I'm a bot of a tea aficionado myself...in fact, brewing up a fine cup of Iron Goddess of Mercy as we speak. Of course, you know about the tea shop in Ky my wife just opened. Any time you want to talk tea, let me know. I want to learn all I can s well.
Regarding your Opium Wars- it also led to the introduction of tea production into India. In the 1860's, the British pushed hard to transfer they're tea production from China to Assam, Ceylon, and the darjeeling regions. Much easier for them, due to the Raj, and as China was trying to cut them out. Hence the creation of English Breakfast tea- a blend of Assam and Ceylon teas made possible by the Opium Wars.
Have you been to the new loose tea cafe store in the annex?