Newcastle drinks brand launches whisky-infused tea

Self-proclaimed tea mixologist company NOVELTEA this week added a Scotch whiskey-infused oolong tea to its lineup.

‘The Tale of Oolong’ is the Newcastle-based firm’s third flavour and joins a line-up that already includes rum and gin-infused drinks.

According to its creators, the latest offering draws inspiration from flavours and scents symbolic of China, including jasmine, rose petals, mango and papaya - the idea being that these create a strong contrast with the whisky.

NOVELTEA was set up in 2016 by German entrepreneurs Lukas Passia and Vincent Efferoth, who then generated £220k through a crowdfunding campaign in August 2017. Earlier this year the pair generated a further £316k through a second funding drive.

As well as selling its brews bottled and ready to drink on its website, the company counts Harrods, John Lewis and Fenwick as stockists in the UK and exports to sellers in China, Hong Kong and Germany.

Passia and Efferoth also have plans to develop further export markets in the next 12 months, with eyes on the US, Europe and Asia.