It's been a few years since I mentioned Captain Scott's Strong Blend Tea. Back then, it was touted as the same "original blend" that Scott's Terra Nova Expedition took to the wastes of Antarctica.
It's seen a few changes. The original box, riddled with errors which were discussed here, was corrected fairly rapidly. A later version included the stupid notion that it could be both the "original blend" and "improved" at the same time. I had words with Mr. Cohen's lackeys and a new version was released soon afterwards with the claim "improved" removed, and with "strong" promoted to "extra strong". At some point someone removed the blurb which told of their support of the programme for the preservation of Scott's huts in Antarctica. The final version looks like this:
I say it's the final version because it's nowhere to be found in Jack's Emporium - it's been discontinued. The box pictured above is the last one in my stash. If I'd known beforehand that the product was due to be canned, I'd have bought the whole stock and buried it in a supply-dump somewhere in the snow.
Below is their replacement offering. It's not got the same heroic appeal, and I've no idea how it tastes as I'm yet to try it, but I suppose I'll have to give it a go. You never know, it might be the same stuff in a different box:
THE SMALL(ish) PRINT... (updated 23/07/2016)
By submitting a comment to this blog you grant me permission to reproduce its content and to reproduce the submitted name/URL in attribution. I will leave your content in its intended place and in its unedited form unless one or more of the following apply:
If you ask me to modify, move or delete your content, I’ll consider making the requested change(s) so long as there’s no significant alteration of the context of the content or of any debate associated with it;
If you change your email address or URL, I’ll update these details in older comments so that I'm not displaying dead links;
If I decide to change the theme or layout of this blog, thus affecting the placement and/or visibility of comments, I’ll make whatever changes I see fit for the smooth running of this blog;
If any comment contains insulting profanity or other content which I deem to be causing or likely to cause trouble, I’ll edit or delete as I see fit for the smooth running of this blog. I’ll try to remember to display the reason(s) for whatever editing I do, so that folk aren’t left hanging wondering what happened and why. If you can at least try to "disguise" your swearing, it would be much appreciated.
Other things to consider:
Comments must contain at least 3 characters;
You can use some code in comments, feel free to give it a shot and see what works;
If adding pics, the recommended maximum dimension is 600px.;
Comments containing many links will be held for moderation;
I reserve the right to amend this policy in line with proven applicable current legislation;
Free Speech: you may well have the right to it, but you've no right to compel me to a) listen to it, or b) publish it!
It cannot be the same. The box says “ hand picked since 1924” way after Scott’s trip.
@Alan Rayner - I suppose that it's no coincidence that the Tesco name first appeared in that year...
"The name came about after Jack Cohen bought a shipment of tea from Thomas Edward Stockwell. He made new labels using the initials of the supplier's name (TES), and the first two letters of his surname (CO), forming the word TESCO."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesco#Origins
Tests confirm that it's not the same stuff. It's a different colour (reddish rather than deep brown) and it doesn't stain the spoon. I'd not classify it as an "extra strong" tea if comparing it to the Captain Scott blend. There's a world of difference.
A bit further than your normal shopping expedition, Tesco Malaysia appears to have stock : https://eshop.tesco.com.my/groceries/en-GB/products/7072727128
Otherwise I'd recommend Yorkshire Gold.
https://eshop.tesco.com.my/groceries/en-GB/products/7072727128
Tesco Malaysia , A bit further than your normal shopping expedition.
Alternatively I recommend Yorkshire Gold. Grown in the Yorkshire tea plantations.
Sorry about the double post, triple if you include this one. The first comment disappeared through a timewarp and then re-appeared.
@Glen - No worries, it's probably the moderation process. If the system thinks that you've not had a previous comment approved, it holds the comment for me to vet. It can play up if you have had previous comments approved but with different credentials (email address, name, etc.).
@Glen - After a good lashing with some SQL, all of your comments (47 so far) are now amalgamated under your preferred email address and name.