This morning’s pick, Earl Grey Manhattan, has won awards, guys. Awards. And not just “whoops!” awards where the award went to them accidentally. (Oscar joke! Timely!) A real “best earl grey” at the North American Tea Championship.
The competition looked like this
(Original Artwork by Super Starling!)
And I can see why it did such a great job. The tea is obviously really high quality — it has deep earth, flower, and chocolate/raisin notes, a complexity that you just can’t get from a cheap-o tea bag off the street. (Or, I guess, in a supermarket. There probably aren’t a lot of black market tea vendors.) The bergamot is more relaxed and less shrill than bergamot can be. The texture is really silky, with a light tongue coating.
Smooth.
If you have a friend or loved one who is a bit of an Earl Grey snob, I recommend sending them this to try. It’s… a winner.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black Tea
Where to Buy: Aromatica Fine Teas
Description
North American Tea Championship: 1st Place – Earl Greys category – 2013 Fall – Hot Teas Division
Also known as “Manhattan Earl Grey” yields a bright taste and extremely fragrant cup. Black tea, sunflower blossoms, flavour, mallow blossoms.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Earl of Grey from The Tea Spot. . . . .
I GOT A FREE SAMPLE IN MY BOX! FREEEEEE! A PRESENT FOR MEEEEE!
Is there anything better than a free sample? One that you LIKE?
I didn’t order this because my life is full of Earl Greys. I’m “that girl that likes black tea,” so people tend to hand me Earl Greys. So when I was ordering myself a bunch of samples, I went, “meh, let’s skip this one. I know everything about every Earl Grey ever.”
This is a totally unique take on Earl Grey. It’s loaded with vanilla, orange, and… licorice root. It tastes a little bit like those Easter oranges you smash into a wall and eat. But with vanilla instead of chocolate. Really, really heavy into the sweet and zesty citrus.
Unfortunately, there’s that licorice root. It’s like when you’re listening to a song and somebody doesn’t QUITE nail the note.
Like the National Anthem of the United States before sporting events. The National Anthem is basically impossible to nail. People criticized BEYONCE when she did it. And Beyoné is literally perfect.
I would argue that we should get a new National Anthem. One that a person who can sing decently can handle.
So anyway, the licorice brings it down a little, but if you want a sweet and zesty Earl with a little extra moxie, give this one a whirl.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black Tea
Where to Buy: The Tea Spot
Description
This unique blend takes traditional Earl Grey to the next level by combining the expected bergamot flavoring on full leaf black tea then adding the perfect proportions of other citruses, vanilla, licorice root, and mallow flowers. The result is a captivating aroma and a deep liquor with a well-balanced, smooth, bright, and slightly creamy flavor profile. This tea is for those who like to veer from tradition, explore new ground, and a must for those with fond memories of the orange-creamsicles of childhood. It pairs perfectly with strong cheeses or creme brulee.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Earl Grey De La Creme from Steeped Tea. . . . .
I love Earl Grey. His wife, Lady Grey, was my first foray into teas I really loved, and I am grateful to the two of them. They’re like super-old friends.
So when I got this Earl Grey de la Crème, I was excited to take it for a spin. But not right away. I needed to wait for that Perfect Moment when I needed a lift
Now it’s a Monday morning and pouring, so boom. Tea time. Let’s DANCE, Mr. Grey.
This tea is, as promised, very creamy. VERY creamy. There is also a little bit of the bergamot still there, but it’s buried under the blanket of cream and vanilla flavor. I don’t mind this. I’m very pro cream flavor, even though I drink nearly all of my teas black. Unlike the David’s Tea cream, which I found to be a little too cloying/sweet, this cream feels authentic. Like I’m at some kind of decadent rich person party.
If you’re interested in trying some of this tea, Steeped Tea has an independent seller structure. Like Lularoe, or Mary Kay, where you need to find a consultant.
It’s a Canadian company.
Before your heart sinks (as mine did), note that there’s a way to search by ZIP. And yes, there are American consultants.
I live smack-dab in the middle of Pennsylvania, and I typed in my ZIP, and there was someone about half an hour away. Which is surprising. Because I really do live in a cornfield. With about 42,000 college students, but still a cornfield. (As some comedian joked about our town: “cow. cow. cow. cow. 42,000 college students. cow. cow.”)
So anyway, there’s hope in getting this tea (and perhaps others!). Take a look and maybe support a local entrepreneur.
Hope everyone’s having a perkier Monday than I am!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black Tea
Where to Buy: Steeped Tea
Description
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Rani Collection Organic Earl Grey from Hope and Glory
The more tea friends I meet online the more I realize that Earl Grey is hit and miss for some people. Lucky for me – I’m generally a fan of Earl Grey – so today I would like to share with you Rani Collection Organic Earl Grey from Hope & Glory!
The dry leaf aroma is stereo-typically Earl Grey potent but once the hot water is added and the loose leaf infused it tones down a bit in terms of potency-aroma-wise. Rani Collection Organic Earl Grey from Hope & Glory still smells pretty terrific in the cup just before sipping! And then once I took a sip…there is that Earl Grey flavor I was looking for! It’s not an overbearing EG flavor, tho, I must point out.
Rani Collection Organic Earl Grey from Hope & Glory doesn’t have an overbearing EG Flavor but it’s not a plain or weak flavor either. It has a nice level of Earl Grey and makes for satisfying sipping!
I appreciate the aftertaste being a bit on the weaker side – I have to say! Some EG’s give you that bitter and over-the-top bergamot oil linger – but NOT this aftertaste! Rani Collection Organic Earl Grey from Hope & Glory ends softer than some Earls and leaves behind a more pleasant citrus linger that makes me want another cup! Rani Collection Organic Earl Grey from Hope & Glory just might be a tea to tempt those who are uneasy about other Earls! Dare I say – give it a whirl? I did and I enjoyed it!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Straight Black Tea
Where to Buy: Hope and Glory
Description
A scented black tea which may be taken with or without milk.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
