STEVEN SMITH Teamaker Reviews From Experience: Is It Worth It?

If you’re someone who takes their tea seriously, or even if you simply enjoy the comforting ritual of a daily cup, you should definitely give Steven Smith Teamaker a try.

I say this because, in a world awash with countless tea options, Steven Smith’s teas stand out for their unparalleled quality and thoughtful blends. This isn’t just about grabbing a bag, brewing, and moving on; it’s about an experience—one that is rich, aromatic, and has a personality of its own.

Let me walk you through why this product has captured my attention, as well as the pros, cons, and tips to help you get the most out of it.

My Experience With Steven Smith Teamaker

Let’s be honest—tea is personal. It has to do with taste, feeling, and comfort.

I tried Steven Smith Teamaker’s British Brunch No. 18 after a friend recommended it. What struck me immediately was the packaging, but…not in a totally good way.

Unfortunately, the box came a little dented, thanks to flimsy packaging during shipping.

So, yes, this could have been a tad better, especially if you are considering giving this as a gift. That said, I don’t think my excitement dampened much because it was still about what was inside that mattered—the tea.

When I opened the box, the aroma of the tea leaves hit me—a mix of maltiness and honey, with a subtle smokiness. Honestly, it felt like a preview of a good story I was about to experience. I took a sachet, brewed it, and waited as the dark rich color began to spread through the water.

Smith’s British Brunch blend is composed of Indian Assam, Ceylon Dimbula, and Keemun from China, and you can taste how well these different elements come together. It’s full-bodied, and I found notes of malt and honey adding depth and warmth to each sip.

One of the aspects I really appreciated is that Smith Teamaker uses full leaf tea, and it makes a noticeable difference. The quality isn’t just about taste—it’s also about the experience.

The sachets are roomy enough to allow the leaves to fully unfurl, creating an infusion that’s stronger and richer compared to the usual supermarket tea bags. Plus, the compostable sachets mean it’s also a bit kinder to the environment.

What I Loved About STEVEN SMITH Teamaker?

• Full Leaf Quality: I can’t emphasize this enough—full leaf matters. Steven Smith Teamaker doesn’t use those tiny, dusty particles you find in most tea bags. These are whole leaves, which means you get richer flavors.
• Complex and Caffeinated: The blend is complex with notes of malt, honey, and even a hint of mineral. The caffeine is definitely there, but it’s not overwhelming, making it a good alternative for someone like me who’s trying to cut down on coffee. It’s about one-third the caffeine of a coffee, which gives just enough to kickstart the day without causing any jitters.
• Natural Ingredients: I found it refreshing that there’s zero sugar in this tea—everything you taste is natural and unadulterated. It’s great if you’re keeping an eye on what goes into your body.
• No Fuss Brewing: The sachets are incredibly easy to use. They are also compostable, so I get to enjoy my tea guilt-free knowing that it’s less harmful to the environment.

The Not-So-Great Parts (The Cons)

• Packaging Issues: One downside that was echoed in other reviews was the packaging. My box was slightly crushed during shipping, and while this didn’t affect the tea itself, it could be a real deal-breaker if you plan to give it as a gift. I just wished they would put in a little extra effort into more durable packaging.
• Price Point: Let’s not sugarcoat it—Steven Smith Teamaker is on the expensive side. At about $1 per bag, it’s definitely a premium option. If you’re used to buying regular black tea from the supermarket, the price tag here can come as a shock.
• No Decaf Option: I often enjoy tea in the evenings, and I wish there were a decaf version available for those moments. For those watching caffeine intake, the lack of a decaf option could make it hard to justify keeping this in the pantry.

Getting The Most Out of Your Steven Smith Tea

To fully appreciate this tea, I found a few tricks that really enhanced the experience:

• Brewing Temperature and Time: One thing I realized is that temperature matters. I heat my water to around 200°F (just below boiling) for this blend. This brings out the rich, full-bodied flavor without making it overly bitter. Steeping for about 4-5 minutes gave me the best taste—any longer, and it leaned towards bitterness.
• Use Fresh Water: It’s easy to forget, but using fresh, cold water makes a noticeable difference in the quality of the brew. Reboiled water tends to lose oxygen, which flattens the flavor.
• Try It with Milk: This blend is strong enough to hold its own with milk, making it a great candidate for a classic British-style cuppa. Adding a splash of milk brought out the maltiness and made for a more comforting drink.

Comparing Steven Smith Teamaker To Other Brands

Of course, Steven Smith Teamaker is not the only tea brand out there. It’s competing with giants like Twinings and niche favorites like Harney & Sons. Here’s how I think it stacks up:

• Steven Smith Vs. Twinings

Twinings is often the go-to for an affordable, readily available tea option. It’s a classic, and I won’t lie—I’ve had my share of Twinings teas, especially their Earl Grey. But compared to Steven Smith Teamaker, Twinings just doesn’t have the same depth or quality of flavor.

The tea bags are usually filled with smaller pieces of tea leaves, which result in a less aromatic, less nuanced cup. If you’re after convenience and affordability, Twinings is great, but for a richer experience, Steven Smith wins hands down.

• Steven Smith Vs. Harney & Sons

Now, comparing Steven Smith to Harney & Sons, things get a bit closer. Harney & Sons also offers high-quality teas, and their blends are often quite unique. I think Harney & Sons tends to have a broader variety of flavored teas—like their Hot Cinnamon Spice—which is definitely their strong point.

However, when it comes to classic black teas, I personally prefer Steven Smith Teamaker for its well-rounded flavor profile and balance. The use of full leaf and their choice of blending Assam, Ceylon, and Keemun gives it a richness that’s perfect for my morning cup.

Tips For Your Tea Stash

To keep your Steven Smith Teamaker tea as fresh as possible, consider these tips:

• Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Keep your tea away from direct sunlight, moisture, and strong odors. This ensures the leaves retain their freshness longer.
• Seal the Package Tightly: While the tea comes in a box, make sure the sachets are kept sealed to avoid losing flavor. Transferring the sachets to an airtight container can also be helpful.
• Watch the Shelf Life: Full leaf tea retains its flavor best when fresh. Try not to keep it for more than 6-12 months to get the best quality out of each sachet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Wrapping Up

If you’re looking to elevate your tea-drinking experience, Steven Smith Teamaker is definitely worth a try. Its rich flavors, quality ingredients, and full-leaf approach make it a standout in a crowded market.

Sure, it’s a bit pricey, but sometimes it’s worth splurging on something that makes a simple daily ritual feel special. Grab a box, and I think you’ll see what I mean.