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Three circular bowls, the first with dry black tea leaves, the second with loose tea leaves, and the third with brewed tea in a cup, indicating the brewing process. The Great Taste Awards badge is above
  • Three circular bowls, the first with dry black tea leaves, the second with loose tea leaves, and the third with brewed tea in a cup, indicating the brewing process. The Great Taste Awards badge is above
  • Caddy of Oxford Strong tea held up with Radcliffe Camera (Oxford) in the background and a bright blue sky
  • A small metal tin on a white background. The tin has a blue label with a sketch of the Radcliffe Camera in Oxford. The tin contains loose black tea.

Oxford Strong

£2.75

Not sure which size? Read our quick size guide →

At the Oxford farmer markets, the same question kept coming up: "What's your strongest black tea?" I would point to my Assam, and the answer was always the same: "Anything stronger?" Oxford tea drinkers know what they want, so I made them one, and it only seemed right to name my most powerful tea after my home city. This is a proper strong brew: full-bodied, intensely malty and tannic, built to stand up to milk. It is the one I reach for on a study marathon, an early start, or a morning that needs handling; a real builder's brew, and an award-winning one at that.Ideal with milk. Use a generous teaspoon per cup, add more leaf for a stronger tea.

 

"Good even leaves, and a bright infusion. Sound maltiness here, and it takes milk well." - Great Taste Awards 2021 (1 Star)

 

About the leaf:

Oxford Strong is 100% Assam tea, carefully selected from estates known for producing the boldest, most robust character. While Assam is famously the large-leaf variety (Camellia sinensis assamica), you may notice that Oxford Strong has a more 'granular' appearance - and there's a good reason for this.

This tea is produced using the CTC (Cut, Tear, Curl) method rather than the orthodox production method you'll find in most of our other teas. CTC is a specialised processing technique where withered leaves are passed through a series of machines that cut, tear and curl them into small, uniform pieces. This isn't a "broken grade" tea - it's a different production method altogether, specifically designed to create a stronger, bolder brew that infuses quickly and delivers maximum strength.

The CTC process creates a much larger surface area, allowing the tea to release its full flavour rapidly. The result? An intensely malty, powerful cup that's perfect for those who want a proper strong brew - exactly what we were after when creating Oxford Strong.

If you're curious to learn more about CTC production and how it differs from orthodox tea processing, read our complete guide to the types of black tea.

 

Ingredients || Black Tea

Warning, packed in an environment that contains nuts

Caffeine || Yes

Tasting Notes || Strong, full-bodied and tannic

Brewing Notes || 1 teaspoon per cup, 100ºC, brew for 3-4 minutes.

 

Customer Reviews

Based on 19 reviews
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C
Charles Fryer
The ideal pick-me-up

This tea is ideal as a morning pick-me-up for a breakfast cuppa, providing a strong brew to face the day. . An added advantage is that the brew stays good for drawing off a second or third cup from the teapot, even for an hour, with no hint of tasting stewed or bitter. Of course it is good for drinking at any time, even as a night cap, for those who think tea should be full-bodied and who abhore teabags.

C
Christine McLaren

Oxford Strong is so delicious and has become a precious part of my morning routine, particularly in the dark winter days.

A
Amanda G.
Best black tea!

I've been obsessed with this tea since I first tried it a couple of years ago. Flavourful and perfect for those who lke a strong cup with milk!

M
Mick James
A good strong brew.

LIked this but prefer a large leaf tea.

R
Roger Sims
Great tea

My new favorite winter tea, it even stays tasty in my flask all day,

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