Herbata Tea Bar - Nashua, NH

I recently mentioned that I stumbled upon a new tea bar in Nashua, New Hampshire. Herbata Tea Bar opened its doors in April 2008 under the direction of co-owners Kathleen and Marybeth. It is located at 650 Amherst Street (Route 101A) in a strip mall with Mother & Child Consignment, Wine Society, Lilac Blossom Restaurant, Sherwin Williams, and a few other shops. The location threw me at first, but as soon as I stepped in the door I knew that I would quickly forget about the outside environment.

The inside of the tea bar has been beautifully decorated with rich red walls, natural wood high top tables, and comfy leather chairs. There is even a child sized table and chairs with a children's tea set. There is a large bar where you can order your tea and refreshments and chat with the owners. In the back there is a small table that is used for tea tastings.

There is a small, rotating lunch menu of soups and salads served mid-day. Pastry is available all day. On my first visit I tried a fantastic corn and bacon chowder and a very enjoyable chai coffee cake. The tea menu was very nice - a good range of blacks, greens, and oolongs. Coffee and other beverages are also available. I tried a Caramel Oolong and was very pleased with my choice. I generally prefer unflavored oolongs, but this was a really pleasant tea and well brewed.

There were numerous displays throughout the store with teapots, cups, and accessories and a wide variety of loose leaf tea. There are teas of all types, tisanes, and specially blended "health teas." They will also create gift baskets for tea lovers.

I had the chance to go for a second visit last Friday. Herbata was hosting its first on-site tea tasting. Jeremy, a part-time staff member (a chef who also works at Wine Society), conducted the tasting. It was a great experience - appropriate for those new to tea and to hard-core tea lovers. He offered 4 black teas - 2 Ceylon and 2 Indian. It was a nice mix to compare and contrast. Jeremy was very amiable and easy to chat with.

The Vithanakande Estate Ceylon was a 1st flush single-estate low-growing Ceylon from the Ratnapura Region of Sri Lanka. It was a mild tea with a gentle floral taste. Very subtle.

The second tea was Lover's Leap Estate Ceylon. It was a broken leaf tea from Sri Lanka's highest region. This was a fruity, grape-y rich tea with a full mouth feel. It reminded me a great deal of Mark T. Wendell's Cheericup Ceylon.

We then moved on to Indian black teas. The Orange Valley Single Estate Darjeeling wasn't my favorite. It was okay, but I just kept looking for more complexity. It just didn't offer me as much as I would have liked.

The last tea was Superior Assam. It was an Assam blend - strong, bold and malty. A good wake-me-up tea.

I ended up purchasing some Caramel Oolong and Lover's Leap to take home. Jeremy mentioned that they are planning on doing tastings every other week or so (likely Fridays 4:30 - 7:00. Call the store for more information - 603-598-1212.) The next tasting will be on May 30th and it is supposed to be oolong teas. Sounds like another great opportunity!

I would definitely recommend a visit to this shop. Let me know if you get a chance to stop in!