Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Adagio Teas (this Earl Grey is part of their Sweet Medley Gourmet Tea Collection)
About Adagio Teas’ Gourmet Tea Collection:
Perfect for any occasion, these gourmet tea collections are a great way to introduce someone to superior teas while still offering the convenience of tea bags. Each gift box includes six different varieties of gourmet tea bags containing the same high quality full-leaf teas we offer loose. Their pyramid shape gives leaves plenty of room to unfurl and fully infuse.
Bags are individually wrapped and are packaged in a lovely display box. Whomever you send it to, they’ll think of you with each delicious cup.
Taster’s Review:
This is a tea that I didn’t find on Adagio Teas’ website as a loose leaf tea (unless this is the Earl Grey Bravo). Rather than assume that it is Earl Grey Bravo, I decided to review it as “Earl Grey” since that’s what it says on the package.
The aroma of the dry leaf is very satisfying to me as an Earl Grey lover. It is the fragrance of the bergamot that captures my attention from the moment I open the pouch, and keeps me smiling as I sip. The scent tapers after brewing, but, the cup is still pleasing to the nose.
After a few early mishaps with Adagio Teas’ black tea base used in their flavored black teas, I have come to the conclusion that their black teas should not be steeped longer than three minutes. Any longer, and the flavor tends to be a bit too harsh for my palate. But even after three minutes, I’m noticing some of the harshness in my cup. Maybe next time I should try steeping at just 2 1/2 minutes.
The black tea is brisk with some bitterness to it. It is this bitterness that I’m referring to in the previous paragraph. It is a little harsh, but not so much that I’m unable to finish the cup. And I find that as I continue to sip, the harshness tends to mellow out a bit.
There is a bit of cleansing astringency to the tea which seems to enhance the citrus-y notes of the bergamot. The bergamot is bright and tangy, although I would like for there to be a bit more of the bergamot flavor.
Is this my favorite Earl Grey? No, but, I will say that it is certainly enjoyable and not something I’d turn down if offered. It is a tasty cup of tea, and makes a good choice for an afternoon pick-me-up.
