As much as we adore Downton Abbey [1], we've so far been unimpressed with edibles inspired by the aristocratic clan [2], so when we heard that the TV show was spawning a line of teas, we were initially wary. That is, until we learned that PBS was pairing up with one of our go-to tea houses, Republic of Tea [3], to produce the trio of flavors: English Rose [4], Estate Blend [5], and Grantham Breakfast Blend [6] ($12 each).

Thankfully, Republic of Tea didn't disappoint. Most intriguing was the Grantham Breakfast Blend, a combination of malty assam black tea and ginger. While on first sip we dinged it for not bringing the ginger heat, after further examination (i.e. sipping on a few more cups), we realized the bright, bracing ginger notes were intentionally left out for a subtler, sweeter ginger flavor reminiscent of candied ginger (or in Brit speak, stem ginger). While the tin's claim that it tastes like sticky toffee pudding might be a slight stretch, it lives up to its comforting promise, particularly when rounded out by a generous splash of milk, and will serve us well throughout the brisk Winter months.