Black Tea: A Warm Drink with Comforting Intensity

Accompanied by a beautiful coppery color after infusion, black tea also boasts an intense aroma that can captivate a wide range of palates, including those of avid coffee drinkers.

At Betjeman & Barton, black tea can be enjoyed pure or blended with floral, gourmand, woody, or even spicy notes. Produced in France with an English inspiration, our exceptional black teas embody a unique identity, reflecting the distinctiveness of our House in the highly sensory world of tea.

Whether you're a seasoned tea connoisseur or a complete newcomer, indulge in the elegance and authenticity of superior quality black tea through our online store.

Black Tea: A Hot Beverage of Comforting Intensity

Legend has it that black tea, like the Tarte Tatin in pastry, resulted from an unexpected mishap. To uncover the supposed origins of black tea, we must travel back to the 17th century and look toward England.

A shipment of green tea from China arrived in London after an interminable sea voyage. During the journey, the crates of green tea were opened, causing the leaves to oxidize due to exposure to oxygen. The tea leaves turned black but were still consumed by the English, who greatly appreciated the bold flavor.

Indeed, black tea is the most oxidized of all teas. It has become indispensable and is even the most popular tea in the West, where many tea enthusiasts drink it daily. The famous Earl Grey tea is, in fact, a black tea flavored with bergamot, named after the British Grey family (1764-1845). According to legend, a servant of the Grey family decided to drop a slice of bergamot into the black tea served to his masters, resulting in the world-renowned Earl Grey.

As for Darjeeling, one of the most famous black teas globally, it is named after the Indian town of Darjeeling, located in West Bengal, where it is grown. Known as the cream of black teas, Darjeeling is recognized for its amber color, pure taste, and delicate bitterness.

In our tea house, traditional black teas are paired with more whimsical blends, harmonizing with our unique hybrid identity. Thus, Earl Grey comes in classic, organic, or decaffeinated versions in our luxury tea catalog, while Darjeeling mixes its musky notes with fruity or floral tones, rich in sensory delight. Our wide collection of black teas includes those from China, like Pu-Erh tea, which improves with age, as well as teas from Nepal and Japan. From cherry blossoms to cocoa beans and citrus fruits, the ingredients that elevate our flavored black teas promise a true gustatory pleasure with every sip. Embark on an exotic journey with our "Exotic Olympic" tea, which evokes summer with sunny notes of passion fruit, mango, and pineapple, or experience the winter warmth of India with the iconic "Chai" black tea infused with warming spices.

What Are the Steps in Making Black Tea?

Like green, white, and oolong tea, black tea is made from the same plant: Camellia sinensis. However, the treatment and oxidation of its leaves give it its distinctive color.

It’s important to note that making black tea requires more steps than other types of tea. After the leaves are harvested, they go through the withering stage, which softens the leaves to make them easier to roll. This process typically lasts around 15 hours for high-quality black tea, during which the leaves are spread on a mesh and exposed to air at carefully controlled temperatures and humidity.

This withering step starts the oxidation process, which continues during the rolling stage. Generally, the rolling process involves rolling the leaves into themselves, lengthwise, to release juices and essential oils. For black tea, however, the rolling stage speeds up oxidation by breaking the cells of the tea leaves.

Next comes oxidation, which reveals the bitterness of the tea and the color of its liquor after infusion. The leaves are then spread on steel, glass, or ceramic trays in a warm and humid atmosphere. To stop the oxidation, the leaves are dried, destroying the enzyme responsible for it. Typically, the leaves are dried in a cylindrical drum heated to 120°C for 20 to 30 minutes.

After sorting, the black tea is finally ready to be brewed and enjoyed. Because we view tea consumption as a true sensory experience, we reveal the optimal conditions for savoring a delicious black tea from Betjeman & Barton.

Best Conditions to Enjoy a Cup of Black Tea

While black tea can be consumed throughout the day, it is particularly appreciated at breakfast and during "tea time," the favorite moment for tea enthusiasts. Earl Grey and Darjeeling teas pair wonderfully with sweet treats like biscuits or pastries.

To fully experience the flavors of black tea, it is recommended to infuse it in water heated to between 80°C and 90°C for about 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the origin and personal preferences. Whether with or without a splash of milk, your black tea will be the perfect companion for your moments of relaxation and well-being.

Delicious and beautifully packaged, Betjeman & Barton’s black teas also make thoughtful gifts for the gourmet lovers in your life. Available in loose leaf form from 100g to 1kg, they allow your loved ones to rediscover the innocent pleasure of a cup of black tea with enveloping aromas and flavors.