.

This superlative first flush offering is the very first plucking at the Rohini Estate, located in the Kurseong valley of Darjeeling district. The exquisite leaves display full leaf sets, crowned with downy silver tips. Accented by notes of honey and corn silk, the sweet aroma evokes the freshness of early spring. The delicate amber-gold cup is buttery smooth with classic floral notes, complemented by light vegetal hints. A lively crisp quality lingers in the finish, completing an unparalleled tea experience.

The juxtaposition of dark leaves and golden tips gives this black tea from Colombia a beautiful appearance. The dark copper amber liquor is fragrant with toasty cocoa hints. The rich cocoa quality carries on in the flavor of the full-bodied cup, finishing with a raisin sweetness.

An inviting aroma, fragrant with pronounced notes of stone fruit, introduces this first flush offering. The light golden amber cup is very sweet and juicy, with the complementary pair of buttery floral notes and ripe tropical fruit hints. The finish is smooth and lingering.

Blended from select teas of India, Sri Lanka, and China to appeal to those who favor an eye-opening experience in the morning, this broken-leaf tea yields a cup with a round, full flavor, malty notes, and brisk character. A perfect choice to start the day.

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

This Assam selection produces a dark cup with a full flavor profile. Notes of cocoa and a delicate caramel hint complement a sweet and toasty aroma for an enjoyable cup.

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

The Crush-Tear-Curl manufacturing method produces quick-brewing teas with full flavor. We highly recommend this blend of Assam teas for those who like a very hearty cup. Exquisite with milk.

A hearty blend of rich CTC Assam and BOP Ceylon teas, yielding a cup with robust flavor and a brisk finish. This is an organic version of a classic, bracing breakfast blend.

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

4 tins (approx. 35g each) of teas from the following black tea blends, depending upon seasonal availability: TB10: Bond Street English Breakfast, TB70: Finest Russian Caravan, TB75: Baker Street Afternoon Blend, TB20: River Shannon Breakfast Blend, TB02: Leadenhall Street Breakfast Blend, or TB86: Richmond Park Blend. Specially blended for us in London by master tea blenders.

Please note that Sampler Sets cannot be personalized.

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

A hearty blend of Ceylon and Assam teas, this tea is rich and flavorful, even with extra milk.

A rich, inviting fragrance introduces this naturally flavored, premium black tea selection. This is the third of four special teas created to celebrate our 30th Anniversary. The robust cup is smooth and full-bodied with pronounced deep bergamot notes. The finish is long and lingering.

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

A premium blend of Ceylon and China teas, the smooth black tea base balances well with the refreshing natural flavors of bergamot and citrus fruit. Popular in Europe, this Russian-style blend is recommended for an interesting departure from traditional Earl Grey.

A more refined version of our Original Blend Russian Caravan (TB60), this blend of choice teas from India, China and Formosa yields a smooth, satisfying cup with a bright character. Toasty notes and a light sweetness lead to a crisp finish. A great afternoon tea.

The best China Lapsang Souchong we have found. To our knowledge, we are the only importer of this grade of Lapsang Souchong tea. Superior in flavor. Very smoky, yet quite mellow.

For this blend, we paired a hearty Assam with a smooth and flavorful Yunnan, for a cup that is highly enjoyable. The invigorating liquor has a full mouth feel, subtle spicy notes, and a lingering aftertaste. While milk is recommended, it is enjoyable plain.

With its robust character and full mouth feel, this organic black tea selection from Colombia is a great morning eye opener. Notes of sweet milk chocolate predominate in both the aroma and the dark ruby copper cup. Hints of Burgundy and malt provide a lively complement to the rich flavor. A smooth finish completes an exceptional tea experience. A staff favorite.

A tribute to the famous London tea auctions, our Leadenhall Street Breakfast Blend is a blend of two classic British teas: a brisk Ceylon and a thick, malty Assam. The result is a flavorful mixture which lends itself to the addition of milk.

A mélange of China Bohea and Congou black teas creates this hearty breakfast blend, perfect for your morning cup. Notes of earth and red wine are complemented by a toffee sweetness in the fragrant aroma. The dynamic flavor profile features notes of earth, semi-sweet cocoa, and oak Burgundy, enveloped by a rich syrupy dark sweetness that lingers into the finish.

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

Fannings grade teas infuse quickly, producing a robust beverage. This blend of rich teas from Indonesia, Africa, and India will please those who like a hearty tea at a moderate price.

A fine organic Ceylon tea with a compelling Earl Grey scent.

A perfect choice for breakfast tea, this broken-leaf selection wakes you up with its brisk, refreshing aroma. Notes of honey and a light floral hint blend harmoniously with a rich, toasty character.

From the Monte Metilile Estate, small, well-made leaves produce a smooth, robust breakfast blend with a toasty aroma and rich mouth feel. Hints of stone fruit add a sweetness to both the aroma and the dark amber cup. Delicious with or without a splash of milk, this organic tea is the perfect choice to accompany something sweet.

An exceptional golden tip Darjeeling blend. We first introduced this tea in 1990 and it continues to be our most popular Darjeeling.

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

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

A blend of choice C.T.C. grade Assam teas, with the typical malty and flavorful taste profile. A perfect choice for those seeking a strong morning cup.

Our Golden Kenya tea is sold in either bold broken-leaf or whole-leaf, depending upon availability. 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. A brisk character with a subtle hint of rose makes this selection especially interesting.

A high-quality black tea base is flavored with natural bergamot, creating a rich and satisfying cup with full bergamot flavor and a smooth, clean finish. Sweet lemon hints enhance the pronounced bergamot notes in the aroma.

Fragrant with notes of dark cocoa powder, the rich aroma portends the velvety smooth, full-bodied cup filled with pronounced cocoa flavor. A warm toastiness wraps around sweet hints of honey that linger in the finish.

A bit of Lapsang Souchong is blended with Keemun and Darjeeling, yielding a mildly smoky tea. Perfect for an afternoon uplift.

Located in the Dooars region at the southern edge of Darjeeling district, the Nuxalbari Estate is a tea garden dedicated to the safety of Asian elephants and their environments. A warm spicy aroma starts off an outstanding Masala Chai experience. The deep copper cup of this organic premium black tea is rich and sweet with a cardamom-forward flavor profile, supported by zesty hints of ginger, warming cinnamon and a snap of clove. The finish is long and lingering.