Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Just.Organic.Tea
Tea Description:
We’ve blended our premium black teas with a generous amount of oil of bergamot for a rich sensory experience. If you like Earl Grey, you’ll love Earl Greyest. Fair trade & organic certified.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
Yay! Earl Grey! Since Earl Grey is a beloved favorite of mine, I decided to schedule this review for my birthday. A good way to celebrate the day, right? With a cup of Earl Grey!
The bergamot notes are a bit softer than I would like them to be – both in aroma and taste. That said, I do like this blend quite a bit. The tea base is a rich, robust, full-flavored black tea, and it is nicely complemented by the tangy-sweet notes of bergamot.
The black tea base starts off strong. As I continue sipping, the flavor of the bergamot develops on the palate. The bergamot never becomes incredibly strong, and even though I usually prefer a stronger bergamot presence in an Earl Grey tea, I am liking this the more I sip it.
I like how the bergamot builds. I also like that the bergamot tastes like something more true to the fruit, although, I’ve never actually eaten a bergamot orange. So I guess it would be more accurate for me to say that it tastes more like something that I think is more true to fruit. It doesn’t taste fake, chemical-y, or perfume-ish. It has a tangy overtone with sweet undertones, and it tastes like a citrus fruit. It doesn’t taste artificial at all.
A pleasant Earl Grey. This is the Earl Grey I’d recommend to those who want a subtle bergamot note to their Earl Grey tea.
Princess Grey Tea from MarketSpice
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: MarketSpice
Product Description:
An original blend of our Earl Grey Tea with Rose Petals and Lavender flowers. An excellent after dinner tea!
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
I know, I know … I’ve said it at least a hundred times before, and I’ll probably say it another hundred (or more) times. I love Earl Grey teas. Well, most of them, anyway. I have actually come across a few – maybe a handful or more – of Earl Grey teas that weren’t worthy of the praise I usually lavish on the bergamot tea. And I also adore most of the variations on the Earl Grey concept: bergamot teas that are just a little different from the classic Earl Grey.
This is another twist on that classic favorite: Princess Grey Tea from MarketSpice. This tea took the bergamot black tea and added rose petals and lavender buds.
I like it! This Princess Grey offers a softer bergamot flavor, reminding me just a bit of the softer flavor you might experience with an Earl Grey creme but without the vanilla overtones. The bergamot here isn’t edgy or bold or in your face, it’s a gentle citrus-y presence that mingles well with a subtle lavender undertone and hints of rose in the distance.
Normally, I prefer a stronger bergamot flavor, but, I like this softer presentation. I think that a softer bergamot flavor works best with teas where there is a lavender or other assertive floral flavor (the blue cornflowers are not included in this statement as these are added primarily for a touch of color to the blend, not because they offer a strong flavor profile to the cup).
I believe that a stronger bergamot note might have made this come off as perfume-ish and nobody (at least, nobody that I know of!) wants to drink a cup full of perfume! This tea offers a nice balance between bergamot and floral notes: there is contrast between the flavors without too much competition.
As it is, the floral notes are pleasant and accent the bergamot well. The black tea is a what I’d call a moderately mild tea, it doesn’t become too assertive in this blend, but it is strong enough to stand up and be tasted behind the flavors of citrus and flower.
A really enjoyable cuppa – I’m glad I had this opportunity to try yet another Earl Grey variation! It’s one of the joys of this “job” … and one I can’t imagine of which I’ll ever tire!
Earl Grey Premium Black Tea from Ocean of Tea
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Ocean of Tea
Tea Description:
Perhaps the most famous blend of black tea in the western world, Earl Grey Tea remains a cherished favorite. This is our favorite of the Earl Greys. Made from the finest black tea blended with just the right amount of oil of bergamot, this show-stopper will renew your love of Earl Grey and have you craving a second cup.
Wonderfully smooth, slightly tangy and extremely well balanced. The aroma is amazing and you will love the smell of a freshly opened bag!
This team is passionately named after Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey and Prime Minister of Great Britain. Legend says that the recipe for this tea is said to have been given to Grey by a grateful Chinese man whose son had just been rescued by one of the Earl’s men.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
Earl Grey! Yay!
And this Earl Grey Premium from Ocean of Tea is one mighty fine Earl Grey! First, I must address the aroma, right? Because that’s always the first excitement that I get when I open a package of Earl Grey is that delightful fragrance of bergamot!
Well, actually, the first real excitement I get is seeing the words “Earl Grey” on a package. I love Earl Grey and the prospect of sipping on a cup of this tea often elicits a squeal of joy from me!
The scent of bergamot is strong and pleasant, and the brewed tea doesn’t lose the potency. That distinctive bergamot fragrance remains strong! This can be a good … or a bad thing … depending upon the quality of the bergamot used to flavor the tea. Sometimes too much bergamot proves to be a curse and ends up leaving the tea tasting more like a cup of warm perfume rather than a cup of delicious tea. Fortunately, that’s not the case here. The bergamot IS strong but it is a high-quality bergamot. What I taste is not perfume-ish or soapy, I taste the bright, uplifting flavor of the tangy-sweet Italian citrus fruit.
This is a remarkably smooth and well-rounded tea. The black tea base is a flavorful, satisfying tea. It’s full-flavored and robust, and it is the perfect base for the bergamot. The base stands strong alongside the powerful flavor of bergamot, which is tangy and a little sweet. This bergamot is juicy, tasting very much like the Italian orange, and there is not quite so much of the floral aspect of the bergamot here. Hints of flower peek though here and there but it is a very subtle note. This bergamot is all about the fruit!
Not too long ago, one of my favorite Earl Grey teas had been discontinued by the company selling it, and this Earl Grey Premium from Ocean of Tea might just be the right tea to replace it. This is one of the very best Earl Grey teas I’ve yet to taste. It belongs in my top five … and probably my top three! Yes, it’s that good!
Duchess’ First Love Black Tea Blend from Tay Tea
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Tay Tea
Tea Description:
This is reminiscent of a creamy earl grey, but has the added bonus of sweet caramel and honeyed rooibos notes. The black tea lends backbone to the blend and the hazelnut creme caramel keeps you sipping. Even when the cup is empty the flavours keep lingering.
Learn more about this tea here.
Learn more about subscribing to Amoda’s Monthly Tea Tasting Box here.
Taster’s Review:
Usually when I get my box from Amoda, I grab the tea that appeals to me most and try that one before I sample the others. But this time, I decided to save the one was certain to love for last. And I’m glad I did. This Duchess’ First Love Black Tea Blend from Tay Tea is an exciting blend!
When I opened the packet of tea, I was enchanted by the scent. Maybe enchanted isn’t the right word. I felt my mouth water when I experienced the aroma of this tea. It smells … SCRUMPTIOUS! The vanilla notes are almost palpable – they are so strong and delicious smelling and it’s as though I can taste and feel them as I smell them.
And YUM! This is one of the tastiest Earl Grey Creme teas I’ve tasted. The bergamot is sweet and tangy, and the sometimes sharp notes of the Italian orange has been softened by luscious, creamy vanilla tones.
I’m not sure if the addition of the rooibos in this blend is what makes the difference in this tea, turning it from a good Earl Grey Creme to an exceptional one. But, I am pretty sure that the rooibos has something to do with it. I taste a honey-esque sweetness that enhances the vanilla in a really beautiful way. I don’t taste a lot of contribution of flavor from the rooibos, but I do taste that honeyed note, with a slight nutty intonation.
The bergamot is not the strongest bergamot I’ve tasted in an Earl Grey tea, but that’s to be expected with an Earl Grey Creme. The creaminess softens the flavor of the bergamot so that it’s not as sharp. And I’m also getting a distinct “caramel-y” note to this cup as well, and it’s quite an indulgent flavor. Notes of sweet hazelnut accentuate the caramel notes in a really delicious way. This tastes like something you’d serve for dessert!
The flavors here are seamless. The black tea has a deep, rich flavor. I would classify this as a medium bodied tea, but not really because of the black tea base, because it is a full, well-rounded tea. The rooibos lightens the cup up just a tad, but, I think that it works because the vanilla doesn’t feel so heavy. It is a very synergistic cup of tea, with every component complimenting the others to get the best out of each flavor profile.
Of the three teas that I tried this month from Tay Tea, this one is by far my favorite. A definite must try from this company, especially if you’re an Earl Grey fan!
Grey Black Tea from Labrang Tea Traders
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Labrang Tea Traders (Although I bought my tin at Chuck’s Produce!)
Tea Description:
Our version of an old classic. Premium leaves infused with Bergamot essence to produce a dark brewing citrusy tea. Fair Trade and Organic.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
I discovered this Grey Black Tea from Labrang Tea Traders the other day while shopping at my favorite produce store: Chuck’s Produce. I do not usually trust a grocery store when it comes to tea, but there are a couple of exceptions to that rule of mine, and one of them is Chuck’s. This is a store that prides itself on having only the best and freshest foods and it’s a pride that shows itself every time I shop there.
But you didn’t tune in to our blog today to read about my love of Chuck’s Produce, did you? You wanted to learn more about tea!
When I saw this tea on the shelves at Chucks, I recognized it as a brand of tea that I’ve not yet tried, and I’m always eager to try a tea that’s new to me. And it’s an Earl Grey, so, you know I’m happy about that. The tins are eye-catching, thin and cylindrical. There is the familiar markings of a certified organic and fair trade product. It’s a local company, and I like that. So far, this tea is looking good. I’m hopeful that it tastes as good as it looks.
The aroma is strong, just like I expect from an Earl Grey. A robust bergamot fragrance – citrus and that familiar floral note of bergamot – together with notes of earthiness from the black tea.
The tea brews up fragrant with notes of bergamot goodness and the liquid is a dark coppery color. Nice! The flavor is bright and acidic with notes of tangy bergamot orange, but the flavor of the tea smooths out the more acidic notes. The result is a tea that is rich, smooth, and flavorful. This is more tart than it is sweet, but, even though my palate tends to be very sensitive to tart flavors, somehow, the tart and tangy flavor of bergamot never seems to disturb my palate – just the opposite. I LOVE bergamot!
The black tea has a bold flavor with notes of malt. I love the richness of this tea, it has a full-flavored, well-rounded taste, and it isn’t overly astringent. The tea would stand up well to the additions of milk and honey, if you like to add those to your Earl Grey tea. As for me, I like my bergamot served neat and clean with no additions.
I’m very happy with this Grey Black Tea from Labrang Tea Traders. I might have to look into the other teas offered by this company! This one is a winner.