Salem's Tea House
Irish Breakfast
Irish Breakfast
Caffeine Content: Moderate Caffeine
Ingredients: Black tea
Flavor Profile: Bold - Malty - Stout
Brewing Instructions:
Amount: 1-2 teaspoons per 8oz
Water Temperature: 200-212°
Steep Time: 3-5 minutes
Irish Breakfast is a bold and invigorating tea that brings together the best of two powerful tea-growing regions: India and Kenya. By combining the malty depth of Indian Assam with the bright, astringent qualities of Kenyan black tea, this blend delivers a robust, full-bodied cup that is both rich and energetic. It’s the perfect morning tea, providing a strong caffeine boost and an unforgettable flavor profile. Unlike English Breakfast, which tends to be slightly more delicate, Irish Breakfast is typically made with a higher proportion of Assam tea, giving it a richer, more intense taste.
Key Characteristics:
Indian Assam Influence:
- Flavor Profile: Assam tea, known for its malty, brisk, and slightly sweet flavor, forms the base of this blend. It imparts a rich, hearty quality with a deep, full-bodied taste that is energizing and satisfying.
- Aromatic Complexity: The Assam adds a boldness to the blend, with a smooth, biscuity sweetness that carries through each sip, giving the tea a warm and inviting feel.
Kenyan Black Tea Influence:
- Bright & Brisk: Kenyan black tea brings a vibrant, astringent note that cuts through the richness of the Assam. Known for its bright, citrusy undertones, it adds a sharp, refreshing finish that balances the heavier malty flavors.
- Lively and Intense: Kenyan teas are typically more robust and tangy, contributing a lively complexity to the overall flavor and elevating the tea’s strength.
Flavor Profile:
- Bold & Malty: The Indian Assam provides a hearty, malty base that forms the foundation of this blend, delivering a deeply satisfying, full-bodied flavor with a slight sweetness.
- Bright & Zesty: The Kenyan tea gives the blend a lively and zesty finish, with hints of citrus and a crisp, refreshing quality that balances the richness of the Assam.
- Robust & Invigorating: Together, the Indian and Kenyan black teas create a strong, energizing cup with bold flavors that are perfect for a morning pick-me-up or as an afternoon energizer.
Brewing Tips:
- Water Temperature: Use water between 200-212°F (93-100°C). Lower temperatures will result in a smoother less astringent cup while higher temperatures will fully extract the bold, malty flavors of the Indian Assam while allowing the Kenyan tea's bright, astringent qualities to shine.
- Steeping Time: Brew for 3-5 minutes, adjusting the time based on your desired strength. A longer steeping will bring out more of the malty richness, while a shorter time will preserve the bright, citrusy notes of the Kenyan tea.
- Strength: This blend is typically enjoyed strong, but you can adjust the brewing time or quantity of leaves to suit your taste.
Health Benefits:
- Caffeine Boost: Irish Breakfast tea with Indian and Kenyan black tea is a strong, highly caffeinated brew, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a robust start to their day. The caffeine content from both tea varieties provides an energizing kick.
- Antioxidants: Both Indian and Kenyan black teas are rich in antioxidants, which help combat free radicals and promote overall health, particularly cardiovascular wellness.
- Digestive Aid: Black tea, including those from Assam and Kenya, may help with digestion and is often enjoyed after meals to support healthy gut function.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Milk: This tea is traditionally enjoyed with milk, which enhances its malty richness and adds a creamy texture. It’s especially comforting in the morning.
- With Sugar or Honey: You can sweeten the tea with sugar, honey, or your preferred sweetener to balance the bold flavors.
- Hot or Iced: While typically served hot, this blend can also be served iced for a refreshing experience during warmer months.
Why Irish Breakfast?
This blend is perfect for tea drinkers who enjoy a strong, full-bodied cup with both malty and bright, zesty notes. It’s an excellent choice for those who appreciate the boldness of traditional Irish Breakfast tea but want to experience a more complex and layered flavor profile. The combination of Indian Assam’s richness and Kenyan tea’s brightness creates a cup that’s robust, satisfying, and ideal for those who need a reliable, energizing brew to kick-start their day.