And the verdict was...

J.F. Rey model 1121 in tortoise and white won my heart at my local optical center. According to the assistant, the spendiest pair in the store (insurance is SO USEFUL). Perhaps not too evident in my quicky photo, a slight cat eye rise and diagonal white banding on the interior. All handmade somewhere in France.
http://jfrey.fr/

Blackstrap Project Complete

The final product for my Blackstrap Tea Co. project. Might possibly hit Etsy, may not. I formulated three blends: The Raj, Mistisa, and Absinthe.

The Raj
An alluring blend of organic darjeeling, heady lapsang souchong, ginger, cardamom, allspice, crushed cloves, cinnamon, anise, orange rind, and the warmth of tellicherry peppercorn.

Mistisa
A charming bouquet of fragrant jasmine green tea, rich allspice, crushed cloves, and whole rose blossoms. Aromatic notes of rum and vanilla.

Absinthe
Using original period recipes, an addictive assortment of spritely peppermint, gunpowder green tea, anise, cardamom, fennel, and sweet licorice root.

The product labels are an original design (notice my blog banner?) adapted for black tea tins using a toothed khaki cardstock with custom made "B" monogram wax seals.