TeaGschwendner carefully packages its teas in opaque bags.
Do you remember what it was like going to a toy store as a child? The walls were covered with toys, and there you were, surrounded by them all! A fairy-land indeed, until, of course, your parents insisted that you choose only one toy to take home.
TeaGschwendner at State and Division is like a toy store for tea lovers. Behind the counter is a whole wall of tea, each stored in its own bin. Adult tea-drinkers don't need their parents approval for making a purchase, but the task of choosing even several teas can still be quite daunting.
Fortunately, TeaGschwendner employs a helpful, knowledgeable and tea-loving staff. There are always several teas and tisanes available for sampling, and if a tea that interests you is not being sampled that day, you can always purchase a freshly brewed cup for a few dollars.
Buying tea at TeaGschwendner is definitely an old-school experience. Step right up to the counter and explain to the tea seller what you are looking for. They will be glad to make recommendations and to bring out teas for your inspection. Teas are packaged in thick, opaque, foil bags with detailed instructions for preparation on the label.
As its name suggests, TeaGschwendner is a German company, with a definate European emphasis: They boast a huge selection of Darjeelings and Assams, and Earl Grey lovers will swoon over TeaGschwendner's seven different variations on that favorite. Sadly, TeaGschwendner doesn't offer much in the way of oolongs, though both the Formosa Superior Taifu oolong and Sumatra Oolong Barisan are very tasty indeed.
TeaGschwendner stocks a number of decaffeinated teas and zero-caffeine herbal and fruit tisanes as well, with a particularly good selection of rooibos (TeaGschwendner spells it "rooibush") blends. Children in particular will enjoy many of their fruit teas, such as T-bear's™ Gummi Bear, which includes actual Gummi Bear candies.
Tips for Shopping at TeaGschwendner:
- TeaGschwendner is a tea shop, not a tea room. You can get a cup of hot or iced tea to sip or to take with you, but it will be packaged in a disposable cup. There is no seating.
- Get on TeaGschwendner's mailing list. They have frequent sales, classes, and tastings that you will want to know about.
- TeaGschwendner excels at blending flavored teas. Green Coconut and Elderflower White Tea are two delicious examples.
- TeaGschwendner sells its teas in quantities of 50 grams, 100 grams, 250 grams and 500 grams, though the 50 gram quantity is not marked on the bins. If you aren't ready to make a 100 gram purchase, just ask for 50 grams: They will be happy to oblige.
- The staff will offer you a small sample of tea leaves with any purchase, which is usually enough to make two cups of tea.They will also offer you a free plastic teaspoon, which is quite handy.
- Don't miss TeaGschwendner's catalog, called known as the Book of Tea. It is very informative, with sections on tea preparation, history, growing regions and terminology. The Book of Tea is free.
- TeaGschwendner's United States operations are headquartered here in Chicago, with their warehouses in Buffalo Grove. If the shop is out of something, staff can probably get it in quickly for you. Alternatively, you can just order it yourself from their website at Teamerchants.com.
- Despite their having a large selection of Earl Greys, TeaGschwendner does not offer an Earl Grey de la Creme (i.e. with vanilla flavoring). I am told, however, that their "Cream" flavored black tea blends very well with their Earl Greys.
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