#12 Paris Black Tea

Purple Pouches and Polar Vortex Excuses

Dear Devoted Drinkers and Forgiving Friends,

First off—yes, this month’s letter is late. And yes, it was absolutely because of the polar vortex.

(And by “polar vortex,” I obviously mean not at all the fact that I got busy, forgot, and then panicked when I saw the tea still sitting on my desk.). Let’s blame the weather. It’s safer that way. But! Your patience has been rewarded, because this month we a surprise:

💜A New Envelope Appears… This month, you may have noticed a color shift in your mailbox. We’ve officially moved on from our blue envelopes to a brand-new purple look. Why, you ask? No reason. No meaning at all. Definitely not connected to any side businesses, branding efforts, or nerdy entrepreneurial ventures… *cough* Crit & Clatter Games *cough* Okay fine, maybe the purple matches a certain gaming brand that lives rent-free in my brain—but now BAMS gets to rock the royal vibes, too. And to match the outside? A tea dressed in purple, of course.

☕ Tea of the Month: Harney & Sons Paris

Wrapped in its own regal little pouch, this blend is Harney & Sons Paris—a black tea with notes of bergamot, vanilla, caramel, and fruit. It’s flavorful, smooth, and practically wearing a beret. Now let’s be honest: this is from Harney’s tea dust division, not the full-leaf luxury aisle. It’s not fancy. But what it lacks in sophistication, it makes up for in comfort and convenience. More importantly, this tea is one of Jeanette’s personal favorites, so while I might not reach for it first, it comes with her full endorsement.

So, here we are: new envelope, classic lateness, and a tea that’s practically dressed for a masquerade ball. Steep it strong, sip it warm, and enjoy it while pretending you’re strolling the Seine or procrastinating on laundry.

Cheers to changing colors and surviving the storm—real or otherwise. Frantically but fashionably yours,

Keeper of the Purple Pouch