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!
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.
Saint Isaac’s Blend Black Tea from Upton Tea Imports
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Upton Tea Imports
Tea Description:
A premium blend of Ceylon and China teas, with the flavor of grapefruit, bergamot, and other citrus fruit. Popular in Europe, this Russian-style blend is recommended for an interesting departure from traditional Earl Grey.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
I am revisiting a tea that I’ve previously reviewed this evening, mostly because it’s been ages since that previous review published, and when I sat down with this Saint Isaac’s Blend Black Tea from Upton Tea Imports, I felt like writing about it. It’s one of my favorites from Upton.
And really, there’s nothing wrong with revisiting a tea, is there? One of the first lessons I learned when I began my tea journey many years ago (more years than you need to know!) I learned that every tea tastes different to every palate, and I think that it should follow that every tea would offer potential to be at least a little different each time you taste it.
This tea has a very pleasant black tea base that is strong and solid, like a robust drapery of flavor. It is rich with hints of smoke – and I like that the smoke here is delicate. I’ve tasted at least a couple of “smoky” Earl Grey blends, and of those that I’ve tried and come to memory, I will say that this one offers the softest smoky taste. There is a slight “malty” note to this as well as a chocolate-y type of flavor from the black tea. I notice less astringency with this cup than I seemed to indicate on my previous tasting note.
As the tea cools slightly, the citrus notes of the tea begin to POP. The grapefruit, in particular, is noteworthy. The bergamot seems a little less apparent than the grapefruit. Imagine, if you would, two friends at the party: one friend is sort of out there and really capturing everyone’s attention. The other friend is right by the party animal’s side, not making as much noise but is still within the focus of everyone at the party. With this tea, the grapefruit is the party animal, while the bergamot is the party animal’s best friend.
A really enjoyable tea – as I said before, it’s one of my favorites from Upton Tea Imports – because it’s an unusual tea with a captivating complexity. Definitely one you should try!
Earl Grey Black Tea from Uniq Teas
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black Tea
Where to Buy: Uniq Teas
Tea Description:
Uniq Teas Earl Grey loose leaf tea is a fine blend of black tea with the zesty and fragrant aroma of top quality Bergamot oil. A classic black tea loved across the world. Uniq Teas Earl Grey delivers a timeless and classic tea with its rich, full-bodied black tea taste and exotic citrus flavor. For a refined exquisite taste and memorable aroma, Uniq Teas Earl Grey Tea infuses the citrus punch of the bergamot fruit. A refreshing and bright cup of tea for anytime of your day.
Taster’s Review:
It’s Earl Grey time! As most of you are probably aware by now, Earl Grey is one of my very favorite black tea flavors of all time. And this Earl Grey Black Tea from Uniq Teas is an excellent Earl Grey selection. The black tea base is smooth and rich tasting, and the bergamot is good and strong.
And since it seems like at least once a week I’m here all giddy over some Earl Grey tea, it might lead one to think that I love ALL Earl Grey teas that I try. But that isn’t true. I’ve tried more than a few that have not been up to par. More often than not, the culprit for a bad Earl Grey is in the bergamot flavoring. A good quality bergamot oil is essential for a good Earl Grey tea, and I’m tasting a really superb quality bergamot here with this Earl Grey from Uniq Teas.
And it’s also … just a wee bit different from some Earl Grey teas that I’ve tried, too. This bergamot tastes just a little bit sweeter than the typical bergamot, which tends to be somewhat tangy. This still has that classic tangy bergamot taste, but, there is a smoother, sweeter tone to this as well. No … this isn’t an Earl Grey creme, either! This is just … a really nice, refreshing take on Earl Grey!
And the black tea has a robust character to it, but isn’t overwhelming. It melds really nicely with the bergamot to create a delightful partnership of flavors that is both rich and flavorful. A really lovely Earl Grey tea!
Oh … and if you’re still wondering … YES! Uniq Teas does still do customized blends! You might recall that the SororiTea Sisters team did our own blends (and you can buy those blends as well as other blends created by Uniq Teas too!) A custom blend would make an incredible gift for the tea lover in your life … even if that tea lover is you!