LIBRARY BLEND

MEDIUM-STRONG Cup Strength

This blend of Ceylon, Jasmine, Keemun and Gunpowder teas has a rich, full base with the sparkle of aromatic Jasmine. An excellent reading companion.

Originally blended: 1995

Library Blend - 10 Tea Bag Box
$5.95
Library Blend - 50 Tea Bag Box
$15.95
Library Blend Tea - Loose 2oz/56g
$7.45
Library Blend Tea - Loose 4oz/113g
$12.65
Library Blend Tea - Loose 8oz/227g
$21.95
Library Blend Tea - Loose 16oz/454g
$39.95

SOURCED, BLENDED AND PACKAGED IN-HOUSE
PRICES LISTED IN CANADIAN DOLLARS (CAD)

A Murchie's trademark blend of green and black tea was chosen to honour the official opening of Vancouver's Library Square in May of 1995. This special blend has been a customer favorite for years!

Anything but boring, and as great as the classics in literature!

Ingredients: Black tea (Ceylon, Keemun), Green tea (Jasmine, Gunpowder)
Caffeine Caffeinated
Cup Strength Medium-Strong
Origin Blend
Tea Format Loose Tea, Tea Bags
Type Green/Black Blend

The best Murchies tea yet  Review by  ['TM']

After trying this tea at a fiend’s house, I’m in love. First sip impression was the perfectly balanced full body tea and a light, almost floral finish. Even more impressive was retaining of the smooth taste in cold state - no astringent or bitterness. I had a second cup without milk and it also tasted great and smooth. What magic is that? Con - my friend did not tell me the tea store she bought it from. Google to the rescue and I’m glad I found it.

Posted on 2022-06-24

A Nice Refreshing Tea  Review by  ['davej']

My wife and I are enjoying a pot of Library Blend tea right now. She commented on how much she likes this tea. I tend to brew it at a low-ish temperature (180 degrees) to avoid overwhelming the green tea portions. It is one of my permanent tea inventory, always available in tin #2.

Posted on 2021-04-25

Favorite Tea  Review by  ['Julie']

Library blend is my go to afternoon tea. I love the blend between the black and green teas and the hint of jasmine -- such a great balance! It has been my favorite tea for many years!

Posted on 2020-11-16

A distinctive blend that is special anytime  Review by  Rowena

Library Blend is spot on. Other teas fit at breakfast or in the afternoon, but this one is a treat anytime. I order Earl Grey, the breakfast teas, Lapsang Souchong and Gunpowder Green, but often end up reaching for the tin of Library Blend. Well worth ordering in my home town to be sent to me here in farthest Ottawa.

Posted on 2020-06-12

Better than a great book  Review by  Walker44

I think I originally bought these back in the late 90's when I travelled to BC often for work and fell in love with its unique blend of flavours. Was so happy to find that I could order it online in relatively large batches to have on hand. I agree with an earlier reviewer that found it replaced Earl Grey for them. Something about Earl Grey makes you crave it, and similarly on the occasion when I've let my supply of Library Blend lapse I anticipate a new order's arrival in the same way that I continue to look forward to a cup each and every morning. The taste is exclusive to Murchie's and as memorable and habit-forming as previously only a perfectly blended cup of Earl Grey could be. I highly disagree with the earlier review that referred to it as 'harsh and tannic'. Perhaps you let it steep too long or mixed it up with another bag? To my palate it is far lighter and more refreshing than Editor's Choice or CBC. The taste is full-bodied, but it's also of medium strength so it doesn't 'rev' me up. After sampling many blends over the years its the one I rely upon, with that distinctive hit of jasmine that just cries out to be savoured in a china cup. It brings to mind a comfy chair on a rainy day with a really good British mystery. A bit melodramatic perhaps, but if you try it you too will be hooked for life.

Posted on 2020-06-09

A Delightful Blend  Review by  Mumzies

My children gave me a 10 bag box of this blend when I was working on my PhD dissertation. It was a perfect afternoon sipping tea for when I was researching and writing. It continues to be my favourite and I have bought several more much bigger boxes in the meantime. I love the way the green smooths and sweeten the black tea and the black adds body to the green tea. Perfect.

Posted on 2019-12-08

My relaxing must have  Review by  Tea lover

My favourite had been No.22 for long time but since I tried Library Blend now it is my go to tea. Very smooth and delicate. I love a fragrant Jasmin note .

Posted on 2019-02-14

A longtime favourite  Review by  Amy

This is one of my all-time favourite teas. I have been serving it to my book club for over 10 years. And to family at the holidays. It is a real tradition.

Posted on 2018-11-09

My new favourite  Review by  Wendy

I have loved Earl Grey tea for decades, but happened to try a sample of Library Tea and I was hooked. I love the blend of green and black together, hot or cold, it is so flavourful either way. Goodbye Earl Grey!

Posted on 2017-12-18

Library Blend  Review by  Debbie

This is by far my favourite English tea. I have had it often at Wedding & Baby showers. Must drink out of a china cup, tastes much better!

Posted on 2016-05-24

not a personal favorite  Review by  tally

While Murchie's does a great job with all their green/black blends, this one is not to my taste. It is a bit too harsh and tannic for me, especially compared to my preferred teabag blends, (e.g., Editor's Choice, CBC Radio). However, if you like that bit of "bite" to your teas, this could be the blend for you.

Posted on 2016-02-20

Bring Me a Book!  Review by  TMJ

One sip of this tea and you'll want to be curling up in your favorite leather wingback with your favorite book. Now i just need it in decaf.

Posted on 2015-11-23

Wonderful blend  Review by  Carrie

My mother bought me a sample box of the tea bags as a gift when she was visiting Victoria, because I am a librarian and a tea lover. She certainly chose well! It's rich enough for my morning cup, but light enough to enjoy in the afternoon, too. The flavors mingle really well. Having been using the tea bags, I can't wait to try it as a loose tea as well.

Posted on 2015-05-27

Best and favourite  Review by  Louise

I have been ordering Library Square tea from wherever I have lived for over 25 years. It is my favourite tea. I travel with it and have had requests to bring it overseas as small gifts to friends who have tasted it in my home. Each time I have guests its the tea requested and each time I serve it for the first time it's a hit. Bravo for continuing to blend this to such a high standard.

Posted on 2015-01-14

My favourite!  Review by  Jill

There is one thing wrong with this tea. I love it so much I never want to try anything else. Yes, I really like #10 as well, but this is hands-down my favourite and I crave it. Thank you Murchies for continuing to make our lives this little bit more enjoyable, every day.

Posted on 2012-12-04

Library Tea  Review by  Erica - Tea Enthusiast

This Library Blend Tea is wonderful. This is the tea that I often recommend to friends and family when they feel the tea selection just isn't meeting their tea mark. This tea is great in the morning or just about any time of day. This is tea is also great with or with out milk even though there is green tea in it. Top TEA Recommendations from me!

Posted on 2012-09-01

Also a favorite  Review by  Heather

This is a wonderful blend of green and black teas, mild and fragrant.

Posted on 2012-04-25

This is my favourite blend!!  Review by  Debbie N

I absolutely love this tea. I have had it at many showers and served in fine china cups it is delicious! I live out of town and make a trip to Park Royal to get my supply.

Posted on 2012-04-17

Delicious! The only problem is the boxes aren't BIG enough!  Review by  Librarian Jane

I love, love this tea! I first bought it because I really am a librarian, but I buy it now because it is delicious and calming. I have to have it shipped to Alberta, but it is worth it. Yes, please do put it into bigger box!

Posted on 2012-04-11

Perfection in a cup  Review by  Lo

Fragrant, sweet and delicate, Library makes a delicious tea gift. Just a hint of floral fragrance(only in its aroma- not its taste) brings to mind garden tea parties. A favorite weekend and after dinner tea, since it is indulgent, yet low caffeine- just the thing for a relaxing cuppa. Please, dear Murchies, bring back the 75 tea bag box of this!

Posted on 2012-03-02

my favourite blend!  Review by  kelly

This is my favourite green/black blend. I like to drink it all day long

Posted on 2011-10-11

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Standardized cupping technique and vessel for tasting tea General guidelines on steeping different kinds of tea

Steeping the Best (Guide)

Different types of teas should be steeped according to certain times and water temperatures to bring out their best flavours. Use this guide as a starting point, and then experiment until you find the perfect brewing method for your favourite tea.

Based on approximately one level teaspoon (2.5 g) of loose tea or one tea bag per 6-8 ounce (180-240 mL) cup. For stronger flavour, add more tea. Brewing for longer may increase the strength of the tea, but will likely also cause bitterness.

Tea Bags vs. Loose Tea

While our tea bags and loose tea are crafted to match the same flavour profile, there are discernable effects between the two formats. Namely, the leaves inside tea bags is milled, making it much finer and a quicker brew, while loose tea can take a couple minutes longer to steep. Tea bags are very convenient, but loose tea can be more visually appealing and brewed with a reusable infuser.

  1. Tea bags: steep for 3 - 4 minutes
  2. Loose tea: steep for 4 - 5 minutes

General Steeping Temperatures

The table included here shows some general guidelines for steeping different kinds of tea. Be mindful that some teas, even two from the same category, will brew differently than others. In particular, our green-black blends will often have different ratios of green and black teas - the more green-leaning ones should be brewed at a lower temperature range. Experimentation is highly encouraged, as tea is very much a matter of personal taste.

Puerh and oolong teas are often steeped multiple times for a shorter period of time in smaller brewing vessels. This method creates a curious exploration of the tea as it unfurls, developing new flavours with each subsequent brew - often making for great social conversation.

If you're unsure, try steeping in the middle range for your tea type. If the result is too bitter, steep at a lower temperature or for a shorter time. If the result is flat, try a higher temperature.

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