Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black & Green
Where to Buy: Mighty Leaf
Company Description:
A classic twist on Earl Grey black tea, Beatles Blend black tea hearkens back to the roots of the Beatles’ homeland. We start with traditional Earl Grey, and then add in a rich, malty tea from China, reminiscent of an English Breakfast tea. We balance the blend with an Indian tea that speaks to the Beatles’ avid fascination with and travels to India. Finally, we top it off with a twist of jasmine culminating in a blend destined to become a star.
Taster’s Review:
I must say that when I read the company description of this tea, I was very intrigued. Intrigued enough to order some!
I mean, I love Earl Grey, I love jasmine, and I love the idea of a “malty tea from India” being included this blend (Assam, perhaps?) All of these qualities were what inspired me to place that order.
And I’m really glad I did. Because it is REALLY good, once I managed to figure out the best way to brew it. You see, I didn’t stop and read the ingredients completely before brewing it… and as it turns out this is a blend of black and green teas and it really shouldn’t be brewed with boiling water… it makes for a slightly bitter bite that hits on the back of the palate.
Instead, steep at about 175° – 185° F, and steep for about 4 minutes. This will extract enough flavor out of the bold, brisk blend of black teas without causing the more delicate green tea leaves to scorch and release a bitter taste in the brew.
Once I figured this out (seriously, it took me a few times of brewing it, because I didn’t stop and read the ingredients! Next time I’ll do this a little smarter! haha!) I really got to enjoy a delicious cup of tea.
The bergamot here is not overwhelming in the cup. Instead, it is more of a back note to the malty, rich, baked flavor of the black tea. The blend of the black tea here is absolutely sumptuous.
The jasmine plays a very soft but essential note to the overall taste of this tea. The light floral note adds a little bit of beauty to something that might otherwise be a little too course… and as I contemplate this cup of tea, I realize just how perfect a tribute to the Beatles music it is… their music was vibrant and alive and always beautiful in its own way.
And so it is with this tea.
