Scottish Breakfast

Caffeine Content: Moderate Caffeine

Ingredients: Black tea

Flavor Profile: Bold - Bright - Oaky

Brewing Instructions: 

Amount: 1-2 teaspoons per 8oz

Water Temperature: 200-212°

Steep Time: 3-5 minutes

Scottish Breakfast

Scottish Breakfast Tea is a classic, robust blend designed to deliver a hearty and energizing cup to start the day. Known for its bold and malty characteristics, it is traditionally crafted with a combination of strong black teas, primarily from Assam in India. This tea is meant to evoke the traditional Scottish breakfast experience, where a strong and full-bodied tea is often enjoyed alongside hearty fare like porridge, eggs, or smoked fish. The boldness of Scottish Breakfast Tea makes it a perfect companion for milk, sugar, or even a dash of cream.

Key Characteristics:

Assam Tea Influence:

• Flavor Profile: The backbone of most Scottish Breakfast Tea blends is Assam tea, known for its rich, malty flavor. The tea is full-bodied and strong, with a natural sweetness that balances its deep, slightly astringent notes. The malty richness often comes with hints of honey, chocolate, and dried fruit, creating a comforting, satisfying flavor that lingers.
• Aromatic Complexity: Assam tea offers an intense, malty aroma, which fills the room with its full-bodied scent. It has a distinctive richness, and its dark color when brewed reflects its strength.
• Briskness and Strength: While it’s a smooth and malty brew, Assam tea also has a slight briskness that provides a quick pick-me-up, making it ideal for those who prefer a more energizing morning cup.

Flavor Profile:

• Bold and Malty: The dominant flavor in Scottish Breakfast Tea is the malty, rich essence from Assam. It’s an intense, full-bodied brew that creates a warm, satisfying feeling with each sip.
• Brisk and Invigorating: With a slightly astringent edge, Scottish Breakfast Tea gives an energizing kick, helping to clear the mind and prepare you for the day ahead.
• Natural Sweetness and Complexity: While the tea is strong, it also carries a natural sweetness that balances the astringency. You may taste subtle notes of dried fruit, dark chocolate, and honey, creating a more complex experience than a standard black tea.

Brewing Tips:

• Water Temperature: Water between the temperatures of 200-212°F (93-100°C) are ideal for extracting the full strength of the black tea leaves, ensuring the bold, malty flavor emerges without being overpowered.
• Steeping Time: Brew for 3-5 minutes, adjusting to your personal preference. A longer steeping time will bring out more of the astringent, brisk notes, while a shorter time will highlight the malty sweetness of the Assam tea.

Health Benefits:

• Caffeine Boost: Scottish Breakfast Tea, primarily made from Assam, has a high caffeine content, making it an excellent choice for those who need a strong, revitalizing boost in the morning. It’s perfect for waking up and providing an energy lift without the jittery effects of coffee.
• Antioxidants: Like most black teas, Scottish Breakfast is rich in antioxidants, which help to combat free radicals and may support overall health, particularly heart health and the immune system.
• Digestive Aid: The brisk, slightly astringent quality of the tea can help stimulate digestion, making it an excellent option to drink after meals.
• Hydration: Despite its strong flavor and caffeine content, tea is still a hydrating beverage and can contribute to overall fluid intake.

Serving Suggestions:

• With Milk: Scottish Breakfast Tea is traditionally enjoyed with milk, which complements its robust flavor and smooths out its boldness. The creaminess of milk softens the tea, making it more rounded and enjoyable.
• With Sugar or Honey: Many people add sugar or honey to balance the slight astringency of the tea and bring out its natural sweetness. The addition of sweeteners makes it a comforting, indulgent treat in the morning.
• Lemon (optional): For those who prefer a lighter, brighter option, adding a slice of lemon can complement the natural sweetness of the tea and add a refreshing citrusy note.
• Iced or Hot: While Scottish Breakfast Tea is traditionally enjoyed hot, it can also be served iced, offering a refreshing, bold tea experience perfect for warmer weather.

Why Scottish Breakfast?

Scottish Breakfast Tea is the quintessential strong, morning tea. It is perfect for those who love a bold, malty cup that will stand up to milk, sugar, and even the hearty flavors of a traditional breakfast. If you enjoy a rich, full-bodied brew that is both invigorating and comforting, this tea is an excellent choice.

Whether you’re looking for a classic, no-frills black tea or a robust cup to pair with your breakfast, Scottish Breakfast Tea delivers on its promise of strength and flavor. It’s a beloved, time-honored blend that’s perfect for early mornings and sets the tone for a productive, energized day.