27 Oct Congratulations – Tea Drop

Rio Coffee is proud to announce that Tea Drop has been awarded 1-star and 2-star awards by Great Taste, the largest and most trusted food and drink awards on the planet. Rio Coffee is privileged to be the exclusive South Australian and Northern Territory distributor for Tea Drop.

Their teas Peppermint, Chamomile Blossoms, Strawberry Green, African Sunset and Turmeric Zest will now be able to display the unmistakable black and gold logo, a stamp of excellence that is recognised by retailers and consumers alike.

Established in 1994, Great Taste is organised by the Guild of Fine Food and is the world’s largest, longest standing and most respected food accreditation scheme for artisan and speciality food producers. 14,113 different products were entered in 2021 from 108 countries, 355 judges blind-tasted this year’s entries, socially distanced judging took place over 86 days at four venues.

• 4,027 awarded a Great Taste 1-star – A food that delivers fantastic flavour. Approximately 30% of entries will achieve this rating each year
• 1,138 awarded a Great Taste 2-star – Above and beyond delicious – less than 10% of entries will achieve this rating
• 218 awarded a Great Taste 3-star – Extraordinarily tasty foods – less than 2% of products are awarded a 3-star each year – don’t leave the shop without buying it!

Read the judges comments below:

African Sunset – 2 Star

Judge’s comments

The dried mix is as pretty as it is aromatic, and the infusion is a gorgeous bronze colour. The mouthfeel is smooth and round. The different flavours unravel slowly – the vanilla only comes through at the end as creamy finishing notes. The rooibos is full flavoured, and is enhanced but not swamped by the liquorice, while the rose petals and bergamot contribute subtle floral and citrus notes. It has a distinctive taste that is in no way overpowering.

Turmeric Zest – 2 Star

Judge’s comments

A beautiful and colourful dried mix with a rich and warming aroma. The comforting looking brew has a spiced caramel aroma to it when made. The flavour and mouth feel took us by surprise – it was so creamy. A nice contrast from the sweet start to the bitter finish. A characterful, sophisticated, exotic and well balanced tea.

Peppermint – 1 star

Judges’ comments

The dried leaves have a bright fresh aroma, and the infusion continues that with a lively cooling mouth feel. This delivers what you want from a peppermint tea – the initially slight warmth of the herb, followed by the quite bracing cool mint. Refreshing and moreish.

Chamomile Blossoms – 1 star

Judges’ comments

A pretty leaf with a sweet aroma. All the ingredients work well together – the balance is good. This is a lovely, gentle and calming drink. We appreciated the minimal use of the lavender- it was just right. No soapiness. A lovely summery drink.

Strawberry Green – 1 Star

Judges’ comments

A clever combination, with a pleasant balance between green tea notes and scented strawberry. There is a juiciness here as well as cooked strawberry notes, almost veering into confected territory but rescued by the ‘greener’ notes, perhaps thanks to the rosehip and kiwi. Ultimately pleasing.

Buy Tea Drop teas online here