Brodies Scottish Afternoon Tea

Here's the thing—it's technically loose leaf, but not in the traditional sense. This tea uses CTC (cut-tear-curl) processing, which creates tiny pellets or granules rather than whole leaves. So while it's loose (not in bags), it looks more like tiny beads than leaf flakes. Many reviewers were surprised by this, but most found it doesn't affect the bold, smooth flavor at all.

Think bold and full-bodied with woody, smokey, and nutty notes—it's a proper strong brew that stands up beautifully to milk. Reviewers consistently praise its smooth, balanced character with no bitterness, even if you steep it a bit longer than recommended. It's got that deep, rich flavor that makes it perfect for breakfast or anytime you want a substantial cup.

Probably, yes. Several reviewers mention that the small CTC pellets slip through standard tea infusers and strainers. The good news? Many people just brew it directly in a teapot since the leaves naturally sink to the bottom. If you prefer using an infuser, look for one with a very fine mesh, or consider using a paper filter.

It's actually great for both! Beginners love it because it's forgiving—you get consistent, smooth results without much fussing over steep times. Just brew it in a teapot like a straightforward breakfast tea. But enthusiasts appreciate it too, especially those who enjoy CTC processing for its punchy, bold flavor and the complex woody-smokey-nutty profile that rewards attention to water temperature and brewing technique.

The tin itself is gorgeous—reviewers call it beautiful and high-quality, with an airtight seal and inner lid that keeps the tea fresh. However, there's a catch: several people received dented or damaged tins because of poor shipping packaging. If the tin's appearance matters to you (maybe as a gift), just be aware this is a risk, and the product is often marked non-returnable.

Scottish Afternoon is bolder and more full-bodied than typical English breakfast blends. It's got that same 'stands up to milk' strength, but with more complex smokey and woody undertones. If you like your morning tea strong and flavorful without any harshness or bitterness, this delivers exactly that—with a distinctly Scottish character.