Massachusetts-based Upton Tea Imports (originally of Upton, then Hopkinton, now Holliston, MA as it grows) is a revelation for tea afficionadoes.

There are a number of fine teas on the market, well-known names like Harney and sons and Mighty Leaf or Republic of Tea, but Upton Tea Imports brings in the same teas that they get (and mark up significantly) as well as some of the finest small-estate teas from India, China, Sri Lanka, and elsewhere.

The website (linked above) is an almost unimaginable wealth of information on each tea, from the estate on which it was grown to images of the leaves and the brewed tew. It is a mind-expanding experience just to browse the site and see how much information you never knew about, and discover that you want to know about it.

Richmond and I toured the facility a few years ago when it was in Hopkinton. Founder Tom Eck was gracious and informative, and all the staff were equally gracious and professional. Everyone was extremely knowledgeable, even enthusiastic about the world of tea.

It is important to note that they do not have a retail storefront. They are an online shop only.

I have bought tea from Upton Tea Imports almost since its founding in Upton. On more than one occasion I helped Tom load in his latest shipments when I saw thw UPS truck parked in front of the original facility on my way home from work. I can honestly say their mission statement is accurate and that they have been achieving these objectives for over 20 years. From their website:

"Upton Tea Imports was founded in 1989 with the objective of providing the North American tea drinker with the finest teas available. We purchase teas from reputable brokers and estates worldwide, dealing only with sources who are capable of providing top quality teas. We sell directly to the consumer, thus ensuring the freshest product and fairest pricing."