The latest edition to my tea cabinet is a sampling of Fortnum & Mason Famous Teas Royal Blend teabags. Fortnum & Mason was founded in 1707 and have been designated Royal grocers for centuries. They weren’t exaggerating when they named this tea “Royal Blend,” either. The tea is a mixture of Ceylon and Assam teas that was created in 1902 for King Edward VII himself.
The taste is spectacular. I usually drink tea without any sugar or sweeteners, and Royal Blend was no exception. The flavor has been described as “almost honey-like,” and there is definitely some natural sweetness to it. While the brew is strong and malty, it is also mellow enough to enjoy straight.
It is entirely possible that I may have been in love with this tea before I even tasted it. It falls into a category of teas I call “Nana Teas,” so named because they smell and/or taste like tea my grandmother would have served. Royal Blend in particular seems fitting for her, since she was affectionately referred to as “The Queen.” Add the smell of old books and cigarette smoke and I would have been completely transported. 🙂
Although I sampled the tea bags, Fortnum & Mason Famous Teas Royal Blend is also available in a lovely canister.
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