Tisane Information:
Leaf Type: Honeybush
Where to Buy: Red Leaf Tea
Tisane Description:
This is one of the most original takes on Earl Grey tea available, Honeybush Earl Grey, takes the classic taste and puts it with a honeybush based tea instead of the traditional black tea. True to its name, this is one sweet tea that takes the addition of bergamot orange perfectly for a fruity and sweet cup of tea that is sure to please any palate. Made with only premium South African honeybush tea and true bergamot the taste is a distinct Earl Grey that will become a staple in your day. Perfect for a treat, or to satisfy the sweet tooth of the sugar lover in your home.
Learn more about this tisane here.
Taster’s Review:
This is definitely one of the most unusual variations of the classic Earl Grey I’ve yet to try, and it is no surprise to me that it comes from Red Leaf Tea, as they have the largest collection of Earl Grey teas I’ve seen from a tea purveyor. This delights me because not only am I a big fan of Earl Grey tea, but, also, when I was just starting out in the tea business I wanted to have a vast Earl Grey collection.
Unfortunately, I did not succeed in that quest, mainly because it is quite difficult to blend Earl Grey! It is one of the trickier flavors to perfect for many reasons: not only is the quality of flavoring important, but also, the amount of flavoring is key … too much bergamot, and you’ll wind up with a tea that tastes like your grandfather’s aftershave, and too little and well, it’s not flavorful enough. So when I come across a tea purveyor that has got it right, I’m impressed.
And this Honeybush Earl Grey from Red Leaf Tea is very well done, indeed. The dry leaf aroma smells of honey, citrus and even a hint of flower. The fragrance is really quite lovely. The infusion smells like a mellower version of the dry leaf.
Wow! This tastes amazing. The honeybush offers its usual honey-like sweetness to the cup, and also brings a somewhat herbaceous flavor and a nutty note to the party. The bergamot is less floral than the aroma suggests, and it is less sharp than a classic black tea Earl Grey might be. It has a zesty citrus tone to it, and it tastes bright and tangy.
This is a refreshing change from the traditional Earl Grey, and it’s really nice to be able to enjoy Earl Grey later in the evening, when I usually have to limit my caffeine intake. This tisane allows me to have my Earl Grey and drink it too!
