Tea Whiz

After creating (and selling) two of the world's biggest tea brands--Stash Tea Co. and Tazo--Steven Smith is going small.

With his brand-new line of handmade blends, the Portland, Oregon-based tea maker aims to create the freshest, most traceable teas on the planet.

Smith's teas are bagged on a made-to-order basis, and each box of tea contains a number, which you can enter on the company's website to find out where each leaf was grown, when it was harvested and who packed your blend (visit the site and enter "90106" to see how it works).

Smith launched his eponymous line with a dozen teas that range from the rich Brahmin's Choice (an upscale breakfast blend) to the restorative Peppermint Leaves (made from mint grown in Oregon). Curative blends and ready-to-drink bottled teas will follow.

And if you find yourself in Portland, visit Smith Teamaker for a hands-on lesson in cupping, pairing and blending your own tea (call ahead to reserve).

Who knows: Maybe you'll become the next tea tycoon.

Smith Teamaker, 1626 N.W. Thurman St., Portland; 503-719-8752 or smithtea.com