Smith Teamaker Review 2026: Portland's Small-Batch Tea, From Lord Bergamot to Autumn Leaves
Picture a grey Portland morning. A sachet of Yunnan black tea steeps in your mug, and the steam carries cinnamon, clove, ginger and a gentle warmth of ancho chile. That's Autumn Leaves, one of the seasonal blends from Smith Teamaker, a small-batch tea company that labels every blend with the care most people save for wine.
We read through Smith's blends, formats, prices and policies in October 2026. Here's what's on the menu, which formats make sense for you, and how to spend less on your next box.
The Story: The Tea Veteran Who Went Small
Smith's founder page tells the story of Steve Smith, who first tasted tea at his grandmother's house in Portland, Oregon. He co-founded Stash, became what the page calls "the wizard of Tazo" and, after selling that company to Starbucks, moved his family to France. Inspired by his neighbourhood chocolatier, baker and perfumer in Avignon, he came home with a new idea: a tea company run small, buying top-quality tea and blending it "with total transparency" in Portland.
In 2009 the first Smith signature blends were made in a Northwest Portland blacksmith's shop. Steve rejected the title "tea master" and called himself simply a "teamaker", and the name stuck. The homepage quotes The New York Times: "What craft brewers did for beer and artisanal vintners did for wine, Mr. Smith did for tea…"
What Makes Smith Different
- Full-leaf blends with clear ingredient lists. Lord Bergamot, for example, combines Ceylon Dimbula and Uva teas with Assam and bergamot essential oil from Reggio Calabria, Italy. You know exactly what's in the cup.
- Plant-based sachets. Smith's FAQ says its sachets are made from a plant-based PLA material, commercially compostable, and sealed with ultrasonic sound waves, so there's no glue or staples.
- Resealable loose tea bags. Loose tea comes in Eco Loose Tea packaging made from post-consumer recycled material, which Smith says is also recyclable.
- Four ways to buy most blends. A 15-sachet carton, a 100-sachet "Pantry Filler", a loose leaf bag, or a larger loose leaf Pantry Filler.
Shop the Smith Teamaker Highlights
Four standouts from Smith's October 2026 lineup, with the prices we saw on the brand's site.
Prices change often; the brand's site always shows the current price.
Steep Into Smith's Fall Blends →
The Lineup: Pick a Blend, Then a Format
| Product | Price | Buy this if… |
|---|---|---|
| Lord Bergamot (Earl Grey) | $13.99 carton (15 sachets) · $14.99 loose 2.5 oz · $75.99 for 100 sachets | You want a bright, citrusy Earl Grey for every day |
| Masala Chai | $13.99 carton · $14.99 loose 3.5 oz · $29.99 loose 8 oz | You make chai lattes at home |
| Portland Breakfast | $14.99 carton · $15.99 loose 3.5 oz · $79.99 for 100 sachets | You like a strong, malty wake-up cup |
| Black Lavender | $13.99 carton · $14.99 loose 2.5 oz | You want something floral but still robust |
| Autumn Leaves (seasonal) | $16.99 carton · $20 loose 3 oz · $83.99 for 100 sachets | You want fall in a mug |
| Smith 12-Pack Sampler Carton | $15.99 | You're new and want to try 12 flavors, one sachet each |
| Smith Teamaker Teapot | $52.99 | You brew loose leaf for two |
| Tea subscriptions | 3-month plans from $41.97 | You never want to run out of your daily blend |
Which blend should you start with?
Lord Bergamot is the classic: Ceylon Dimbula and Uva with Assam, scented with Italian bergamot. Portland Breakfast is described as big, strong and assertive, with notes of malt, leather, spice and a touch of peat, and Smith says it's less astringent than other breakfast teas. Masala Chai pairs second flush Assam with ginger root, cassia, black pepper, cloves and cardamom. For something different, Black Lavender blends French lavender with Ceylon and lapsang souchong teas, black currant and vanilla. Not sure? The $15.99 12-Pack Sampler Carton lets you taste a dozen before you commit.
Carton, Pantry Filler or loose leaf?
The 15-sachet carton is the try-it size. The 100-sachet Pantry Filler is for the household that drinks it daily. On Lord Bergamot, that's $75.99 for 100 sachets against $13.99 for 15. Loose leaf suits teapot brewers, and the 8 oz Pantry Filler bags are the bulk option. Pair loose leaf with the $8.50 Smith Tea Filter Bags if you don't own an infuser.
The gift sets
The Autumn Leaves Teapot Gift Set ($69.99) pairs a carton of Autumn Leaves with the Smith Signature Teapot. On its own, the Smith Teamaker Teapot ($52.99) holds 750 mL, has a no-drip spout and comes with a stainless steel fine mesh infuser, sized for two teacups. A Teacup Gift Set version of Autumn Leaves is listed at $41.99.
Shipping, Returns and Rewards
| Policy | What Smith says |
|---|---|
| Free shipping | Domestic orders over $55 (free ground shipping) |
| Flat-rate shipping | $5.99 for subtotals of $28.99 and under; $6.99 for $29–$54.99 |
| Processing | Allow 2–4 business days |
| Carriers | Mostly USPS; larger or more valuable items may go UPS. UPS 2-Day Air available (not AK, HI or P.O. boxes) |
| Military mail | Ships to APO, FPO and DPO addresses |
| Returns | 30-day policy on all SmithTea.com purchases: Smith will replace or refund items you're not pleased with |
| Rewards | Free account earns 5% cash back on qualifying purchases (US and Canada); cash back expires 365 days after it's earned |
Worried you'll pick a blend you don't like? Smith's FAQ says its 30-day policy covers all purchases on SmithTea.com. Email customersuccess@smithtea.com and the team will replace or refund the item.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Detailed ingredient lists for every blend | Free shipping starts at $55, not lower |
| Plant-based, glue-free sachets | Seasonal blends come and go |
| Four formats for most teas, including 100-sachet Pantry Fillers | Rewards are limited to the US and Canada |
| 5% cash back with a free account | Processing can take 2–4 business days |
| 30-day replace-or-refund policy | Some limited releases sell out fast |
Who Will Love Smith Teamaker?
- Ingredient readers who want to know the estate and origin behind every leaf.
- Chai and Earl Grey loyalists who drink the same cup daily and want a 100-sachet box.
- Seasonal sippers waiting for Autumn Leaves and the holiday blends.
- Gift givers who want a teapot set that arrives ready to wrap.
- Low-waste households who like compostable sachets and recyclable loose tea bags.
How to Save at Smith Teamaker
- Create a free account to earn 5% cash back on every qualifying order, redeemable at checkout on your next one.
- Clear $55 for free shipping: a 100-sachet Pantry Filler of Lord Bergamot ($75.99) does it in one go.
- Buy Pantry Fillers for the blends you drink every day.
- Watch for site-wide events. Smith's 25% Harvest Sale ran October 14–18, 2026 and has now ended, but the brand does run seasonal sales.
- Check our deals page before you check out.
Smith Teamaker FAQ
What are Smith's tea sachets made of?
Smith says they're made from a plant-based PLA material, commercially compostable, and sealed ultrasonically, with no glue or staples.
How much is shipping?
Domestic orders over $55 ship free. Below that, it's a flat $5.99 (subtotals up to $28.99) or $6.99 ($29–$54.99).
Can I return tea I don't like?
Yes. Smith's 30-day policy covers all SmithTea.com purchases; contact customersuccess@smithtea.com for a replacement or refund.
Does Smith sell tea subscriptions?
Yes. 3- and 6-month plans are offered for black, green, herbal and Teamaker's Choice teas, in sachet or loose leaf versions. Subscribers also earn cash back.
Our Verdict
Smith Teamaker is tea for people who read the label and enjoy what's on it: named estates, real spices, bergamot from Calabria. The formats scale from a $13.99 carton to a 100-sachet Pantry Filler, shipping is free from $55, and a free account pays back 5%. Start with the 12-pack sampler or a carton of Autumn Leaves, then go big on the one you can't stop making. Check our Smith Teamaker deals page before you order.
How we wrote this: MollyReviews researched Smith Teamaker using its official website, product listings, FAQ, prices and policies in October 2026. We haven't personally tested these products and we don't invent ratings or discount codes. We may earn a commission if you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you.