Tea & Chocolate Companion Guide | Pairing One

Thank you for your purchase of this pairing experience. We are excited to lead you through this tasting adventure! This guide is meant to help walk you through the tasting experience at home so that you’re able to get the most out of the flavors of the tea and chocolate, both on their own and experienced as a pair.

Order the tea and chocolate pairing box here, or explore all chocolate products.

For each pairing option below, we’ve provided a brief background on the tea, suggested brewing parameters for optimum flavor, and tasting notes to look out for in each tea/chocolate pairing.

Steps for Tasting

1. Smell and taste the chocolate
2. Brew your tea according to the suggested parameters
3. Smell and taste the tea: pro-tip, slurp your tea to get the most out of the aroma and flavor!
4. Sandwich both together: taste the tea, let a small piece of chocolate melt on your tongue, then taste the tea again
5. Write down your thoughts
6. Check our tasting notes to see how they compare to your initial notes

Some questions to keep in mind as you’re tasting:

• What aromas do you notice right away? Does the smell remind you of anything you’ve tried before, or maybe a place you’ve traveled to?
• What are your impressions as you first sip the tea?
• How does the texture of the tea feel in your mouth? Does it feel heavy, or light? 
• How do you feel after the first sip? Do you feel energized, or more calm?
• How did the taste of the chocolate change as you incorporated the tea? Is there anything you noticed in tasting them together that you didn't notice in tasting them on their own?

We hope you enjoy the journey!

Genmaicha Tea | Genmaicha Hazelnut Dark Chocolate

Genmaicha is a tea that comes from Japan that is half green tea (sencha) and half roasted rice, also known as “popcorn tea.” In general, Japanese green teas tend to have more savory/umami flavors. This flavor develops due to the shading process; when tea is shaded while growing, the plant increases its production of chlorophyll to compensate, which results in a more savory flavor. In this blend, the green tea is combined with roasted rice, resulting in increased depth and dimension. 

Brewing suggestions

1. Amount of tea - 1 tsp per 6-8 oz
2. Water temperature - 180F
3. Steeping time - 2-4 minutes

Tasting notes to look out for: grass, straw, walnut, hazelnut, roasted nuts, caramel, brown butter, baked bread, zucchini, seasalt

Flavor Profile: The toasted rice in the Genmaicha tea brings out the earthy, roasty notes in the dark chocolate, while the nuttiness of the hazelnut adds depth to the overall taste.

Why it Works: The complementary toasted flavors merge to create a comforting, warm sensation that’s perfect for a cozy night in. Genmaicha tea's subtle vegetal notes also cut through the rich, creaminess of the dark chocolate.

Gingerzest with Lemongrass Tea | Strawberry Ginger Chocolate

This herbal ginger blend is meant to be uplifting with its citrus notes and playful tang of lemongrass, while also remaining grounding with its warming ginger.

Brewing suggestions

1. Amount of tea - 1 tsp per 6-8 oz
2. Water temperature - 212F
3. Steeping time - 5-8 minutes

Tasting notes to look out for: ginger, lemon, citrus zest, marmalade, hay, strawberry, pineberry

Flavor Profile: The ginger in the tea complements the spiciness found in the chocolate, while the lemongrass adds an aromatic, citrusy contrast that makes the strawberry pop. 

Why it Works: Ginger's spicy kick enhances the tart sweetness of the strawberry, while the lemongrass brings balance with its herbal notes.

Assam Tea | Espresso Raspberry Chocolate

Assam is a tea that you may have tried before without knowing it, as Assam is often used as the base tea in Masala Chai. Assam tea comes from Assam, India, a tropical region that allows the plant to grow in high humidity and heavy rainfall, which translates to a full and robust body.

Brewing suggestions:

1. Amount of tea - 1 tsp per 6-8 oz
2. Water Temperature - 210F
3. Steeping Time - 3-5 minutes

Tasting notes to look out for: malt, dried plum, oak wood, hibiscus, cranberry, raspberry, caramel, tobacco

Flavor Profile: Assam's rich, malty notes match wonderfully with the full, dark flavors of espresso in the chocolate. The raspberry adds a fruity surprise, tying the strong flavors together.

Why it Works: The robust flavors of the Assam tea and espresso chocolate mutually enhance each other, while the raspberry provides a refreshing counterpoint, preventing flavor fatigue.

Use the flavor wheels below to help guide your individual tasting experience:

Tea Flavor Wheel

By experimenting with tea and chocolate pairings, you not only enhance the flavors of each but also embark on a sensory journey that's rich and fulfilling. Try out these pairings and share your thoughts with us. Until then, enjoy your tea and chocolate adventures!

Feeling inspired? Visit our cozy café in Connecticut to explore more tea and chocolate combinations or shop online for these delightful pairings.