Birchall releases its Ultimate Black Tea Guide for National Tea Day

To mark National Tea Day, Birchall has unveiled its ultimate guide to black tea, spotlighting its favourite brews for every moment of the day, from first cup to last and all the special moments in between.

One of the world’s most popular teas, black tea is known for its rich flavour, full body and versatility. From breakfast blends to fragrant Earl Grey and delicate Darjeeling, styles vary widely depending on origin, altitude and processing. Birchall’s signature teas are sourced from high-altitude gardens in East Africa, where the growing conditions are ideal for producing teas with exceptional brightness and flavour.

For Birchall, the perfect cup, from morning to night, can be summed up as:

• Morning: Great Rift Breakfast Blend – a smooth, full-bodied tea with strength and brightness, ideal with or without milk. Sourced across East Africa from Rwanda to Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, high altitude and rich volcanic soil creates a tea with exceptional clarity of flavour.
• Afternoon: Virunga Tea – Afternoons call for something lighter and more refreshing with a clean, balanced finish. This pure origin tea is grown in Rwanda’s gardens near Virunga National Park, from which it takes its name. Cooler temperatures slow the growth of the tea plants, allowing the leaves to develop a more balanced and concentrated flavour. 
• Evening: Great Rift Decaf – all the depth of a classic black tea, without the caffeine. This blend is crafted from the same East African teas as the original blend but is gently decaffeinated to preserve the tea’s natural full bodied flavour. 

Birchall’s honourable mentions include:

• Best with Lemon: Virunga Earl Grey – infused with bergamot, this tea perfectly complements the brightness of lemon, creating a refreshing and aromatic beverage. This blend is also grown in Rwanda, at over 2,300 metres above sea level, making it one of the highest tea estates in the world.
• Best Tea to Support Conservation: Serengeti – a rare and unique Tanzanian black tea grown in rich volcanic soil, heavy rainfall and an equatorial climate. Bright and invigorating, through Birchall’s partnership with Tusk, every pack of Serengeti, Great Rift and Great Rift Decaf contributes to protecting endangered wildlife across Africa. 
• Special Occasions: Darjeeling – light, floral and often referred to as the ‘champagne of teas’, this tea is grown high in the foothills of the Himalayas. Delicate aromas and elegant flavour profile makes it a distinctive blend, perfect for a special occasion or slow, thoughtful sipping. 

Black tea comes from the camellia sinensis plant, with its distinctive flavour developed through full oxidation. While typically stronger than green or white teas, it can be enjoyed in multiple ways – with milk, lemon or simply on its own…