Fine Tea in Calgary

Last fall, Kensington welcomed a second tea merchant, The Naked Leaf, to 10th Street N.W. near the Oolong Tea House. With more than 90 varieties of organic green, black, oolong, white and herbal-infused teas imported from around the world in store, the retail ritual of sniffing, sampling and selecting the perfect blend is only the beginning.

The teashop carries tea tins with about 20 different labels that feature the work of local and international artists, including exceptional painters Pam Weber, Karl Skaret and Connie Gibbens. As gifts or for fundraisers, labels can also be customized using personal photos and artwork.

The collection of tea-related gear for sale includes Japanese cast-iron Tetsubins and whimsical collectible pots from The Teapottery shaped like kitchen appliances and furniture. The store also carries matcha bowls, tea-infused chocolate imported from Belgium and, oddly enough, its own line of skin cream.

Although all the tea paraphernalia leaves no room to sit and sip a warm cuppa, owner Jonathan Kane will happily brew you one to go. (305 10 St. N.W., 403-283-3555, thenakedleaf.ca) —J.M.