A Winter Note From the Kettle

Hello friends!

Please join me with a cup of tea and enjoy reading the very first From the Kettle newsletter by Kindred Steeps. I’m so glad you’re here.

Winter has always felt like a season made for tea. It invites us to warm our hands around a mug and savor flavors that feel grounding and comforting. This winter collection was created with that spirit in mind. Thoughtful blends, shared moments, and a little curiosity along the way.

Winter Collection Spotlight

This season’s collection includes four blends, each with its own winter personality:

• Holiday Hearth (Rooibos) A cozy, spice-forward rooibos blend made for fireside sipping and fuzzy socks.

• Fireside Fig (Smoky Black) A smoky, fruit-kissed blend inspired by an outdoor, wood burning fireplace.

• Fresh Snowfall (White) A light, herbal, and refreshing blend inspired by the stillness after a fresh winter snow.

• Winter Grey (Decaf) A twist on the classic Earl Grey blend, with orange and warming spices.

While cinnamon is one of my favorite ingredients, I intentionally challenged myself this season to create blends that step away from it. That creative stretch led to both Fresh Snowfall and Fireside Fig, two blends that explore winter flavor through herbs, smoke, and fruit rather than traditional spice warmth. I am pretty tickled with how these blends came together.

Winter Brewing Tip

If you’re enjoying Holiday Hearth or other rooibos spice blends, here’s a helpful winter brewing tip:  Rooibos takes longer for its full flavor to develop, especially when blended with spices like cinnamon, cocoa nibs, cloves, star anise, etc. Unlike traditional teas, it will not become bitter with a longer steep.

Try steeping your rooibos blends for 6 to 8 minutes. This extended time allows the spices to fully open up and creates a richer, more delicious cup.

Looking Ahead

Behind the scenes, I’m already experimenting with ideas for Valentine’s Day. Think boxes of chocolate, roses, and romantic flavors meant to be shared with someone special. I can’t wait to share more with you soon!

Thank you for joining me on this tea journey!  I’m so grateful to each of you!

Until our next cup,

Heather