Zest Tea’s claim to fame is the amount of caffeine each cup carries: the same as an amount of coffee, but with “calm and steady alertness” instead of coffee-jiggers. These tea-heads (“sorta like deadheads but with different plants”) won “best new product” at 2015’s World Tea Expo.
How does this “high-octane tea” hold up?
I tried a sample of the Earl Grey, which depicted Sherlock Holmes on the bag. (They’re already currying my favor. It’s like they knew I was coming). This Earl Grey is based on an Orange Pekoe Darjeeling instead of an assam, which gives the mix a kicky, citrus-y base. There are also hints of leather/smoke. Plus, of course, bergamot, thanks to Charles “Chaz” Grey.
It’s genuinely a rugged kick in the butt. Boom. You really ARE awake. The
I’m not sure about the difference between tea-caffeine and coffee-caffeine, but I do think that they affect me differently. The idea of having high-caffeine tea that’s as awake-inducing as coffee is amazing, and I’m glad someone is filling this niche.
Someone funny, no less. If you get bored, you should explore their site. It’s very funny. They deserve recognition almost as much as I deserve caffeine.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Zest Tea
Description
Earl grey has been a popular blend since it was introduced to the British Earl, Charles Grey, in the 1830’s. Most Earl Greys are made with low-quality base teas, but not ours. Zest’s Earl is made with premium Nilgiri Indian black tea blended with a delicious bergamot essential oil.
Natural Ingredients – Certified Non-GMO
Ingredients: South Indian Flower Orange Pekoe Black Tea, Bergamot Flavor, Natural Caffeine
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Winter Morning Earl Grey from The Sunshine Cottage
Some of you may already know that I live in the snow belt area of the north east part of the United States. I’m originally from Buffalo, too, which means I’m NOT a stranger to snow and LOTS of it!
I have been drinking Winter Morning Earl Grey from Sunshine Cottage on and off for about a month now. As I write this I am finishing up the bag of tea that I have. It’s ironic because today is our first significant winter storm of the year. Some say we could get 4 to 6 feet of snow in some areas in the next 4 days. I hope that isn’t the case.
Regardless I have the last little bit of Winter Morning Earl Grey from Sunshine Cottage to keep me company for one more day!
I’m a sucker for flavored Earl Greys. I have mentioned that once or twice (or a hundred) times before but I will gladly say it again! There is something special when a tea blended takes the time to go above and beyond your traditional Earl Grey Flavoring and give it an extra ‘sumpin’, sumpin’.
This particular flavored Earl has that stereotypical EG base to start and then they added extra floral notes, creamy vanilla flavors, and a touch of cinnamon to it, too! It’s pretty incredible! The vanilla is a touch more powerful than the cinnamon and I wouldn’t change the flavor ratio at all!
There is just something about this flavored Earl Grey that I adore and the only thing I can come up with is the pure genius of the flavor combo and ratio blending behind it. It’s truly unique, delicious, and a tea I will remember for a long time!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Flavored Black Tea
Where to Buy: Sunshine Cottage
Description
Scrumptious Winter Morning Earl Grey Tea! What could be better on a cold winter’s morning than a steam hot cup of Earl Grey tea? How about adding a splash of creamy vanilla and a dash of cinnamon? Add some steamed milk and you’ve got an Earl Grey Vermont blizzard!!
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Check this out! Earl Grey, Hot from Geeky Teas
Earl Grey, Hot from Geeky Teas was a tea that another sister has already reviewed here at SororiTea Sisters but I enjoy a sturdy cuppa EG so I thought I would also throw my 2 cents worth in!
Earl Grey is one of the most recognizable flavored teas the world has seen and Geeky Teas came up with their own take on it with Earl Grey, Hot. For those of you who are Star Trek fans you may remember Picard and his famous quote and Earl Grey, Hot from Geeky Teas is a nod to that.
As for the flavor of Earl Grey, Hot from Geeky Teas…it’s what I would expect in terms of your ‘given’ Earl Grey Flavor but it is a hefty one. Geeky Teas didn’t skimp on the EG flavor that is for sure! And much appreciated! Sometimes I really just want a STRONG Earl, ya know!? Earl Grey, Hot from Geeky Teas did the trick!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Flavored Black Tea
Where to Buy: Geeky Teas
Description
Black tea, orange peels, natural bergamot flavor and blue cornflowers.
Not easily replicated.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
London Fog from Harlow Tea Co
I’ve been on a big afternoon tea kick lately. (Not like I’m not always on an “every time, every place” tea kick, but still.) My rules for a great afternoon tea? Refreshing, comforting, caffeinated but not buzzy, something that wakes me up as much as it helps me find peace and relaxation during the craziness of the day. Harlow’s London Fog seemed to fit the bill of just what I was looking for, with lavender and lemon to balance the caffeination of the black tea.
Following suit from the name, I brewed this one strong in about half the amount of water I’d normally use, swirled in some honey and filled the rest of my cup with steamed coconut milk for a delicious London Fog latte.
As for flavor, this one delivers on the lavender big time. It’s a delightful and slightly unexpected play on Earl Grey, and it hit the perfect balance of caffeine + calm for me once the afternoon doldrums hit. I’m not getting a ton of lemon in my cup, but I suspect that has more to do with my addition of milk than the tea itself.
It takes a lot for an earl grey to blow me out of the water, but this one hits all the notes I’d hope for plus a twist of the unusual with the addition of lavender. A great blend to grab when you need a little afternoon pick-me-up, for sure!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Flavored Black Tea
Where to Buy: Harlow Tea Co.
Description
Ingredients: Earl gray tea, lemon peel, and lavender flower.
Contains caffeine
Ever had a London fog latte? Well I wanted to make my own version. This black tea, with a hint of citrus and lavender, is perfect on its own or in a latte.
Want to try the latte? Steep the tea in 4 oz. of water, strain and add to 4 oz. of steamed milk for the perfect tealatte.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
