Tetley Tea Bags > Reviews (40)

How can the same drink be both refreshing yet relaxing, invigorating yet calming, uplifting yet soothing? I don't know, but somehow tea manages to do it, and for me, tea always has to be Tetley.

According to their website, www.tetley.co.uk, Tetley have been selling tea in the UK since 1856. The brand was originally created by brothers' Joseph and Edward Tetley, who initially sold it from the back of a pack horse (the 19th Century version of -off the back of a van). The brand grew successfully in both the UK and USA. Tetley were the first company to introduce the innovative concept of a tea bag to the UK in 1953, although tea bags had been common in the USA for many years before that. Over the years the Tetley brand has been owned by several companies including Lyons and Allied Breweries, and is now part of the Indian corporation TATA. From humble beginnings Tetley is now sold in 67 countries worldwide, as well as their familiar black tea they now produce a wide range of teas including green, iced, and organic. Tetley is part of the Ethical Tea Partnership, ensuring ethical sourcing of ingredients and sustainability for producers, they are also working towards membership of the Rainforest Alliance.

Tetley tea is available in various quantities from a pack of 80 bags to 440 bags, as well as giant catering packs. The greater the quantity the better value, however they frequently have offers in supermarkets of 3 for 2, or they have a certain percentage free in the pack. For many years the main marketing gimmick of Tetley tea was the Tetley Tea Folk. The Tea Folk are cartoon characters who produce and drink Tetley tea. Although they never appealed to me they must have been popular with someone because they have recently been brought back after a retirement of nearly 10 years!

Tetley blend their tea from African, Sri Lankan and Indian varieties, with Assam being the principal variety used. Taste is very personal and subjective, but to me Tetley tea is smooth, with a rounded, full-bodied flavour. Tetley is not as strong or robust as Yorkshire Tea, but has more depth and complexity of flavour than PG Tips. It tastes fresh and not dusty like some cheaper supermarket brands can do. It smells earthy and slightly sweet, has a mellow, rich flavour, and has the faintest metallic aftertaste, but is not bitter. I don't experience any murkiness or sediment, instead it is a clear and bright, with a somewhat subtle taste. I prefer my tea to be flavoursome but not overly strong so Tetley is perfect for me. If you prefer 'builders tea' that you can stand a spoon up in, you may be better off with the more powerful Yorkshire Tea or Tetley Extra Strong, as regular Tetley crosses the line from brewed to stewed after only a couple of minutes.

Tetley produces a gentle, but infinitely satisfying, cup of tea. They've had over 150 years to get it right, and for me it's absolutely perfect, the amber nectar of the gods.

Tetley, it's just my cup of tea