Steven Smith Teamaker (sometimes referred to as Smith Tea) was founded by tea visionary, Steven Smith, to introduce Americans to a new, superior product that would heighten their palates and capture the imagination Smith had refined with his many years in the industry. After co-founding Stash Tea, and then the becoming the mastermind behind Tazo Tea Company, Smith was ready for retirement. However, it wasn’t long before he felt the itch to use his height of experience to develop one more brand, one that would draw even more from his well of creativity and would add a new facet to the industry he had spent a lifetime cultivating.
Houston’s now carries Smith Tea to further enhance our tea selection. This product is made with “only the best tea on the market,” as the Smith Tea website states. Every blend is crafted with meticulous care, not only to provide an exceptional flavor, but also to generate an aroma and appearance that is as unique as it is beautiful. We now offer this premium tea because it meets the demands of a segment of the industry that we believe remains largely untapped: consumers with a deep appreciation and desire for handcrafted tea.
Much of Smith Tea’s product line-up is inspired by its uncommon roots. For starters, the company was born in a 100-year-old blacksmith shop in Portland, Oregon, a city that regularly prides itself on being “weird.” While the location is now used as Smith Tea’s tasting room, the company still draws on the peculiarities of its heritage by developing flavors that are somewhat out of the norm, yet familiar. Here are just a few examples of these distinct takes on classic flavors that have been made available through Houston’s.
Lord Bergamot – reminiscent of Earl Grey, but with a bit more complexity, this black tea is a blend of Ceylon Dimbula and Uva leaves combined with Assam tea and Bergamot oil. The bright richness of the Assam meets citrusy-spicy Bergamot within mineral and floral notes of the companion teas for a malty sweetness.
Meadow – this chamomile tea brings together golden Egyptian flowers, fragrant hyssop, rooibos, rose petals, and linden flowers for a traditional chamomile flavor with a bit of apple and honey on the tail-end. With all of those petals in the bag, this is one chamomile that will have you wowed before it even begins to steep.
Jasmine Silver Tip – if you’re a fan of green tea, then this is definitely the Smith tea for you. Peak green tea leaves are harvested from China’s Fujian Province and steam-fired to seal their flavor. When fresh jasmine buds are added to the mix, the two ingredients form a concoction that is nothing short of magic. Look for hints of brown sugar in this delightful blend.
Exceptional Iced Tea – anyone who enjoys iced tea will tell you that black iced tea is without compare. Smith’s Exceptional Iced Tea combines Assam and Ceylon black teas with classic Nilgiri black tea and a full-flavored Darjeeling. The most prominent flavors you’ll notice are apricot, orange, and a bit of malt: a wonderfully crisp and natural-tasting iced tea.
The initial set of teas that Houston’s has selected from Smith pull from their Black Tea, Green Tea, Herbal Tea, and Iced Tea categories, ensuring that no matter the time of year, the occasion, or the consumer’s preference, we have a tea to match. We are very excited to provide this premium brand of teas, and to help offer a new perspective on your favorite classic.
