In case it has not been overly evident previously, I dig tastings. It makes no difference whether it is jammy red wine, artisan ice cream, rich coffee, unique honey or, in this case, a tea tasting. I don’t discriminate.
It was pure luck that right next door to Portland’s meaty Olympic Provisions restaurant was a tiny tea tasting house. Even more lucky, they serve a Fez tea. And also have a Fez hat on hand to boot. What a fezzy coincidence.
Steven Smith Teamaker is a quaint shop in Portland, Oregon that produces hand-crafted, fine tea using interesting ingredients from around the World.
And a tea tasting there is one of the fun things to do in Portland.
Along with individual cups of tea, the teaworks also offers a tea tasting of their impressive selection. And you can wear a Fez while doing it. Bonus.
We sat at the table height bar and ordered the tea tasting, a tea flight. Just like at a wine bar. Sort of. Unsure about the flavors, we let the knowledgeable staff choose the flavors of our four tastings. One was the Fez No. 39.
In a tea tasting, the tea is steeped stronger than normal and just like in a coffee cupping, you are supposed to slurp your tea so you can truly taste it. Finally, an excuse for bad manners.
As I was expertly slurping my yellow Fez tea, a red Fez hat sat discreetly on the corner of the bar, staring at me. What do you want?
Even after much thought, the Fez and tea connection eluded me. So, I asked.
Fez No. 39 tea was named after the age owner Steve was was when he got his first Fez. He must really like Fez’s.
And though I still don’t really get it, they had a Fez on premise. One that you can wear while tasting your tea. Can anyone guess what I did?
Have you ever been to a tea tasting? Is it on your list of things to do?
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That looks really fun! I absolutely love tea but I've never been to a tea tasting before. Not much opportunity for that in Ohio :P
Well, if you ever make it to Portland definitely do a tea tasting!
This sounds like a lot of fun. I didn't do a tea tasting while I was up in Portland but next time I'm there I am totally checking this place out!
It’s a quick and unique thing to do in Portland. And it’s right next door to a GREAT restaurant :)
No to both, but I would LOVE to go to a tea tasting! You look so cute in that hat.
Tea tasting is almost as fun as wine tasting :)
I didn't even know what a fez was up until now. I haven't experienced a tea tasting, but it looks to be educational, soothing, and therapeutic.
There is definitely something thereapeutic about a tea tasting!
I've never been to a teat tasting! Sounds fun – especially with a fez. :)
Yes, the fez made it spectacular :)
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