Tea-hocolic...... 3C is the mantra unlike the 4S of wine...

No cocktails or mocktails but this is about Tea Tales...

We all know about cocktail parties and wine tasting sessions, let’s go on the other side of the story.. the same ingredient i.e. tannins yet served in a very different fashion. That too, a much required need, in a dry state probably!! Ahmedabad as a city is a tea loving place; one can spot kitlis at every 200 meters for the traditional black tea prepared with milk... which has now outgrown in different avtars ...just like fine dining places and growing cafe craze, the city is also witnessing growth of Tea junctions where one can buy and taste teas from across the globe and various concoctions prepared out of it, defining the drink completely in a different fashion so that you can fall in love with the entire idea of it.

Kettlery, a destination for people who don’t even like the idea of tea will fall in love with it!! The hand-picked variety of teas range from the black, white, oolong and green tea... all these leaves are either picked at various stages of growing or fermented differently which impart to their health benefits and flavours too.

Further to this they have International varieties, classic blends, non caffeine versions, fruit and floral teas for the non tea lovers. The fruit and Floral versions are the best option for health freaks who wish to avoid caffeinated aerated drinks and those made from synthetic colours and sugar syrups.

Myself being a tea lover went in for a specially arranged Tea Tasting session.. Just like those wine tasting sessions, this too is a sojourn of its own kind. Classic, informative, healthy and non alcoholic; the best option a dry state can offer..

I tried my hands on some of teas and tisanes... 

Similar to a wine tasting where the 4S’s play an important role, i.e sniff, sip, swirl and swallow... here the mantra is about 3C’s: Cut, Clarity and colour followed AT: Aroma and the Taste (to arrive AT it)  

Varieties which I tasted

Nilgiri Green twirl:   A soothing mild option of original green tea, very soothing and hydrating. The taste isn’t pungent at all like the ones commercially available in tea bags. I learnt this is how original Green tea should be.. tastes best with honey and lemon.

Best time to have: Chinese have after meals, as it aids digestion and acts as palette cleanser.

Sparkling Oolong from Taiwan: Oolong tea is nowadays getting attention cause of more awareness, information and availability of the product. The best varieties of Oolong come from China and Taiwan.  They are partially oxidised and fermented versions of Tea which imparts a smoky flavour great option for those opting to shed of extra pounds from body as it increases metabolic rate of body aiding in calorie burning.

The one we tried our hands on was blended with sugar peals and rose-petals which imparts champagne like flavour.  

The rose petals make it a very good therapeutic and aromatic coolant for summers.

Secrets of East : A unique version where white and green teas from Eastern regions of the world are mixed and blended with rose and saffron.

Non-processed relaxing version of tea, loaded with anti-oxidants and highly therapeutic and a great relaxant!!

In House blend of Kettlery, this blend is like the icing on the cake.

Christmas Drink: Dried berries and fruits with cinnamon. This version is specially prepared as a substitute for mulled wine, a very popular Christmas drink.

Flavours: Fruity, spicy, sweet, tangy refreshing drink with no caffeine. Can be served with sparkling water or soda.

Rich in vitamins and minerals...Best detox summer coolant!! What more can taste buds get high on spirits for...

Herbal Blend Tisane :  Mix of roman chamomile and mint

A nerve relaxing agent, good for insomnia, reduces anxiety, good for cold and sinus patients. A warm version is highly recommended for coughs and colds.

What I had was a Curated inhouse mojito...

So you can have it cold or hot!! Choice is yours!!

Relax and Purify: Rooibos tea blended with fennel and dried mint

Another detox version in different avtaar,. This serves as a natural coolant, aids digestion and maintains body temperature.

So just keep sipping on those varieties of teas, and hang around without a hangover!!

Certain facts about tea:

White version:  are the terminal buds, youngest version; non processed in their purest format and richest in anti-oxidants, lightest in colour and clarity.

Green Tea:  Tea Leaves which have not been oxidized

Oolong: normal tea leaves which are semi processed carry the goodness of green and black teas.

Black Tea: Fermented, processed rolled and oxidised