Portugal Black Tea

Father Jasper de Cruz of Portugal was the first European to encounter and write about tea in 1560.  Later the Portuguese developed a trade route to China and shipped tea back. When Portuguese Princess Catherine of Braganza married King Charles II of England in 1662, she brought with her a chest of tea as part of her dowry and was credited for making this beverage fashionable in Britain.

Tea growing in Portugal began in the 19th century in the Azores, the volcanic islands in the mid-Atlantic Ocean.  Today Gorreana is the only remaining tea plantation there.

This Gorreana black tea is made from younger leaves grown in Sao Miguel.  It is full-bodied with an impressively rich flavor.

Portugal Black 

Type:  Black      Producing Country: Portugal   Preparation:  95°C 4 Min

Dry Leaf:  The dark and broken pieces of leaves are herbaceous, spicy and raisiny.
Wet Leaf: The wet leaves are also herbaceous and spicy, with hints of wicker, cocoa and prunes.
Liquor:      The color of the tea is coppery brown and bright.  It is full-bodied with mid-astringency.  It is cinnamon-spicy and floral.  It is nice with milk.

Tee Score: 4 out of 5