United KingdomOverview
Fortnum & Mason, which began as a grocery in 1707, makes the case for itself through the tea list. It includes Royal Blend, created for Edward VII in 1902, Countess Grey, Victoria Grey, Earl Grey Classic, Jade Oolong, Darjeeling FTGFOP and Assam TGFOP, plus Christmas Green Tea and Christmas Black Tea.
Black Tea with Fig and Rooibos Gingerbread Chai add warmth, while the Calm and Cleanse infusions and two rooibos teas give the herbal side a few doors. The bags are plastic-free and home compostable.
The box, tray and foil are curbside recyclable. It weighs 55 g in all.
Taste & variety
The 24 bags are named, and the names make their own argument. Jade Oolong, Darjeeling FTGFOP and Assam TGFOP show the formal side. Three Greys, Royal Blend, Chai, Black Tea with Vanilla and Black Tea with Fig give the middle.
Christmas Green Tea and Christmas Black Tea mark the season. Toffolossus Infusion sounds like a children's book. Then the infusions: Camomile & Bee Pollen, Apricot, Honey & Lavender, Plum, Rooibos Gingerbread Chai, Rooibos & Honey and the plainly labelled Calm and Cleanse blends, with Vigour (black tea, apple and ginger) as the odd one out.
Packaging & gift appeal
Fortnum's page calls the bags silky and says they are plastic-free and home compostable, while the box, tray and foil are curbside recyclable. A teatime poem is included to read with each cup.
Expect a box that suits a hall table or a desk and lets the name carry the festivity. At 55 g in total it is a light box: Dilmah's holds 46 g, Vahdam's loose leaf set about 200 g.
What is in the box
24 silky tea bags (55 g) from Fortnum's classics, Christmas Blends and Scented Teas, plus a teatime poem, in a gift box with a recyclable tray and foil.
Key features
- 24 silky, plastic-free, home-compostable tea bags
- Named teas include Royal Blend, Countess Grey, Jade Oolong and Darjeeling FTGFOP
- Fortnum's classics, Christmas blends and scented teas
- A teatime poem in the box, with the tray and foil curbside recyclable
Our verdict
The best-named tea list of any calendar on the site, and a box that lets Fortnum's name do the occasion's work. It suits someone who loves British tea and appreciates a Royal Blend with a story. It is small, though, so give it as a gesture, not as a month's supply.
What we like
- A famous British name with a tea list to match
- Royal Blend, three Greys and a Jade Oolong behind the doors
- Plastic-free, home-compostable bags
- A teatime poem in the box
A few things to know
- Tea bags only, with no loose leaf ritual
- One bag a day, so there is nothing to share
Questions about Fortnum & Mason Tea Lovers Advent Calendar
What is in Fortnum & Mason Tea Lovers Advent Calendar?
24 doors. 24 silky tea bags (55 g) from Fortnum's classics, Christmas Blends and Scented Teas, plus a teatime poem, in a gift box with a recyclable tray and foil..
