I don’t often review products, but when Andy Hayes, the founder of Plum Deluxe tea got in touch about sampling his tea, I was intrigued. Plum Deluxe is in my hometown of Portland, and Hayes told me some of his regular customers are book club members, and moms and daughters who make a regular tea date to ensure they spend time together.

Hayes says his teas are hand-blended in small batches, and I asked to try his Reading Nook Blend black tea, as black tea is what I like to drink at my desk while I work. I found the Plum Deluxe blend an interesting departure from my usual English Breakfast.

The Reading Nook Blend has floral elements, like rosebuds and lavender, which gives it a complexity I enjoyed. I also like that the label lists love and gratitude as part of its ingredients. I certainly appreciate a little more of both of those as I go about my day, even if comes from something as simple as my tea package.

I found the blend to be robust and creamy, and I enjoyed a couple a cups a day. Hayes says all of Plum Deluxe’s tea blends are organic, non-gmo, and free of chemicals and sulfites. Another feature I appreciate.

If you’d like to know more about the company, including its Tea of the Month Club and philanthropy program, visit its website, plumdeluxe.com.