Popped by the cutest tea shop with the best view in the backyard. This shop is small but has such a great selection of fresh tea. They have a tasting station inside and a huge variety of prepackaged and they also package and custom make the blends you desire. The staff inside is so friendly and kind and made it easy to select some gifts that I purchased while visiting. I will definitely be back on my next trip to Connecticut. read more

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For nearly 15 years the family at Simpson and Vail has been exceeding my expectations with expertise, warmth, and service. They do it all from a charming, quarry-side boutique. The tea selection is beyond my comprehension, and they serve my single favorite coffee of all time: Brazil Mogiana. Every time I visit, I feel better after I leave. Give them a try. read more

This is a multigenerational business that really knows the ins and outs of tea and coffee importing. They have an astounding selection of teas from all over the world. They also have a very nice selection of snacks and desserts to munch on. There's a very serene outdoor area with a gazebo where you can have your tea if you so choose. Everything I purchased was delicious and it was really nice chatting with the father and son that run the business. I am a real history buff, so I asked about the beginnings of the business and learned so many interesting stories. I had such a wonderful time. Thank you so much again! read more

I have found the teas that they have graded, are misrepesented. I cannot trust accurate grading representations from them in the future. read more

Well when they have their products in stock they are the best products. Everything I've tried I've loved. Period

Simpson & Vail, I love you. I am a tea lover. I drink it daily, and have been known to slow-clap after a first sip of a new tea that takes my breath away. Unfortunately, I have a wicked citrus allergy, which always reeks havoc on my desires to drink delicious teas. Enter Simpson & Vail. My brother first took me here almost ten years ago; through the windy hills and around the grassy corners, hidden by a little pond, I'm sure most people fly by it and never know it's back behind the road. Oh, they're missing out! I remember when I first walked through the doors - all the little teas in jars to sniff and explore, and FULL INGREDIENT LISTS so I could make sure I wasn't going to off myself in the process! They have an amazing and extensive collection of all types of teas - in so many flavors and varieties. In addition to the teas and coffees, they also are a tea-trinket and tea-accessory paradise, with tea pots and other necessities. (Great for gifts, too!) Adorable! When I moved to Arizona, I ordered from afar and had it shipped. They have excellent mail-order services, and my products always arrived fresh and safe. (I highly recommend if you're purchasing online!) Now, that I'm back in CT, I enjoy going to the shop again. I'm always greeted with a smile; the family that owns this business are kind and genuine, and always take the time to have meaningful conversations (Hi, Jim!). I never feel rushed or pressured to purchase; you can buy as much or as little of the teas as you would like. Prices are VERY reasonable. Most recently, I stopped drinking caffeine, which made me really sad because I thought I would need to give up my favorite Almond flavored tea....Simpson & Vail to the rescue - they also have it in Green and Rooibos varieties, no joke! Summary: This is a wonderful, family-owned business in a beautiful location, and run by beautiful people, serving a beautiful and quality product. Skip the big box tea stores, and hit this place up. You will not be disappointed! read more

Interested store. The heart shaped tea strainer that I bought for my wife looked nice, but is cheap and bends easy thus its in the trash. We also purchased 4 types of tea, not impressed thrown out as well. read more

Wonderful tea, the coconut and peach (with papaya) not only works, it's my favorite out of the three sweet infused teas I've purchased. Found out they're only about 90 minutes away from me, so I plan to visit soon! I made the mistake of only buying 1 ounce of my island green tea. Absolutely delicious by itself, or with boba. read more

We are truly lucky to have this place in the area. The quality and variety of their teas is incredible. Pricing is very good too. If you are a flavored tea fan, try their rooibus products. My favorite is the vanilla mint!. Definitely check this place out and you'll see why it is 1000x better than Teavana in the mall. read more

I went to the World Tea Expo this year and was introduced to Simpson and Vail teas. The gentleman at the booth gave me a hefty sample of Assam Orangajulli, and it's quickly become one of my favorites. I'm not usually an assam tea fan, but this one is mellow and citrusy without even needing milk to cut the acidity. In any case, I wanted to try more of their teas. I searched their website and ordered a lot of different sample portions of teas. The green vanilla chai tea is just awful. So bitter, and not vanilla-y, chai-y or even green tea tasting. Blech. However, the Organic Bangladeshi Long Leaf is extraordinary! Light caramel and marshmallow flavor, amber liquor. Perfectly smooth with no bite whatsoever. I ordered the earl grey extra, because how could you not want more of what makes earl grey taste delicious? Almost thought it would be too bergamot-ty, but it was very nice and not overpowering. And I just have to say that the pinhead gunpowder is just the cutest little tea you ever did see! Customer service was great. Did have to contact them about a problem with the website, but I got a quick response. Shipping was also quick. Overall, a very nice house to order tea. Nice quality tea. They have other gourmet goodies for sale on their site as well, but I didn't even bother with it. read more

I really wish I knew about this place sooner, especially since last Summer I went through a HUGE tea craze. Assuming it will probably happen again when the weather warms up, I'm glad I know I can use Simpson & Vail as a significant replacement for Teavana. Simpson & Vail is a bit off the beaten path to find, but the location is perfect for a calm, serene atmosphere. The building overlooks a peaceful natural environment, with a small river that meets the edge of a sort of mountainscape. During the warmer months I'll definitely have to stop by to take advantage of their gazebo and just relax completely. Beautiful stuff. The ladies that helped my coworker and I out where phenomenal. They knew everything coffee bean/tea oriented off the top of their heads, and even threw in some knowledgeable information about whatever we asked about. The building isn't very large, but they supply everything you need in order to make either tea or coffee. The old school scale they had up front that measured your goods was awesome and added a nice touch to the rustic interior decoration. The prices per pound were very reasonable when compared to Teavana and the fact they these people actually knew what they're talking about when it comes to tea was a huge plus in my book. The woman who helped us out told us a horror story stemming from a Teavana worker who recommended a specific tea for a nursing woman, which ended up being the wrong tea completely. Ultimately after that incident, she's been coming here instead. I trust Simpson& Vail's knowledge, especially since they stated the store has been there for the greater part of 18 years, and also because their average rating is five stars on Yelp. Will be back here for sure, can't wait to start stocking back up on tea again! read more

I've been shopping here for years and will continue to, and recommend that tea lovers start! The selection is amazing and the staff's knowledge of their product is unparalleled. The seasonal blends are delicious- perfect "highs" and "lows" so you get a beautifully full-flavor. Prices are reasonable and put chain tea shops to shame. read more

This place is great. It's one of the few places I come to get my tea. They have a wonderful selection of different teas you can smell and always have one or two teas out for you to try and also little cookies and snacks. They also have a variety of really cute tea pots and tea accessories. Another aspect of this tea shop that keeps me coming just to them is the staff. They are family run and really know their stuff. They are so helpful and I always get good advice on what tea I should get and how to use the tea (some of the teas you can even use in cooking, who knew?!) In addition to just their knowledge they're friendly and I find myself sticking around just talking with them about tea, local news and history of brookfield. You really get a nice small town feel here. In addition to that, the location and the decoration of the shop is so nice. It is set a bit far from commercial areas which is great in terms of parking. The view of the quarry outside the shop is so pretty and adds to the charm. Once you come to this shop you won't want to go anywhere else for your tea :) read more

this place is the best! a massive selection. of coffee and tea, and their curbside pickup is so easy. you can order online or call and they bring it out to you. a real gem in brookfield. can't wait til we can be back in the store with all the good smells again! read more

This is a great little store! I went in for the first time recently and fell in love with it. They have a great selection of tea, coffee and adorable little trinkets and treats. Great place to get gifts as well. The owner, his wife and their son were all extremely friendly. It's always great to go somewhere and feel welcomed, as well as valued as a customer. I will definitely be back. read more

Excellent mail order teas! I've been a big fan of their mail order house for years, and they keep adding new delicious teas..

Great selection of teas and we were happy with the ginseng, roobios selected. Super nice and helpful service with a large sampling of teas and scones on display. Such a nice setting with the gazebo and pond. Definite must if you like tea! read more

The setting is beautiful, the selection of tea is amazing and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. It's a lovely shop.

Beautiful store in a beautiful location. The owners were knowledgeable and friendly. We enjoyed the conversation while browsing the huge selection of teas. I picked up some nice lavender teas for christmas gifts. Will definitely go back. read more

Simpson & vail is local gem. If you love tea's and coffee this.is the place for you. Its hidden, relaxing calming and renewing. Ive been coming here for a few years now and can not recommend them enough. The staff are all extremely knowledgeable and cheerful. Each knows all their product by heart and are very involved with the tea and coffee growers. When staff can tell me the date a tea leave was picked and the mans name and l the time including process it took to get to me as tea from nepal, im swayed to trust that source over big named brand and teavana products. The business is family owned and run to this day. And the prices are perfect. Teas ounce per ounce never break the bank and have much richer flavor then what I drank growing up from the local grocery store. Im so happy with this place and the fact that they ship and have gone online is wonderful if I ever move from CT. Ill never be without S&V. read more

Really love this place. They literally have ever kind of tea you can think of and more! They also let you buy an ounce or 2 at a time if you want to try a tea before buying a whole 4oz package. The owners are very personable and helpful as well. They also have samples of tea to try. read more

I visited the store in Brookfield. It's in an out-of-the way area near the four corners. The shop had a wide selection of teas and coffees - much better than, say, Starbucks, and a knowledgeable staff. read more

I have been purchasing tea here for 5 years and everything they have is top quality! When you open your tea you can see the full leaves - not what was left in the bottom of the pan. A flavor for everyone AND magnificent coffee to! Give them a try and you will never order the other guys again! read more

This place is a gem that I have overlooked for years. I'm a coffee drinker and I greatly enjoy their selection. Arrived on a Saturday recently to find that they were closed, during July and August. I wish that was noted on their website. read more

If there is a better tea store out there, I absolutely do not want to know what it is. S&V is best known for online orders, but if you're in the area, a trip to the store is a must. The staff are incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable about a wide variety of teas. People who are new to tea-drinking can get good recommendations, while tea-lovers can find new varieties based on what they already enjoy. There are countless types from all over the world available at the store, including a huge rack of sample jars so you can experience the different aromas. Even better, there are almost always a few pots brewing for you to try. I have bought so many teas and supplies here over the years - teapots, strainers, even sweets to go along with my drinks. Everything is reasonably priced, especially the tea itself. If you've been going to Teavana or another chain this whole time, do yourself a favor and shop here! You'll save a ton of money and support a local store to boot. Plus, the employees won't hound you as soon as you pick up a teacup set or ask to try the darjeeling (but I'll save that for another review...) Seriously - if you love tea and haven't visited yet, you are missing out! I started shopping here and never looked back. read more

What distinctive and awesome teas!! I'd had some of the seasonal specialty teas and just tried their Jasmine for the first time. I also had the benefit of the amazing amount of knowledge of one of the family owners (Cyndi Harron)... And after reading the reviews of the store itself ("gorgeous," "serene, calm," etc.), I can't wait to visit in person next time I drive through Connecticut!! read more

I've ordered coffee from S&V for at least 20 years. They have a great selection, and the descriptions of the coffees are spot on. In the days when I ordered by phone, everyone was extremely helpful and friendly. I don't live anywhere near them, but they will continue to get my business. read more

Nice little shop in a surprisingly beautiful location. It doesn't have an espresso machine however and it's not set up with a barista.

A hidden gem.I lived here for a while before I even found out they were there. But I'm so happy I found them. They have such a wonderful selection of coffee and tea, and the staff is very helpful. read more

I just ordered 5 kinds of teas and the first two I've had, Lilac and Violet, are superb. Their black tea base is one of the smoothest teas I have ever had. I have found my new tea purveyor. Thank you! read more

Simpson and Vail is a thousand miles from me, but because of the internet and the U.S. Postal Service, they are my "neighborhood" tea shop. I've been ordering several times per year from them for possibly 15 years, with never the slightest problem. The teas I have received have been the very highest quality. They also have a great selection of tea wares and gourmet food items. I also appreciate that they are an actual family owned and operated business rather than an impersonal conglomerate. In a world often beset with problems, Simpson and Vail is a business oasis and a pleasure to deal with. read more

Literally can not say enough great things about S&V. Every tea I've tried from there has been delicious. Their selection is almost overwhelmingly diverse and interesting, including both an intriguing assortment of flavored teas and an impressive selection of bare bones TEA teas from different regions. The sales staff is amazingly knowledgeable and friendly (but never pushy). Their prices are absurdly good. And, one of my favorite things, they have smelling samples out of many, if not all, of their teas, so you can get a sense for what you want without feeling like a bother. Warm and welcoming atmosphere, nice staff, great teas - love it! read more

In the profoundly unlikely event that the clerk hits you in the face with the lid of a large tin of tea, she will be extremely apologetic and give you a free ounce of tea to sample, as well as one for your wife. These teas, like all of their teas, will be absolutely superb, especially because they edge out the already excellent prices by being free. read more

I really like this place. I went in to get a specific tea that comes in a few varieties, and the knowledgeable salesman gave me a free sample of one of them when I bought the other I decided to try, so that I might compare them. That kind of customer service is unheard of in most large stores these days. I'd definitely go back here again. read more

The selection of teas is vast and varied, and their descriptions are great. I order my teas online, and even with shipping costs factored in, the S&V prices are so very much better than, say, over-priced and mediocre Teavana. The S&A service is fast--and helpful. This family-run business is a treasure! read more