Irish breakfast tea is a full-bodied, malty brew, generally a blend of different black teas. The Irish say it is invigorating in the mornings; however, it is also a popular afternoon tea.

Irish Breakfast tea usually includes Assam tea; it often also contains an assortment of black teas including Darjeeling tea, blended to produce a dark, layered flavor. When brewed, the tea is generally a very dark red to brown in color. It can become tannic if it is overbrewed, but a perfectly brewed cup will simply be brisk in flavor with an undertone of dark, richly fermented malt. The tea is usually served with cream and sugar to mellow out the intense flavor, though some prefer to drink it straight or with lemon.

Brewing Guidelines for Irish Breakfast Tea
Brewing Temperature: 212° (rolling boil)
Brewing Time: 3-5 minutes
1 tsp loose tea per 8oz cup

Recommended Irish Breakfast Tea:

Teavana Irish Breakfast Black Tea A strong-flavored blend of Assam, Nilgiri and China Black. This tea lives up to the old Irish saying: a cup of tea should be strong enough for a mouse to trot on. Only $3.30 for 2oz of tea (25-30 cups).

Adagio Teas Irish Breakfast Black Tea Our new combination of black teas from Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and Assam (India). As its name implies, Irish Breakfast tea is an ideal accompaniment to a morning meal. It smoothly blends the high notes of a high grown Ceylon with the malty underscore of a hearty Assam. May be enjoyed plain or with a drop of milk. One of our most popular teas. The perfect afternoon tea.