The Fairmont and Tea

Did you know that The Fairmont Winnipeg has their very own tea sommelier? Glenda Bruyere recently visited to Toronto to learn all about Fairmont teas and create her own. She talks to us about what makes Fairmont tea so special and some of her favaourite blends.

What makes Fairmont tea so special?

I'm so glad you asked! Tea at the Fairmont has the best and freshest teas in the world. What makes our teas so special our teas are only purchased during their seasonal quality peaks. Fairmont teas are made with the highest quality luxury tea leaves and those tea leaves are only available between 3 and 5 weeks out of the year!

Where did you develop your love of/interest in tea?

I have always loved tea, as a child I always looked forward to having tea with my grandmother and have very fond memories of tea time with her. Now as an adult I've come to appreciate the health benefits in a cup of tea. Did you know a cup of tea contain measurable amounts of zinc, folic acid, manganese, potassium and vitamin c and is also rich in antioxidants and flavonoids.

What is your favourite tea?

My favourite is the Organic Fairmont Earl Grey tea. The aromatic citrus scent and flavour has the ability to compliment a variety of food dishes and I love both the scent and the flavour of this tea!

Can you tell us a bit more about some of the popular Fairmont teas?

To name a few - Empress Orange Pekoe tends to be bright with light astringent notes and a round body. It opens beautifully with a splash of milk and a dash of sugar. Empress Orange is an an exceptional tea, that competes with Fairmont Breakfast as the best tea available in the world. Fairmont Breakfast Tea is a premium Indian, Sri Lankan, Kenyan and Chinese blend. Malty, brisk and full bodied, peppered with hints of jam, toast and delicate citrus. Willow Stream Spa Blend, another favourite, is an oxygen flushed decaffeinated tea. Lovely rosy cup drips with assertive malty notes and touch of caramel on the finish. It is the best decaffeinated tea available with a superb taste compared to other decaffeinated teas on the market. A caffeine free herbal blend when you need to rejuvenate, regroup and get back into balance is the Wellness Equilibrium (Herbal Wellness Tea). This tea is a satisfying and deliciously balanced blend of exotic rooibos, anise and cardamom.

When do you like to drink tea?

Anytime of the day is the perfect time for a cup of tea!

What would be your favourite tea destination to visit?

I would love to visit any one of the tea estates our teas come from and witness the various methods and stages of tea production.

Have you ever created your own signature tea blend?

Yes I have! The possibilities are endless and it truly was the highlight of my tea training!