Ineeka tea is packed in sturdy tins.
Ineeka is an innovative, Chicago-based tea company that not only imports and packages its uber-fresh teas, but actually owns the tea gardens in which they are grown and produced. Bill Daley, of the Chicago Tribune, recently did a story on this fascinating company (and was kind enough to include a few quotes from me): I urge you to read it!
Name: Darjeeling "Elevation"
Brand: Ineeka
Type: Black tea
Form: Bagged tea (very unique teabags!)
Review: Ineeka's Darjeeling "Elevation" is a unique tea in two ways: First is the addition of calendula (marigold) petals to the high-quality black Darjeeling leaves, and second is the nifty "BrewTaches" in which the tea is packed.
But first, the tea itself.
The dry leaf is medium-sized, twisted, and varies from dark to light brown, with some silvery tips. The calendula petals are a bright, cheery yellow-orange. The tea infuses to a bright coppery liquor with a decidedly earthy nose.
On the palate, the tea is likewise earthy (moreso than many Darjeelings) with some tobacco notes and moderate (but refreshing) astringency. The calendula petals add a nice "bite" and some structure to the blend. It goes particularly well with food, and is an excellent and substantial iced tea.
As I mentioned earlier, Ineeka teas are packed into some very unique teabags: The "BrewTache" is designed with little cardboard "wings" that hold the it open using the sides of a teacup or mug. The water is poured onto the leaves, the tea steeps, and the BrewTache is removed. It is an ingenious way of making quality leaf tea convenient.
Incidentally, Ineeka teas are packed in roomy, attractive, and sturdy tins that make wonderful storage containers.
Availability: Ineeka teas are available at Whole Foods Markets and other specialty shops in the city. They can also be ordered online via Ineeka's website.
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