Two tea aficionados, Emily Gibson and Margaret Hamilton, have opened Wild Dog Rose, a tea and book shop at 1570 Bardstown Road. The new business will appeal to New Age devotees, as well as those in the Highlands hankering for a soothing beverage that is not coffee or beer.

In addition to dozens of teas, Wild Dog Rose will stock crystals, essential oils, books and baked goods such as scones, tea-infused truffles and muffins.

Gibson and Hamilton will provide education about teas, allowing customers to examine and smell the various teas, which will all have information about their reputed health benefits. Tea will be sold by the cup, or in bulk, and teas can be custom-blended to suit a customer’s preferences.

Elmwood Inn Fine Teas in Danville will be the supplier of the store’s loose teas. Gibson and Hamilton took a class at Elmwood Inn to learn more about the backgrounds, uses and methods of brewing different tea varieties. Both of the owners of Wild Dog Rose worked at Heine Bros. and Vint, where they first developed their interest in tea.

The site of the new tea shop used to be LIFEBar, a juice and smoothie store.