A Valentine’s Day Note

Welcome back!  Hope this finds you doing well and you can pour a cup of tea to enjoy while reading our next edition of From the Kettle.

This month’s theme is love!  And one of my favorite ways to say “I love you” or “I care for you” doesn’t involve grand gestures. It shows up in small rituals or acts of service.

In our home, I am usually the first one up, making our morning elixirs. I reach for tea (shocking, I know), while my husband prefers coffee. It is a rhythm we have settled into over time. On the mornings when I sleep in, though, he makes my tea for me without being asked. Always Earl Grey, with a little cane sugar in my favorite mug.

It is a small thing, but it tells me everything. I see you. I care for you. I know what brings you comfort. That feeling is at the heart of this Valentine’s collection. Teas created not just for romance, but for the everyday moments of care we share with the people we love and self care for ourselves.

Valentine’s Collection Spotlight

This Valentine’s Day, these blends are debuting together as a set, because the flavors are intertwined and meant to be experienced that way.  They were inspired by familiar expressions of love. A box of chocolates. A bouquet of roses. The sweetness of cherries and strawberries shared and savored.

• Hazelnut Ganache - A black tea with hazelnut and chocolate notes. “A kiss of indulgence.”

• Crimson Petal - A black tea with cherries and rose petals. “A bouquet for your heart.”

• Blushing Berry - A decaf black tea with strawberries and vanilla. “Like reading a love letter.”

Whether shared with someone special or enjoyed on your own, this collection was created to celebrate love in all its forms.

Tea Leaf Background on Keemun

At the heart of Hazelnut Ganache is Keemun, a black tea chosen very intentionally for this collection.

Keemun originates from China’s Anhui province and is known for its naturally smooth and layered character. It is often described as having gentle notes of cocoa, dried fruit, and wine, giving it a depth that feels both comforting and refined.

Those natural chocolate leaning notes made Keemun the perfect foundation for Hazelnut Ganache. Rather than overpowering the blend, it supports the hazelnut and chocolate flavors, allowing them to feel indulgent without becoming heavy.

When building blends, the tea leaf itself always leads the conversation. In this case, Keemun brought warmth, richness, and elegance that felt exactly right for a Valentine’s collection rooted in care and intention.

Looking Ahead

As winter slowly begins to loosen its grip, I am already turning my attention toward spring. In the months ahead, I will be working on blends inspired by lighter, brighter flavors. Fresh florals, citrus notes, and teas that feel uplifting and well suited for longer days and moments of renewal.

Spring is just around the corner, and I look forward to sharing what is steeping next.

Thank you for being here and for sharing this tea journey with me.

Until our next cup,

Heather