Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Culinary Teas
Product Description:
All natural Thai Lemongrass and Spanish orange infuse premium Earl Grey with sultry citrus notes.
Bright, with pleasing citrus overtone and mellow finish.
Ingredients: Luxury black tea, Natural dried lemon Grass, Natural dried Orange, Cornflower Petals, Natural Flavours.
Taster’s Review:
I admit – this tea frightened me. It’s an automatic response to teas that are called “Russian” – usually, that means “smoky” tea (at least, that’s what I’ve been conditioned to assume!). But, this is a happy surprise – no smoke! Nice!
The flavor is a bit unusual for an Earl Grey – the bergamot taste is there, but as it mingles with the lemongrass and orange flavors, it becomes softer and less distinct. This smells and tastes much more like a citrus-y tea rather than an Earl Grey.
Yes, I know that bergamot IS an orange, but, a quick trip through the average grocery store produce section will tell you that it is no ordinary orange. It is not readily available to the average consumer (at least not here in the US). That’s what makes Earl Grey tea so unique – at least to me – is that it doesn’t taste like a typical orange flavored tea.
But, I digress…
The bergamot is present here, it has just been softened somewhat by the presence of the lemongrass and additional orange flavor. But that is not to say that this tastes like a typical orange flavored tea either… it has such an interestingly complex fruit taste.
The black tea is smooth and brisk without being too aggressive. It has a rich taste that compliments the citrus notes. It is a very pleasing harmony of tastes.
This is truly a rewarding cup of tea – one that presented me with such a lovely and welcome surprise. Delicious!
