MURCHIE'S AFTERNOON

MEDIUM-STRONG Cup Strength

Murchie's Afternoon Blend Tea - this special blend of smooth and fragrant Keemun, Darjeeling and Ceylon teas has been a customer favourite for over three decades.

Originally blended: 1972

Murchie's Afternoon - 10 Tea Bag Box
$5.95
Murchie's Afternoon - 50 Tea Bag Box
$15.95
Murchie's Afternoon - 100 Tea Bag Box
$21.95
Murchie's Afternoon - Loose 2oz/56g
$6.95
Murchie's Afternoon - Loose 4oz/113g
$11.50
Murchie's Afternoon - Loose 8oz/227g
$20.30
Murchie's Afternoon - Loose 16oz/454g
$36.95

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

The perfect afternoon tea, light and smooth with little to no astringency. This brew can be enjoyed with a splash of milk, or simply on its own. A favourite of many traditional black tea drinkers.

A signature blend for Murchie's, this tea has been served in distinguished homes and hotels all over British Columbia, and is revered worldwide.

Tea Bag Ingredients: Black tea (Ceylon, Darjeeling, Keemun)
Loose Tea Ingredients: Black tea (Ceylon, Darjeeling, Keemun, Nepal)

Caffeine Caffeinated
Cup Strength Medium-Strong
Origin Blend
Tea Format Tea Bags
Type Black

The perfect afternoon cup  Review by  Don

Like many others, I discovered Murchie's tea on a business trip to Victoria over 30 years ago. I am lucky to live in BC, so when I order Murchie's it is usually here within 2 days. I often have 3 or 4 types in the daily rotation, but Murchie's afternoon is always one of them. If you want a fairly low caffeine morning cup, then this is your tea. If you want the perfect afternoon pick me up, this is it. I prefer it with a small splash of milk. Perfection.... If you have never had Murchie's tea, this blend is the perfect one to start with!

Posted on 2023-09-05

Favourite Tea - but...  Review by  ['Diane']

This has been my favourite tea for many years. Unfortunately, I am now noticing a lot of "tea dust" in the loose leaf tea. While it would be impossible not to have some tea dust, the amount I have been finding is quite excessive. Tonight I actually sifted the tea in my canister and was shocked at the amount of the dust. While it doesn't affect the taste of the tea, it does make for muddy tea at the bottom of your cup. I hope Murchie's takes better care in the future to reduce this problem.

Posted on 2023-06-07

Lovely Flavour tea  Review by  ['Annie']

I had some of Murchie's Afternoon Tea as a gift and really enjoyed it. It had a lovely flavour. Is there a Decafe blend?

Posted on 2023-01-08

A truly phenomenal tea!  Review by  ['Guy H.']

I was introduced to this delicious aromatic tea many, many years ago at the lovely Empress Hotel while visiting with my family. Back in the day, the hotel had a much more strident dress code for men and women, my siblings and I felt that we had finally ‘arrived’ at sophistication after having enjoyed our first official Afternoon Tea at the Empress. The Empress Afternoon Blend as it was then known, now Murchie’s Afternoon Blend, has become my all-time favorite for both myself, my household, and as gifts. I naturally enjoy drinking it hot at home or work (although I must confess while at work it tends to cool off before I can finish the pot, and I know this is sacrilegious, but I have re-heated it, and guess what? It actually still tastes good!) It’s also delightful iced, hot with milk, and/or lemon and wee bit of sugar/honey. The perfect TEA!

Posted on 2022-08-30

another great blend  Review by  ['tally']

We already have so many favorites from Murchie's (Diamond Jubilee, No 10, CBC Radio Blend, Editor's Blend), that I rarely introduce another tea into our repertoire. But we tried Murchie's Afternoon for the first time and now there's another one we love. I think the medium-strong designation is fair -- it's not very strong nor light. It's got the same flavorful-yet-neutral profile that I like from all my favorite Murchie blends. Truly drinkable any time of day, by itself, with food, or with sweets.

Posted on 2022-02-10

A Reintroduction to a Very Great Tea  Review by  ['davej']

I had forgotten how good this tea is, as I hadn't had it for awhile. My wife and I first had it about 40 years ago at the Empress Hotel in Victoria. It was there we learned to drink tea in bone china cups with just a small bit of milk. It is very smooth and tasty. A very relaxing cup. Brewed for 4:45 minutes at 208 degrees, served with a shy teaspoon of milk in a Murchie's bone china cup. Fantastic!

Posted on 2021-10-30

Afternoon Blend is still one of my favorites!  Review by  Margaret

I fell in love with this tea when it was the signature tea at the Empress Hotel. My mother let me bring a friend and we stayed at the Empress for my 15th birthday when the Queen, Phillip and Anne visited Victoria during the 100 year Centennial. This reminds me of that trip to Victoria and having tea at the Empress. It is still one of my all-time favorites and I am so glad to have it again. I couldn't believe it arrived today and I only ordered it yesterday!

Posted on 2021-07-21

Light, delicious and a favourite now  Review by  ['Grace']

Discovered this during the week because it was the only tea available at a friend's home - unbelievably smooth, delicious and really a perfect tea for later in the day!

Posted on 2021-03-04

Distinctive blend  Review by  MIchelle Butler Hallett

1.25 tsp for 250mL water 100C, steeped 4 minutes 15 seconds. Dry leaf: mostly small brown to black wiry leaves. Aroma: Keemun toastiness. Wet leaf: dark browns, aroma of tannins and minerals. Liquor: gorgeous dark red-brown. Keemun gives way to Darjeeling’s bite, which leads into a strong Ceylon finish with mineral and especially copper notes. It feels like the different teas in this blend travel over the tongue, in an orderly queue. Slightly bitter — often a risk with Keemun. Very nice blend, and strong enough to cut through and then complement other strong tastes. I imagine this would go beautifully with smoked salmon, or a sweet cake.

Posted on 2019-01-13

A gift that became a ritual  Review by  Holly

Years ago my brother and his wife vacationed in Victoria and brought me back a box of Afternoon Blend. I admit that I was not impressed with the gift, as I was a coffee drinker and was never exposed to any tea more sophisticated than Lipton. I fell in love with this tea and have been ordering it from California ever since. It has a lovely, full taste, pairs well with milk and honey, and is just Delicious!! Sometimes I add mint and peanuts - yum.

Posted on 2018-07-03

Bye Gone Days  Review by  cmp1226

This was my very 1st blend of tea at age 13 at The Empress Hotel. The by gone days of dress codes and formality. I have enjoyed this tea ever since. I was fortunate to purchase the original tin that says Empress Afternoon tea. I enjoy this heavenly light flavor in the afternoons.

Posted on 2018-04-09

Absolutely delicious  Review by  Meme

I bought this tea while on vacation in Victoria. I am a tea addict and don't buy any tea in a "regular" store. I try to shop for teas in specialty stores and tea shops. I choose this tea over the wide selection in the Murchie's store. I only bought the 10 bag box and have been "nursing" it for months now. I am so glad that it is available online. I usually only drink decaffeinated, but like to keep some caffeine tea around when I need a pick up in the afternoon. This tea fits the bill. It is so smooth and favorable. I drink it hot and over ice. Either way it's delicious.

Posted on 2017-12-06

Never Just One Mug  Review by  KatieCanuck

This is my go-to afternoon tea. I make it by the mug, with a splash of milk. When I'm at home on the weekends, I have this as my afternoon / evening tea. I can't seem to get enough of it. My husband is a firm believer in a popular grocery store tea sold in blue box, which is perfectly fine (and economical). When I compare this Murchies Afternoon tea to that, this one has a cleaner "finish" if that makes any sense. It's perfect from first to the last sip.

Posted on 2017-09-30

For Boston Tea Parties...and every day  Review by  Jenn

I had my first cup of what was then "Empress Afternoon" on a weekend trip to the Empress Hotel in Victoria from Seattle nearly 30 years ago. It's been my "house blend" ever since. I've served it and gifted it here in the Lower 48, and folks always enjoy it. No dumping *this* tea in the harbor!

Posted on 2017-02-28

another winner  Review by  Choppy

This is another really good tea and lives up to it's name, just right for tea time!

Posted on 2016-07-26

One of the Best Black Teas!!  Review by  Alyssa

Similar to the other reviews, I also fell in love with this tea when it was the signature tea at the Empress Hotel and am so happy Murchie's has continued to sell it. This tea is hands down one one of the smoothest black teas on the market and has a great flavor. So happy Murchies's sells this tea online as well!

Posted on 2015-11-25

One of my all-time favourites  Review by  Northern Tea Goddess

I have loved this tea since it was the special blend used by the Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC (it was called the Empress Afternoon Blend until the hotel sold to Fairmont and they have their own teas). I was so pleased that Murchie's kept it on to sell to the public. The Afternoon Blend is smooth and fragrant and rich without being too rich. I usually drink it with a little honey (raw) and a splash or two of milk. Four o'clock is something to look forward to with this tea in the cupboard.

Posted on 2015-11-23

Murchie's Afternoon Blend is GREAT!  Review by  Steve F

My first stay at the Empress in 1970 was a real eye opener as far as tea goes... I believe the blend was called "Empress Blend" at the time, it was the first time I tasted REAL tea (steeped correctly) and of course the blend itself. When I travel I always try to bring along my "supply" of Murchie's Afternoon Blend Tea!

Posted on 2015-06-04

A great cuppa  Review by  Emma

My mom and I have been hooked on Murchie's Afternoon ever since she tried it at the Empress Hotel many moons ago. We order it from Montreal and it is worth every penny. It is smooth and flavourful and never bitter. Just delicious. Perfect black or with milk.

Posted on 2015-03-24

Can't live without it!  Review by  Jillian

My husband & I have enjoyed this tea even before its name change. Murchie's Afternoon was called Empress Afternoon after the hotel in Victoria. That is were we first discovered it. Now many years later still the only tea my husband wants. We enjoy it for breakfast, afternoons and in the evenings. We drink it black. Have given it for gifts many times.

Posted on 2015-01-21

Afternoon Delight!  Review by  Pamela

While visiting Victoria last week, I happened upon Murchie's and was delighted by a cup of Murchie's blend every afternoon. Every sip was smooth and satisfying. I was anxious to savor a new cup each day! I am so glad that it is available on-line to keep the wonderful experience on-going. Now if I could only order some of their marvelous desserts to go with it!

Posted on 2014-08-21

I may stray...but I always come back.  Review by  Cheryl

I first tried Murchie's Afternoon on my honeymoon over 10 years ago. Wow! I have been ordering it online and drinking it regularly. I often try other blends, but I always come back to Murchie's Afternoon. This blend is truly the quintessential Tea for which I judge all other Tea's against.

Posted on 2014-08-04

my favorite tea any time of day  Review by  John

With an English mother, I grew up drinking tea in the coffee belt of the US Midwest. Stumbled across a Murchie's on a trip to Victoria BC, and tried this delightful tea on the recommendation of the counter staff. Regularly experiment, but always return to this wonderful blend, which reaches perfection with honey and cream.

Posted on 2013-08-21

The best gift  Review by  Mary

This tea was a gift from my son and daughter-in-law when I visited BC in the Spring. I'm hooked. I don't live anywhere near a Murchie's so I am ordering this tea on line. It is so smooth and delicious, I just can't drink anything else.

Posted on 2013-07-12

The only Tea  Review by  Judy

I love Murchies Afternoon Blend. Have been drinking it for years...It never disappoints me. It is my quiet spot of the day. Thanks.

Posted on 2012-09-18

My favorite tea for over a quarter of a century  Review by  Glenna

I have been drinking Murchie's Afternoon Blend since October, 1986, when I visited Victoria. I have taken tea in many places, but the Afternoon blend is still my favorite, for any time of day.

Posted on 2012-06-25

BEST Tea  Review by  Diane

I've been drinking tea since I was 5 years old (I'm past the half century mark now). Occasionally I will buy many different types of tea and have a blind taste comparison. This one is always the winner. So smooth and delicious. Perfect with a bit of honey or brewed with some fresh mint.

Posted on 2012-05-25

Great Tea - Murchie's Afternoon Blend  Review by  Mary

Ever since we went to the Empress Hotel for "Tea" where we got our first taste, we have been ordering the Afternoon Blend from Murchie's - that would be over twenty years ago. We find it the smoothest, great tasting tea, especially for breakfast. That pretty much says it all ;).

Posted on 2012-04-21

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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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