Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Tealicious Tea Company
Tea Description:
Our classic Earl Grey is blended with our finest Yunnan, Keemun, Ceylon and bergamot which creates an exceptional flavor and aroma. This tea is much superior from the ordinary Earl Grey.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
You know me, I am always looking for a good Earl Grey. And this is definitely one of the best! Certainly worthy of it’s given name: Earl Grey Excelsior.
And what is it about this Earl Grey that makes it one of the best?
Well, first of all, there is the blend of black teas that form the base of this tea. This is a masterful combination of Yunnan, Keemun and Ceylon teas, which creates a deliciously rich, smooth background flavor. There is very little astringency and no bitterness, and I even oversteeped this about a minute too long. But, there is no indication of this with the flavor: the tea tastes rich and malty, with some earthy notes and hints of a honey-esque sweetness that nicely compliments the bergamot.
And of course, no Earl Grey tea would be an Earl Grey without the bergamot, and the bergamot flavoring used here is of high quality, as demonstrated in the remarkable flavor of this cup. The bergamot has that tangy citrus note that is immediately recognizable as the classic Earl Grey flavor. Sometimes, though, with Earl Grey, the flavor is just off and the tea ends up tasting of Aunt Mable’s perfume … but rest assured: this Earl Grey Excelsior does NOT! There are no perfume-y notes, no soapy aftertaste. Just bright bergamot flavor!
This is a FANTASTIC Earl Grey! If you love Earl Grey teas like I do, you really MUST try this tea!
Milord’s Grey from Kally Tea
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Kally Tea
Tea Description:
Since we have a special tea blended for the “Earl”… we can’t forget our “Lord’s” cup, now can we? Kidding aside, we’ve taken Earl Grey and moved it up to another level. Adding dried apple pieces, calendula petals, and delicate elder blossoms and a touch of caramel. Now what else can one say, “Brew me a cup Milord!”
Ingredients: Black Tea, Apple Pieces, Mallow & Linden Blossoms, Cornflower Petals, Natural Flavors.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
As you may be aware, I’m quite fond of Earl Grey teas, and I’m always excited to try a variation on the classic Earl Grey. So, when I saw this tea on Kally Tea’s website (it’s really a lovely website – and very easy to navigate!) I knew I had to try it.
The verdict? This is a fabulous twist on the classic Earl Grey I so adore!
The black tea base is pleasant and mellow, not what I’d call overly bold or aggressive as far as black teas go. But, I am quite happy with its strength here, because, with the other flavors that are going on with this cup, a stronger black tea would have overwhelmed some of the delicate notes that I’m enjoying.
The first note that I really noticed was the floral presence of this tea. It isn’t a STRONG floral note, but, it is quite pleasant – like a medley of flowers in the distance. I think that this floral tone highlights the bergamot flavor in a really lovely way here, and it is especially appreciated because of the fact that the bergamot flavor is a bit milder than in a typical Earl Grey blend.
While I generally do appreciate a strong bergamot essence, with this particular cup, I think that the amount of bergamot flavor is just perfect. It is strong enough to provide its delicious, tangy citrus note, but it doesn’t overpower the hint of apple and caramel that give this blend it’s aforementioned fabulous twist.
The apple is very subtle, and I think that the presence of the bergamot accentuates it rather than subdues it. But it’s the caramel that I’m really loving. It’s sweet and adds such a lovely contrast to the bergamot’s distinctive tangy flavor. Together, these flavors – bergamot, caramel, and apple – work together to create a deliciously different “Earl Grey” that I LOVE!
This is the second tea that I’ve tried from Kally Tea and I am – again – impressed by what I’ve tasted. I am also quite impressed with Kally Tea’s website presentation as well as their packaging! Their teas come packaged in black flexible, resealable pouch … but what I really like about it is that it’s wider than most of the packaging like this that I’ve come across. Normally, the narrow packages that are utilized by many companies can be difficult to scoop out tea, but with these extra wide pouches, it is easy to scoop out the tea … even when you’re getting down to the last little bit at the end of the package! It may seem like a small thing, but, I think it’s these little details that make a world of difference!
Another wonderful tea experience thanks to Kally Tea! This tea goes on my shopping list! I need more!
Organic Lavender Earl Grey from Tea Cozy
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Tea Cozy
About Tea Cozy:
At this one of a kind shop you will find fine quality loose-leaf teas by the ounce such as: rare white teas;exotic greens and oolongs; and flavorful black teas from all over the world. There are even a few herbal varieties. Or for those looking for their favorite brands, you’ll find: PG Tips, Barry’s Teas; Taylor’s of Harrogate; Mighty Leaf Tea; Harney & Sons.
Learn more about Tea Cozy here.
Taster’s Review:
I received this tea as part of a gift package from a tea friend not long ago, (Don’t you just love friends who give the gift of tea?) and after perusing the Tea Cozy website, I have to say that she selected very well, as this is probably a tea I would have chosen for myself. I love Earl Grey, and I love lavender … what could be more perfect than a combination of the two?
This is a lovely Lavender Earl Grey. The black tea is a mild-tasting tea. It rests in the background, very unassuming, providing a very smooth base for the flavors of bergamot and lavender to express themselves. And express themselves, they do!
The bergamot has that characteristic tangy citrus-y flavor, although some of the usual sharpness that one might expect from bergamot has been softened somewhat by the presence of the lavender. The lavender offers a sweet, floral note that not only mellows the sharper tones of the bergamot, but also highlights some of its own floral notes, giving this cup an overall feminine quality.
I think that this tea is best served hot with little or no sweetener, as I find that the lavender has it’s own subtle sweetness that is quite nice. A very lovely afternoon tea, thank you, Patricia!
Cream Earl Grey from Special-Teas, Etc.
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Special-Teas, Etc.
Tea Description:
Black tea, bergamot flavor, cornflower petals. A hint of cream flavor.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
As I’ve stated many times, I love Earl Grey, and I also love many of the spin-off or variations of Earl Grey. I am particularly fond of creamy Earl Grey teas like this one, where the tangy flavor of bergamot is softened by a touch of cream flavor. So, needless to say, when Steepster decided to include this Cream Earl Grey from Special-Teas, Etc. in their March Steepster Select box, I was thrilled!
The description provided for this tea does not indicate that this is a vanilla cream flavor, but, it does taste very vanilla-like. It is also somewhat like caramel. It is very smooth, sweet and indulgent. It melds seamlessly with the bergamot orange flavor. The bergamot and the cream are pretty well-balanced, and in my opinion, there is a bit more than a “hint” of cream flavor in this blend … but I’m not complaining!
I suspect that is because the cream flavor is what I would call a “top note” as it presents itself as the more assertive flavor, but, the assertiveness subsides rather quickly, allowing for the other flavors of this tea to be experienced.
This has allowed the bergamot to assume a mid-to-base note – which is quite a different role for the bergamot to play when considering a typical Earl Grey tea. But then again, a Cream Earl Grey isn’t a typical Earl, is it? The bergamot has a deeper flavor here, it tastes less sharp and does not possess that perfume-y, flowery note that can sometimes be associated with bergamot – probably due to the sweetness of the cream.
The Steepster Select box includes with its selection of teas a “theme card” that explains not only the theme but also gives a brief description of each tea on the back of the card. This month, since the theme is “Perfect Pairs,” the description of each tea has been replaced with a suggestion to complete the “perfect pair.” Here is what Steepster suggests for this Cream Earl Grey:
Pair with: Gin Cocktail. The distinct bergamot flavor makes earl grey an ideal candidate for mixed cocktails. To create an earl grey-infused gin, add 4 tablespoons of tea into a 750 ml bottle of gin, cap and shake it, let it sit at room temperature for 2 hours, then strain. The creaminess of this particular earl grey from Special Teas, Etc, a cozy shop that specializes and excels in tea blend and carries over 100 varieties of loose leaf blends, works splendidly in this Earl Grey MarTEAni recipe: http://bit.ly/ss-marteani
I did not make a MarTEAni, mostly because I am not particularly fond of alcohol, although I must say that I am tempted to try it. Perhaps the next time I’m out and about I might pick up a bottle of Gin and try it.
However, I will say that I really enjoyed this tea … as a tea. It’s one of the nicest Cream Earl Grey teas I’ve yet to taste.
Honeybush Earl Grey from Red Leaf Tea
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!