Twinings boss on how to make the perfect cup of tea

Stephen Twining of Twinings tea lets us in on his family’s three centuries in the beverage industry.

Established in 1706, Twinings of London is one of the world’s oldest and foremost brands still trading today. Its tea is served in every corner of the planet.

Here we speak to the latest family member to take up the reins a brand ambassador, Stephen Twining, to answer all our tea-related queries.

Being a member of such a recognisable dynasty, do people often expect you to know everything about tea? How frequently are you asked about your family and its history?

I do think people expect me to know everything about tea. Generally I am able to answer most questions, but by no means do I know everything, and I enjoy learning more about this diverse and complex subject every day. I do get asked about my family often. This is very flattering, as people don’t ask what they are not interested in.

With the explosion of coffee shops across the world in the last few decades, how do you see tea’s place as people’s favourite hot drink? Do you believe tea has gone through a renaissance of late, or has it maintained its popularity throughout?

I think that tea remains a favourite drink of many people around the world, and certainly for the British. Tea is also going through a period of change, which is partly due to the success of the coffee shops. Now people expect more from their coffee, they are also questioning if there can be more to tea. And of course there is. So now tea drinkers are exploring the world of tea, and have higher expectations about the quality and flavours, which is great.

Are you ever surprised Twinings has endured through the centuries? What is the ultimate key to its success?

I think the greatest strength we have is that we’ve only ever set out to do one thing, but to do it really well. It’s a very simple philosophy, and our one thing is the buying and blending of great quality teas. Accordingly, we have very skilled tea tasters to ensure the quality of every cup of Twinings tea.

Do you have a favourite variety of tea? If so why this one?

No, I do not have just one favourite. The wonderful thing about tea is that it comes in many flavours. I enjoy certain blends, like English Breakfast with a splash of milk first thing in the morning. A light and refreshing Darjeeling is my favourite around mid-morning, whilst the citrusy Earl Grey or Lady Grey blends are perfect for me after lunch. The afternoon is less structured, so it might be the delicious Green Tea with Lemon, or just the Pure Green. The evening is certainly when I reach for a calming Peppermint or Camomile infusion.

The brand is portrayed as quintessentially British. Is this something you are proud of and wish to maintain, or is there a chance you would want to move away from that image?

We are very proud of our English roots, and I know that our customers respect the fact that we are so British. So we have absolutely no plans to change it, as it’s one of our core characteristics.

What would you say to a coffee lover to try and convert them to tea?

I think there are a couple of teas that I would offer a coffee drinker who is about to explore the world of tea. Either a delicate green tea, as green teas often carry great additional flavours, so the new tea drinker can introduce themselves to tea, while enjoying a familiar or favourite taste. (david@khaleejtimes.com)

Stephen on how to make the perfect cup of tea:

• First empty your kettle of previously boiled/ heated water, and fill the kettle with fresh cold water.
• If using a teapot, place a splash of hot water into the pot, to warm up the body of the teapot.
• The traditional British rule is that it is one tea spoon/tea bag per person and one for the pot.
• For black teas and Infusions, add the water at the moment it reaches boiling point. For green teas, allow the water to boil, and then let it cool for five minutes. The slightly cooler water ensures your green tea will not produce a bitter character.
• Allow your tea to brew, please. A tea bag makes tea in three minutes, but as the leaf size increases, so does the time needed to allow the flavour off the leaf.
• Stir the teapot, pour and enjoy.

david@khaleejtimes.com