July 9, 2025

A Journey Through Nepal’s Tea Legacy

Located in South Asia, Nepal is renowned for having some of the largest mountains in the world, including Mount Everest which is the highest point anywhere on Earth. Nestled between the tea giants of India and China, Nepal is also home to some of the world’s most exquisite teas. From the misty hills of Ilam to the high-altitude gardens of Solukhumbu, Nepal has been producing high-quality teas that are gaining international recognition for their unique flavors and artisanal craftsmanship.  Come along as we explore this breathtaking part of the world that offers us a wide array of superb and diverse teas. A Brief History of Tea in Nepal Origins and Early Cultivation Nepal has a close proximity to Darjeeling and, with their mountainous Himalayan elevations, they yield teas […]
July 9, 2025

Savor the Summer: Refreshing Recipes, New Brews & Sunny Tea Accessories!

Welcome to your ultimate guide for a tea-infused summer! Get ready to explore vibrant recipes perfect for warm days, discover exciting new tea blends to tantalize your taste buds, and find the must-have accessories to elevate your sunny sipping sessions. Let’s dive into a season of delicious discoveries! 🦀☀️ New Teas & Recipes Spotlight: 🫐Blueberry Limeade Green Tea This fabulous green tea blend brews up to a blue cup with the refreshing taste of blueberry and citrus. Enjoy the front forward taste of blueberry and then the lingering, uplifting flavor of lime.  This green tea blend is a winner! Ingredients: Green tea, organic lemon peel, butterfly pea flowers, and natural blueberry limeade flavor. Refreshing Blueberry Limeade Mocktail with Blueberry Limeade Green Tea This recipe combines the bright flavors of limeade with […]
April 15, 2025

The Rich Heritage of Indian Tea

From the lush tea gardens of Assam to the misty hills of Darjeeling, join us on a journey through the Indian teas that have captured the hearts of tea lovers worldwide. India is one of the largest tea producing areas in the world with teas coming mainly from the Assam, Darjeeling, Nilgiri, Kerala, Sikkim and Dooars regions. Tea production from each of these areas is quite distinct. A Brief History of Indian Tea In 1823 Major Robert Bruce, of the East India Company, was tasked with exploring the possibility of commercial production of tea in India.  He discovered tall tea trees that had been growing for centuries in the wild in Assam now classified as Camellia sinensis var. assamica.  While there were not enough leaves from these trees […]
September 6, 2024
Green Leaf Cup & Saucer

The long and fascinating history of teacups & saucers

Teacups and saucers have a long and fascinating history that is interwoven with the origin of tea and its journey across the globe. Tea was discovered in China around 2737 BCE and was originally drunk from small, handleless bowls.  These bowls were used for many years and made from ceramic materials. The first proto-porcelain was introduced and used from 1600-1050 BCE.  Improved techniques commenced around 25-220 CE and the porcelain we are familiar with today was pioneered during the Tang dynasty (618-907).  These tea bowls remained in the East until the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) when they were exported to European consumers. Tea was consumed in China, Japan and other countries for hundreds of years before it was introduced to Europeans.  In the 16th century, Portuguese and Dutch trading […]
September 2, 2024
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Black tea blend

Uncovering the mystery of our new Literary Tea

  Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Black Tea! We’re excited to announce the latest addition to our Literary tea line – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Black Tea blend! Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (May 22, 1859 – July 7, 1930), a doctor and writer, was best known as the creator of the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes.  For most people Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes are one in the same. In fact, I don’t think you can mention Doyle without conjuring up images of Sherlock Holmes, pipe in mouth, tartan plaid cape and deerstalker hat, investigating the most confounding of crimes. When we started to create this tea blend, we perused information about Doyle as well as details he wrote about Holmes.  Since the mentioning of specific teas was not directly […]
July 18, 2024
Citral Bee - Lavender Lemon Herbal Blend

Lavender: The Hot Herb of 2024

So lavender is the hot “new” herb for 2024?  Recorded data shows the use of lavender for healing properties, in perfumery and cooking back in 77AD! It’s popularity has never dwindled, however chefs, bakers, and baristas have elevated this aromatic herb to new culinary heights recently. For tea companies, the marriage of lavender with teas and other herbs is nothing new.  Many of us have incorporated lavender into our tea blends for many years, as well as created culinary recipes with those blends.     The first blend we created with lavender was an herbal concoction called Lavender Lace that we introduced in 1993.   Lavender Lace       The following year in 1994 we introduced Victorian Earl Grey which combines the ever popular Earl Grey with roses, […]
March 28, 2024

Spring Tea Pairings

As the vibrant hues of spring paint the world, there’s no better time to indulge in the delicate flavors of Simpson & Vail floral teas. With their enchanting aromas and refreshing taste, floral infusions offer a delightful sensory experience that perfectly complements the season’s awakening. But what’s a cup of tea without a delectable companion to elevate the experience? Join us on a journey through the blossoming world of spring tea pairings, as we explore the enchanting realm of floral teas and discover the perfect culinary companions to enhance your tea experience. From light bites to decadent treats, these pairings promise to tantalize your taste buds and awaken your senses. Kashmir Rose Black Tea – Try pairing Kashmir Rose with carrots (savory and sweet (i.e. carrot cake)), apricots, mango, nuts, […]
March 28, 2024
Earl Grey Martini Recipe

Earl Grey Marteani Recipe

Earl Grey teas, traditionally, were blends comprised of varying black teas with Bergamot oil added to them. Today, any tea (green, white, herbal) that is sprayed with Bergamot oil is known as Earl Grey (such as our Emerald Green Earl Grey, Rooibos Earl Grey, etc).  Every tea merchant carries an Earl Grey black tea blend, but they are all very different due to the variations in black teas used for the blend and the quality of the bergamot oil. Earl Grey is also used in a wide variety of recipes – check out our delicious Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies! If baking isn’t for you, Earl Grey pairs well with liquor too. Earl Grey Marteani  Makes one 6 oz. cocktail  Ingredients: 1 1/2 oz. gin  1/2 oz. lemon juice 3/4 […]
March 28, 2024

Unveiling the Triple Crown Trail Tea Gift Box

The Perfect Companion for your next Hiking Adventures Simpson & Vail is excited to announce the launch of this new nature themed tea gift box!  This gift box honors those intrepid hikers who venture off to complete the Triple Crown: the Appalachian Trail, the Continental Divide Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail.   Each kraft package contains approx. ¾ of an ounce of loose-leaf teas and is adorned with a beautiful label that invokes the adventure of hiking.  These are perfect for brewing at home while reading journals of hiking adventures and plotting your next trip.  They make a great gift for hiking enthusiasts and the packages are light and compact which makes them perfect for taking on your next hike.    “There are no shortcuts to any place worth […]
March 28, 2024

Sip Your Way into Enchantment: Exploring the Magic of our New Fairy Tale Teas Gift Box

Put on the kettle and brew up a cup of one of Simpson & Vail’s new Fairy Tale Teas! Simpson & Vail is thrilled to announce the launch of this new fairy tale tea gift box that’s perfect for young and old alike. Soon after the launching of our popular Literary Tea line, I’ve wanted to introduce teas based on Fairy Tales.  It’s taken quite a few years, but we’re thrilled with this new gift box! The fairy tale inspired blends in the box are based off five classics tales: Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Rumpelstiltskin, Little Red Riding Hood, Little Snow White, and Hansel and Gretel.   “But Grandmother! What big teeth you have,” said Little Red Riding Hood her voice quivering slightly. “The better to eat you with, my […]