Rare Teas
What is tea and where does it come from? The history of tea, the different types, production methods and origins from around the world.
Tea has a fascinating history that goes back thousands of years beyond reliable written records, with origins shrouded in myths and tales that grow and change with each telling. Learn about those stories and find out how a mystical leaf from ancient China evolved into the second most consumed beverage after water. We trace the routes of the global tea trade, exploring the complex role of empires in spreading tea culture around the world, and how modern traditions found their roots in high-society European aristocracy.
We also highlight Scotland's immense, often overlooked impact on global tea history. From the pioneering Scottish merchants and planters who established iconic estates across India and Ceylon, to the famous clippers that raced across the oceans to dock right here at Leith, our home city of Edinburgh has long been a vital gateway for tea. Reading through this section is the quickest way to understand how a brisk Kenyan CTC differs from a muscatel Darjeeling first flush, or a downy Fujian white from a Ceylon silver tip.
