Father's Day Tea

Tea might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you're thinking of possible gifts to give Dad to celebrate Father's Day (June 21). Maybe something more along the lines of a new tie, a bestselling hardcover, some sort of fancy technological doo-dad, or a piece of yard machinery may seem more appropriate. If you're a tea fan, why not share your favorite drink with Dad?

Where to start? Though teas like Ceylon, Earl Grey, English Breakfast, and Irish Breakfast might make for good staples, why not try to offer Dad a sampling of more complex and unique teas? This is a great idea if they are indeed connoisseurs of liquor, beer, coffee, food, etc. Think also about your father's personality. Here are some suggestions to start off with:

• Lapsang Souchong: This is a black Chinese tea, so very rich and smoky. I liken it to 'Bacon' tea because of the smell! This tea is great paired with a little milk an sugar and can make for a great breakfast tea. A friend also once told me about serving it with a dollop of fruit jam to make a perfectly sweetened tea. If anything, Lapsang Souchong also makes for a great tea-based marinade for grilling and cooking.
• Gunpowder: A unique Chinese green tea, processed and rolled into tiny pellets. With a subtle smokiness that is unique with this particular green, it can make a for a nice intro into green teas (especially if Dad doesn't like the grassy flavor or sweetness of other green teas). Plus the name of this tea is pretty bad-arse!
• Assam Harmony: This malty, rich Indian black tea sometimes serves as a proper base for traditional Chai tea. Package this with sampling of spices used in the this tea (cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, ginger). Great for the father who loves to travel!
• Ali Shan: This beautiful Formosa oolong is a delightful and exquisite introduction to oolong teas. If your father is into the finer, more luxurious things in life, this tea would make for a great gift.
• Keemun Rhaspody: This Chinese black tea reminds me a bit of a fine red wine- tannic, smooth, and rich. This is my favorite out of our Keemun teas we offer.
• Yunnan Noir: This black Chinese tea, curiously rolled into snail-shaped balls is a smoother Yunnan with chocolatey notes. It's unique form makes this tea great for visionary Daddies, who need that extra fuel to keep them creative and going!
• Rooibos and Honeybush: These two herbal teas are naturally caffeine free, and are perfect for the Dad who needs to get their rest! My own Daddy is a big fan of flavored honeybush and rooibos teas (Rooibos vanilla and Honeybush Hazelnut are his favorites) and as a father who has to check his blood sugar, they give him just enough sweetness to satisfy those toothsome cravings.

Once the teas are picked out (all come in sample sizes!)be sure to offer something for him to prepare his tea. Skip of course the frilly china and flowery teaware and go for simple, sleek design. The gadget-obsessed Dad might like to check out our utiliTEA kettle and ingenuiTEA teapot. Our glass mug will make an attractive piece for Dad to bring to work or to use at home.

After giving Dad tea, be sure to show them how to prepare tea and sit down over a pot and have a good chat. Of course not every father will fall into these categories or gifts, but the gift of tea can be universal. Share the healthy gift of tea with Dad this year!