Tea drinkers looking for quality and a full-bodied taste, should start in Ireland. With the highest per capita consumption in the world, the Irish know how to make a good cup of tea.

Today, Irish tea comes in two forms. The first category is Irish tea made by tea companies in Ireland and blended specifically for Ireland's water. The second category is Irish teas made by tea companies around the world. This second version is a black tea with a malty flavor best served with sugar and milk.

With a full-bodied taste, Irish teas are increasingly popular with tea drinkers. Barry's Tea is an authentic Irish tea, blended and produced in Ireland. Barry's blends tea leaves from Africa and India, specifically Kenya, Rwanda and the Assam Valley. Most tea used is African, since it works particularly well with the Irish water. Blending different types and amounts of tea produces varying tastes. The difference between brands of Irish tea is how they are blended.

Barry's Tea has a long-established reputation as Ireland's leading tea company. The company was founded in 1901 by James J. Barry. Since its inception, Barry's Tea was known for providing high quality tea. In 1934, Barry's Tea was awarded the Empire Cup for tea blending. Until the 1960's, Barry's Tea was sold mainly from a shop on Prince's Street in Cork, Ireland

Barry's occupies the high end of the tea market. According to Barry's, the company has 34% of the tea market in Ireland and is second behind leader Lyons Tea.

The company flagship product, Barry's Gold is the most popular tea. Brewing an amber color with a smooth, clean taste, Barry's Gold is available in tea bags and loose tea.

A premium tea, Barry's Classic is the second most popular tea. Full-bodied and with a stronger flavor than Barry's Gold, Barry's Classic comes in tea bags and loose tea.

Formerly called Green Label, Barry's Irish Breakfast is a traditional Irish tea. Brewing a light amber color, Barry's Irish Breakfast is a subtle blend with a soft flavor and available in tea bags.

While many caffeine-free teas taste weak and lack flavor, Barry's offers a full-flavored decaffeinated. Barry's Decaffeinated is available in tea bags.

For a flavored tea, try Barry's Earl Grey, a black tea blended with bergamot oil. Barry's also offers a green tea.