Zest Tea’s claim to fame is the amount of caffeine each cup carries: the same as an amount of coffee, but with “calm and steady alertness” instead of coffee-jiggers. These tea-heads (“sorta like deadheads but with different plants”) won “best new product” at 2015’s World Tea Expo.
How does this “high-octane tea” hold up?
I tried a sample of the Earl Grey, which depicted Sherlock Holmes on the bag. (They’re already currying my favor. It’s like they knew I was coming). This Earl Grey is based on an Orange Pekoe Darjeeling instead of an assam, which gives the mix a kicky, citrus-y base. There are also hints of leather/smoke. Plus, of course, bergamot, thanks to Charles “Chaz” Grey.
It’s genuinely a rugged kick in the butt. Boom. You really ARE awake. The
I’m not sure about the difference between tea-caffeine and coffee-caffeine, but I do think that they affect me differently. The idea of having high-caffeine tea that’s as awake-inducing as coffee is amazing, and I’m glad someone is filling this niche.
Someone funny, no less. If you get bored, you should explore their site. It’s very funny. They deserve recognition almost as much as I deserve caffeine.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Zest Tea
Description
Earl grey has been a popular blend since it was introduced to the British Earl, Charles Grey, in the 1830’s. Most Earl Greys are made with low-quality base teas, but not ours. Zest’s Earl is made with premium Nilgiri Indian black tea blended with a delicious bergamot essential oil.
Natural Ingredients – Certified Non-GMO
Ingredients: South Indian Flower Orange Pekoe Black Tea, Bergamot Flavor, Natural Caffeine
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
English Breakfast Black Tea from We Are Tea. . .
I couldn’t wait to try this breakfast tea, an Assam that promises not to leave a bitter aftertaste. A lot of breakfast Assam teas leave not only a bitter aftertaste for me but a stomach ache as well. I don’t take milk or sugar in my tea, but I will make an exception for Assam tea that is too strong for me. A little splash of milk will usually make it a pain-free breakfast beverage for me.
This teabag (made of biodegradable cornstarch!) says to steep for only two minutes, and guess what I did? That’s right! I tried to multitask and ended up oversteeping it! I have no idea for how long. I added a bit of hot water just in case and still was left with a deeply rich red/brown cuppa. Bracing myself, I took a sip to wash down my scrambled eggs and summer sausage. (Come on, you really have to have good, strong black tea with a breakfast like that!)
The good news is that it IS a strong and hearty, malty and bready English Breakfast, almost what I would consider an Irish Breakfast. The great news is that even with all the hefty body and strong malty flavor, I had no heartburn whatsoever. No stomach ache. No regrets about my morning beverage choice.
I am looking forward to trying some more of their blends!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: We Are Tea
Description
The nations favourite for a reason! Our full bodied breakfast blend of the finest Assam is perfect for those who love a malty and smooth cuppa. Our blend is packed each June in India’s lush Assam region. A cup of this whole-leaf tea is great for any mood at any time of day, promise. Our English Breakfast provides a smoother brew with no bitter aftertaste.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Earl Grey Black/Zest Tea
Earl Grey and I have an uneasy relationship. I like good Earl Grey. Not so good Earl Grey? I will have a glass of water, thank you.
Off the table for me are strong bergamot layered on super fruity Ceylon, and artificial bergamot flavor. Too sour! Both of them!
What a nice surprise this Zest Tea Earl Grey is! Zest is all about caffeine, which is the opposite of important to me. I don’t need it. I don’t really want it. But sometimes people do want it or need it. And getting it from tea gives you the added benefit of L-theanine.
Since this is supposed to have more caffeine than a cup of coffee, I expected it to be harsh. I gave the sachet a sniff when I opened the individually wrapped pouch (+1 for freshness) and it was a delightful, uplifting bergamot aroma.
The steeped tea is definitely toned down aroma-wise from the sachet, as is expected, but the tea is still bright and sparkling with cheerful bergamot. The Nilgiri base is pretty smooth with just the right amount of briskness. Most remarkable to me is how balanced the base and the bergamot are.
I drink my tea plain, but I bet this could take milk and sugar if that’s how you roll. Caffeine warriors, rejoice! This tea may be your new love! So I take it back. Zest isn’t all about caffeine. They are all about providing good tasting, good quality tea with extra caffeine kick, smoothed by L-theanine.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Zest Tea
Description
Earl grey has been a popular blend since it was introduced to the British Earl, Charles Grey, in the 1830’s. Most Earl Greys are made with low-quality base teas, but not ours. Zest’s Earl is made with premium Nilgiri Indian black tea blended with a delicious bergamot essential oil.