“‘Tis the taste that tells the tale” is a slogan that has been associated with several products and restaurants. “The Taste—That Tells the Tale” was cited in a 1906 ad for Taylor’s Pork Rolls; “The Taste That Tells The Tale” was cited in a 1910 ad for White Stag cigars.
 
“Tis the taste that tells the tale” was cited from Iowa in 1922 in a grocery ad and as a Des Moines business slogan. Maid-Rite Hamburg Shop (IL) used the slogan in 1927 and Garland’s Drive-In Restaurant (OK, from 1939-1950) on Route 66 also used the slogan.
 
 
27 November 1906, The Times-Dispatch (Richmond, VA), pg. 10, col. 3 ad:
THE TASTE—THAT TELLS THE TALE. Taylor’s Pork Roll once tried, always used. If you can’t get it from your grocer or meat dealer, phone 38. P. A. HEINDL & CO, Distributors.
 
28 November 1910, Decatur (IL) Daily Democrat, pg. 3, col. 6 ad:
The Taste That Tells The Tale.
(White Stag cigars—ed.)
 
CHronicling America
7 November 1911, The Times-Dispatch (Richmond, VA), pg. 11, col. 2 ad:
THE TASTE THAT TELLS THE tale. Taylor pork roll. That’s all. P. A. HEINDL & CO, Distributors.
   
CHronicling America
13 May 1920. Tulsa (OK) Daily World, pg. 7, col. 3 ad:
The Taste That Tells the Tale
(Smith Baking Company—ed.)
 
Google News Archive
26 May 1921, St. Petersburg (FL) Times, pg. 4, col. 7 ad:
Many years of catering has taught us the art of cooking these select foods to enhance their flavor and taste. And it’s the taste that tells the tale.
 
31 March 1922, The Evening Courier and Reporter (Waterloo, IA), pg. 16, col. 4 ad:
GOOD COFFEE USERS
Another fresh shipment Bourbon Blend Mocha, Peaberry. ‘Tis the taste that tells the tale.For Saturday, lb. ... 29c
(The Independent Meat & Grocery Co.—ed.)
 
23 July 1922, Des Moines (IA) Capital, “Slogans Used by Des Moines Merchants,” pg. 7-A, col. 1:
‘Tis The Taste That Tells The Tale
 
20 October 1927, Rockford (IL) Morning Star, pg. 7, col. 7 ad:
MAID-RITE
Hamburg Shop
‘Tis the Taste That Tells the Tale
 
Google Books
My Morning Meditations:
A thought and a prayer to bring God and my soul together
By Charles Haddon Nabers
Publisher: [S.l. : s.n.]
1945
Pg. 39:
“‘TIS THE TASTE THAT TELLS THE TALE”
 
28 May 1950, New York (NY) Times, “New England: Water Power Projects Revive Dispute Over Potential,” pg. 96:
“‘Tis the taste that tells the tale.’
 
Google Books
The Route 66 Cookbook:
Comfort Food from the Mother Road
By Marian Clark
Tulsa, OK: Council Oak Books, LLC
1993, 2000
Pg. 97:
“Tis the Taste that Tells the Tale” was the motto at Garland’s Drive-In Restaurant at 22nd and Broadway. The drive-in was operated from 1939 until 1950 by Garland Arrington.
 
FlavorMeansBusiness.com
October 31, 2012
‘TIS THE TASTE THAT TELLS THE TALE
from Chef George Sideras
I come from a long line of hospitality workers.