TOP ROW: John Hitchman; Kingsley Soso; Cecil O. Buxo. SECOND ROW: Lucas Jervis; Wil Malonga; Craig Campbell
THE TEA TABLE is a new initiative to start a dialogue with tea lovers around the world from both a professional and personal point of view. These conversations are a way to celebrate tea culture, the business of tea, and to promote tea as a way of life. To begin our series on “Men Who Drink Tea” and in honor of Father’s Day, I interviewed six men from different walks of life to establish a dialogue with men who drink tea.
It is funny how society will sometimes associate certain drinks and or beverages with gender. Is it about the nature of the drink? What the drink is made of? Our thoughts about men and women? Some envision Scotch as a “man’s drink” – when I bet a few of us can point to a female friend, family member or colleague who enjoys a good Scotch! The Piña Colada is often viewed as a “woman’s drink” (the dainty umbrella and all) but, in actuality the drink was created by a man in Puerto Rico and enjoyed by both men and women all over the Caribbean.
When it comes to coffee and tea, outside of the U.S. there is a gender duality that sets the tone. In the U.S., most people picture two women seated at a table having a conversation over cups of tea and men meeting at a café for a cup of coffee. In Asia, the U.K., and European countries both coffee and tea are mainstays enjoyed by both genders without judgment. Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with men who drink tea – why they drink it and what tea represents in the marketplace.
“The health benefits of tea were drilled into me as a child. As I got older, I learned the various nuances of tea and developed a more discerning point of view” – Craig Campbell, Senior Finance Executive, Brooklyn, NY
Hello Craig! Can you tell me a little about yourself? I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. I was recruited on campus at the age of 21 which led to a 30+ year career in Finance. I would describe myself as a sports lover, I have enjoyed my season tickets to the Mets over the years and watch football, basketball, tennis, and hockey religiously. My love of food and travel ignites my passion for cooking and trying a variety of cuisines, paired with my favorite wines and tea.
Growing up, did you typically drink tea at home? Yes, I drank tea on occasion. But my grandfather would insist I drank tea when I was sick. I drank Eucalyptus or Sassafras tea to ward off colds.
What has been your experience with tea over the years? During my late teens through early twenties, I drank Lipton tea. In my forties and later, I was introduced to a broader range of black teas and other tea varietals.
Do you have a typical tea routine? I usually drink tea twice a day - With breakfast and mid-afternoon or late evening.
Do you think society’s impression of tea has changed over the years? Society continues to learn more about the health benefits of all the tea types on the market. And how tea can be integrated into several arenas like cooking.
What is your favorite tea? English Breakfast or any other "full-bodied" black tea. See that, I have learned the correct tea lingo!
“Growing up tea was a mainstay in the household, bringing the family together for conversation and relaxation.”
– Lucas Jervis, Senior Director, Global Agency Partnerships, Larchmont, NY
Hello Lucas! Would you consider yourself a coffee or tea drinker? While I am a coffee drinker (in the morning), over the years I have explored a few tea options. In my youth, I drank a lot of peppermint tea to help with colds and illnesses. Today, I cannot stand the smell and I am not a fan of florals. But I have discovered other herbal teas like Chamomile and Rooibos. For me, it is about strong rich black teas and flavored black teas like Chai.
Do you have a typical tea routine? I drink tea at midday for a pick-me-up, and in the evening, I have a cup of Chai tea or a basic black tea. I always use two teabags.
Growing up, did you typically drink tea at home? Growing up tea was a mainstay in the household. Being in a multicultural home, tea was a part of the fabric of bringing family together for conversation, and relaxation.
Do you think society’s impression of tea has changed over the years? I think Matcha and “Clean” teas have become more integrated into the discussion on health and wellness. Along with a lot of talk on the benefits of incorporating tea into your diet.
What is your favorite tea? Keeping with tradition, Taylor’s of Harrogate’s selection of fine British classic teas including specialty brand Yorkshire Tea. Yes, this is a strong black tea, but as usual I still double bag it!
“I tend to be a creature of habit. If I find a tea I like, I will drink it repeatedly as I never get tired of the flavor and the uplifting feeling I get after sipping a cup of tea.” – Wil Malonga, Financial Consultant, New York, NY
Wil, growing up, did you typically drink tea at home? Yes, but for special occasions when we had guests for teatime as the British do. Growing up in France, I also drank tea in cafes and restaurants as an afternoon beverage, but it became my breakfast beverage of choice years later.
What has been your experience with tea over the years? It has grown and I appreciate it more now than I did younger. I tend to be a creature of habit in that if I find a tea I like, I will drink it repeatedly as I never get tired of the flavor and the uplifting feeling I get after sipping a cup of tea. I like how my body responds to tea; it gives me a mild boost and keeps me energized within feeling the immediate caffeine kick I used to have when I drank coffee. I started drinking tea daily in 2005, for health reasons and never went back to coffee. I wish I had made the change earlier.
Do you have a typical tea routine? When I have the time, I will fill a tea infuser with a teaspoon of my favorite tea, pour hot water in a teapot and let it brew for up to 5 minutes then fill my mug. If I run out of time, I will use high-quality tea bags which make the process easier. I am sensitive to caffeine, so I rarely have caffeinated tea after 2pm.
Do you think society’s impression of tea has changed over the years? It has, especially in the United States. When I arrived in the US from France back in 1998, people tended to drink tea when they were sick and often only knew or bought Lipton. Otherwise, tea was considered more like an elite beverage, maybe because of its association with the UK and high society. Now teas from all over the world are available at regular grocery stores, and the choice is even greater in specialty shops or health-food stores. Also there has been a lot of research on the health benefits of coming from its high level of antioxidants (polyphenols) and people are becoming more aware of what tea can do to improve their health or keep them healthy.
What is your favorite tea? Sencha Green Tea.
“As a Martial Artist, we will often sit and have tea ceremoniously while socializing with others in the community.”
- John Hitchman, Engineer | Sifu, Elkins Park, PA
Hello John, what is your favorite tea? I typically enjoy a cup of tea with my wife. She introduced me to Ginger Tea and flavored green teas like mango and pineapple.
Do you have a typical tea routine? No specific routine, but I will drink tea specifically green tea when I enjoy Chinese or Japanese cuisines.
Growing up, did you typically drink tea at home? Not very often. I used to think the flavors were bland so often I added sugar to make it "sweet" tea.
What has been your experience with tea over the years? As a Martial Artist, we often will sit and have tea ceremoniously while meeting with other people as a relaxed way of hanging out. When we become disciples there is a "tea pouring" ceremony whereby the Master accepts the student. I frequently drink tea when I eat Asian foods.
Do you think society’s impression of tea has changed over the years? Maybe to some degree. Probably not on a wide media level, but often tea is offered as an alternative to coffee at workstations or events.
"When I owned my Sweetwater’s Coffee and Tea franchise, I learned quickly that there is a strong tea following across race. - Kingsley Soso, Former Owner/Franchisee, Sweetwater’s Coffee & Tea, Brooklyn, NY
Kingsley, do you have a typical tea routine? Nowadays, I start my morning routine with tea, and I may occasionally switch to medium or dark roast coffee.
Growing up, did you typically drink tea at home? Of course, yes! I was born in Lagos, Nigeria. We were extremely poor, and all we could afford was Lipton. Incidentally, there was a Lipton Warehouse across the street from us.
What has been your experience with tea over the years? From Lipton to organic Kenyan black tea, which my dad used to send me from the stores in Botswana. Then I started drinking Tetley’s premium black or something like that. I also used to get a steady supply of PG Tips from my brothers in London. I have mostly stayed with black tea to fulfill my caffeine craving in the morning. I always use Carnation evaporated milk with my black teas, never without sugar. Upon getting into the tea business with Sweetwater’s, I started experimenting with the wide variety of teas they offer - like Earl Grey, Emerald Matcha Blend, Jasmine, and Sencha.
Do you think society’s impression of tea has changed over the years? I am not certain as there is no targeted marketing strong enough to drive a sea of change. But running Sweetwater’s also taught me that there is a strong tea following across race as well as gender. For example, Chai tea clearly has a demand that is untapped, as people would come in asking for Chai black tea, which we were not serving by itself - we served it as a tea latte.
What is your favorite tea? My favorite tea is Earl Grey (the only black tea I never take with milk). And I am sure you know very well that not all Earl Grey teas are created equal!
“Teas, mainly herbal teas are a mainstay of my life and essential to my well-being." - Cecil O. Buxo, EA, USTCP, Brooklyn, NY
Hello Cecil! Tell me about your favorite tea? I have three favorites. The first is Dokudami Tea or Dokudami-cha - a traditional Japanese herbal tea made from a combination of six kinds of herbs which helps rid your body of harmful toxins and fights infectious ailments. The second, Dandelion tea, is a robust tea that can help support healthy liver function and promote healthy digestion. Lastly, Horny Goat Weed Tea a traditional Chinese medicinal herb.
What has been your experience with tea over the years? Growing up did you drink tea at home? Tea has always been a staple in my life. Growing up in the Caribbean, coffee was not the favorite beverage, it was tea.
Do you have a typical tea routine? Yes, I have tea for breakfast to start my day. And tea at night to relax before I go to bed.
Do you think society’s impression of tea has changed over the years! Yes and No. Yes, in that it Society continues to promote the medicinal benefits of tea and more herbal teas are on the market to be discovered. No, because tea is still looked at as just an alternative to coffee.