As part of the Blenheim Literary Festival The East India Company held a guided tea tasting and coffee tasting at The Feathers Hotel in Woodstock. The tea tasting was led by our tea master Lalith Lenadora, whilst the coffee tasting was conducted by coffee master Andrew Knight.

Lalith took us on a journey through India, China, Sri Lanka, Japan and beyond. Sharing with us his valuable insights into brewing the perfect cup of tea from white to green to oolong and black tea. The audience were incredibly attentive, taking notes and asking Lalith an array of interesting questions. They also enjoyed our pairing of White Chocolate Enrobed Strawberries and Butter Galettes Biscuits with our Staunton Earl Grey tea, commenting on how delectable and moreish they were.

The session led by Andrew Knight explored the origin of coffee and enlightened us on the various regional notes that are intrinsic to the coffees of Asia, Africa and the Americas. From the popular Red Dragon Mocha Java to Hawaiin Kona, the audience were intrigued and engaged by the selection of coffee they tasted and experienced.

To wrap up the day we made our way to Blenheim Palace, which is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and home to the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Thank you to the Blenheim Literary Festival for including us in your boutique literary festival.

If you would like to view some of the tea we offered at the event then click here.