Ten Tan Tin Teas Trivia Quiz

Answer: Thomas Twining

Thomas Twining migrated with his family to London during a recession. Though he originally learned the family trade of weaving, he then learned the tea trade from Thomas D'Aeth of the East India Company.

"It seems in some cases kind nature hath planned
That names with their callings agree,
For Twining the Teaman that lives in the Strand,
Would be "wining; deprived of his T."
-T. Hook (1778-1841)

Answer: Tom's Coffee House

Men would gather at coffee houses and drink most anything but the contaminated water. Thomas Twining began to sell tea. Though women were discouraged from coming inside, they could wait in a carriage while their footman purchased from the coffee house.

Answer: Richard Twining (1749-1824)

Richard Twining would take the helm of Twining in 1771, after his mother's death (she was Mary Twining, married to Thomas Twining's son, Daniel). He was able to persuade William Pitt, Prime Minister, to reduce the taxes on tea. This would make tea more available to everyone, not just the rich.

Answer: 1787

Richard Twining had the commercial logo created, and it was mounted on the front of the coffee house. In addition to the logo, a lion (The Golden Lyon was the name given to the tea house in 1717) and two Chinese men (representing the tea trade with China) were also added to the storefront.

Answer: Earl Grey

There are several tales concerning the origin of this tea blend. One tells that it was given to Prime Minister Charles Grey after one of his men saved a Chinese boy from drowning. This story is also repudiated elsewhere with claims that Lord Grey never went to China. However the original tea was created, it has become a favorite.

Answer: Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria added Twinings to the list of official warrant holders in 1837. Twinings has continued to hold the royal warrant for each successive British Monarch.

Answer: English Breakfast Tea

According to some sources, the origin of English breakfast seems to have started in America, referencing tea from England. The Twining's English Breakfast tea blend was created in 1933.

Answer: tea bags

Twinings, historically a seller of loose tea leaves, began selling tea bags in 1956. The success of tea bags used to brew tea is credited to Thomas Sullivan, who shipped his tea in silk tea bags.

Answer: Associated British Foods

Associated British Foods, founded in 1935, acquired Twinings in 1964. This conglomerate also owns such brands as Argo cornstarch, Fleischmann's Yeast, Karo corn syrup, and Mazola corn oil. Stephen Twining, the tenth generation to work in the business, continued with the company after the acquisition.

Answer: Ethical Tea Partnership

This not-for-profit organization focuses on improving and sustaining the tea industry by ensuring that the supply chains are ethically managed. Based on the standards set by the International Labour Organization of the United Nations, it focuses on both social and environmental provisions.