I’m more into coffee than tea, mostly because the latter remains a bit of an enigma. Do I choose black, white, green, or herbal? And from there, do I prefer Darjeeling, oolong, or rooibos? (Sigh. Right about now is when I order a latte.)

Enter In-Tea, a tea emporium located on South Kipling Parkway in Littleton. The shop not only specializes in artisanal whole-leaf teas, but owner Carole Bright-Alvarez makes it her business to educate customers about all things tea. To wit: She’s designed a questionnaire that establishes your perfect sip—a tea fitting, if you will.

After answering a dozen or so questions, including my preferences for cheese (hard/stinky, mild/firm, soft/creamy), caffeine (low, medium, high), and chocolate (white, milk, dark, very dark), Bright-Alvarez arrived at four options.

So far, I’ve only sipped the pineapple-mango (which isn’t nearly as fruity as it sounds), and I’m anxious to try the Wu Yi oolong, which promises hints of raisin, honeysuckle, and roasted barley.

Bonus: Log your tea preferences on an index card, and the shop will keep it on file.

8174 S. Kipling Parkway, Littleton, 720-981-2512

Amanda M. Faison
Amanda M. Faison
Freelance writer Amanda M. Faison spent 20 years at 5280 Magazine, 12 of those as Food Editor.