BLEND 1776

American culture revolved around tea throughout the colonial era, thanks to the introduction of the beverage by Dutch and English settlers. A cornerstone of colonial life, tea was soon enjoyed not only at posh tea parties but by all classes. To the contrary, tea was celebrated as a wholesome beverage and a sign of politeness and anticipated hospitality. The American colonists prioritised the purchase of tea, making it the third most popular import after textiles and manufactured products. England’s financial situation became dire in the second half of the 1700s as a direct result of the enormous costs associated with funding its worldwide colonial empire and funding the wars it fought on behalf of its colonies. As a last option, England placed a levy on tea throughout its vast dominion.

A violent patriotic uprising and a subsequent boycott of tea purchases ensued as a result of these activities. American independence was declared in 1776, after the American Revolution was sparked by the infamous Boston Tea Party. To satisfy their tea cravings during the boycott, colonists cooked anything from pine needles to strawberry leaves to maple leaves and bushes. The spirit of the revolution is captured in our mix of Ceylon and Assam tea (two important tea growing places in the ancient British Empire) with the flavourings of strawberry and maple.