A Little Sparkle, a Different Kind of Celebration
By Alli Schuchman | Photos Courtesy Hampy Sparkle Tea
Bainbridge Island has its own wine, beer and spirits. But until recently, there was something missing from the island’s celebration scene: a sophisticated drink for those who choose not to drink alcohol.
Enter Hampy Sparkle Tea, the creation of Bainbridge entrepreneur Dean Hampton, who set out to give non-drinkers something worth raising a glass to. The result is a fermented, non-alcoholic sparkling tea that brings the complexity and character of a craft beverage without the alcohol.
The road to the first release, however, wasn't exactly bubbly. Hampton's first three batches failed before the fourth finally made it into cans in late September, yielding 459 cases of White Diamond, a delicate blend of jasmine and white peony tea. Green Emerald, the tangy cousin to the White, was released in October, yielding over 1,000 cases. Hampy Sparkle Tea is no small-batch kitchen experiment. It’s brewed in 60-barrel tanks (all canned at Coppertop on Bainbridge), which produce 25,000 cans (8.4 oz) per batch.
The brand's playful personality also comes through on Facebook and Instagram, where Hampy has embraced an Alice in Wonderland theme. It's a fitting pairing: Lewis Carroll's fantastical world is full of curiosity, unexpected discoveries and wonderfully unconventional tea parties. Hampy takes that same spirit of imagination and gives it a modern twist. After all, who says a celebratory tea party needs alcohol? Sometimes all it takes is a little wonder, some good company and something sparkling in your glass.
White Diamond and Green Emerald are the first of four planned blends, each with its own personality. Red Ruby, which will debut in early December, is the uncaffeinated member of the family, designed to unwind, while Black Onyx is meant to rejuvenate. Made with just tea, water and coconut palm sugar, Hampy offers a fresh take on what a celebratory drink can be.
For Hampton, the goal is simple: give everyone a reason to join the toast.
Perhaps that's the most wonderful thing about Hampy. It isn't about what you're choosing not to drink. It's about discovering something new worth drinking.
Explore the blends at hampytea.com
9419 Coppertop Loop NE | Bainbridge Island, WA. 98110
(908) 343-8728
