July 22, 2010
Recently, we’ve been enjoying the life story of Sir Thomas Lipton as
recounted in “A Full Cup: Sir Thomas Lipton’s Extraordinary Life and
His Quest For The America’s Cup” by Michael D’Antonio. Seems the
distinguished “Sir Tea” led quite a life, starting out the son of
humble grocers in Glasgow, emigrating to America, making his fortune,
and returning to become the toast of Britain. Knighted by Queen
Victoria for hosting a banquet for the poor (washed down by plenty of
tea), Lipton was also made a baronet by his yachting buddy, King
Edward VII. His slogan “a spoonful for every person and one for the
pot” revolutionized tea marketing and consumption in England. We’re
just guessing, but based on the witty personality you meet in these
pages, joyfully pursuing the America’s Cup title in sailing, among
other diversions, “Tom Tea” would enjoy cruising into Smith for the
new America’s cup of full leaf tea. Or maybe we’d just open an icy
bottle of Smith Blackcap and watch “Tin Cup” on DVD.
April 6, 2010
Next time you’re in Twist, check out the latest in the art of tea from Smith and the kids from Caldera.
We brewed it up Saturday afternoon, March 27th. The teaworks was hopping with 14 teenagers learning the history and ingredients of great blends. Then we created a special Caldera Chai on the spot – formulated and named by the students. Packing the string tie boxes was a hoot with everyone singing camp songs.
These pictures were taken by the kids.
You’ll find Caldera Chai now on artful display at Twist, and all proceeds benefit Caldera thanks to our good friend Paul Schneider.
You can learn more about Caldera here – It’s a nonprofit, year-round arts program dedicated to mentoring Oregon kids, ages 11 on up.
The small batch of students who came to the teaworks taught us a great lesson about staying fresh in our thinking.
Cheers to everyone who helped this educational blend come together, including Matt Hansink, Tricia Snell, Cristy Lanfri, Kirsten Kilchentsein, Palmer Petterson and the folks at Sandstrom Partners.
March 16, 2010
First plucking day of the season on Chamong’s Tonganagaon Tea Garden in Tinsukia District in Assam, India.
December 9, 2009
November 27, 2009
October 1, 2009
I’m sitting in the Teaworks at the moment, looking out at the Portland rain and sipping a hot cup of Brahmin’s Choice. It’s a blend of full-bodied Indian Assams, paired with succulent Ceylon Dimbulla, Ceylon Uva and a touch of smoky China Keemun from Anhui. (The batch number is 90101, the first batch we’ve produced, in case you want to look up more specifics.)
Seems like the perfect blend to get this blog up and running.
Since you’re here, you’ve already been introduced to Steven Smith Teamaker, a small batch, full leaf tea line that I just launched with some good friends from my original Tazo team. We’re small, so we can work with rare ingredients and share the stories behind each batch of tea with you.
Just wanted to introduce myself and say stay tuned for more.
Now, back to the blending room.
Cheers,
Steve
September 25, 2009
It’s true, we’re up and running — but not quite ready to have you in for tea at the Teaworks, as we’re still tying up loose ends (and String-Tie boxes). Until then, please help yourself to our products here online, and look for our teas in some of your favorite shops and restaurants. For a list, click on Finding Smith.
September 24, 2009
