I am very excited to be taking a bit of a jaunt to Boston in October for a multi-day tea tour trip hosted by TeaTime Magazine. Our small group will be stopping for tea in several locations, learning about the history of tea, and soaking in knowledge from two very well-known experts on the subject.

In looking at the itinerary, I discovered a tearoom we will be visiting in Salem as part of our day there called Jolie Tea Company. I visited their lovely website and was impressed by their VERY large selection of over 200 loose-leaf teas, terrific sampler sets, and themed tea boxes they offer. They also host multiple events at their two different locations in Beverly and Salem, Massachusetts. Oh, how I wish we had a spot like this near me in Maine. I’d visit every week.

To familiarize myself with their product, I ordered China Yunnan and Rose Black teas. The tea arrived in a lovely white box layered with goodies inside:

• Large printed Thank You card
• The two packets of tea in black envelopes with a simple black & white label
• A hand-written thank you note on the invoice
• Tea Club invite
• Tea Brew Guide
• Free sample packet of Ginger Peach tea

Their company slogan asks the ancient question “Is the tea in you?” This question calls back to an ancient Japanese proverb: If a man has no tea in him, he is incapable of understanding truth and beauty.

In this sitting, I enjoyed Jolie’s Rose Black tea with some simple homemade cream scones filled with dozens of mini chocolate chips. There are substantial pieces of rose petals amongst the Chinese Congou black tea leaves, and the sweetness and toasty apple–like aroma of the tea paired nicely with the subtle rose flavor.

I used a brand-new ceramic tray that I bought at a festival on the coast last weekend from Dragon’s Breath Pottery. It’s a beautiful shade of blue with a lovely gold pattern. I thought it presented the scones very well, and it was just the size I was looking for.

Rest assured, once we visit the Jolie Tea Company tearoom, I will be writing another long blog post about the experience! I’m thinking it will be a good one, too. Salem, MA…in October? Come on!

Cheers!