Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Tazo
Tea Description:
A breakfast-style black tea of malty boldness and bright flavor, invigorating any time of day.
The sun peeks over the horizon through the clouds, a star streaks undetected across the sky and the world begins anew. This bold and flavorful blend of black teas will send you down the day’s path wondering where it will take you and if it’s possible to bring along a friend.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
This is another tea from my tea stash that for some reason I seem to have a lot of it. I think at one time, this was my go to tea in the mornings at work. I rarely drink it anymore but I’m on my mission to drink up some of this tea I have so here we go!
Awake is one of the better Tazo teas in my opinion. Just be careful with it. It turns on you quick and becomes very bitter.
I brewed the tea up like I do my black tea-212F-3 min. I let this cool off for a few minutes and took my time enjoying the tea.
This may not be the black tea around, but its tasty! I like the bold yet subtle nature of the tea. There is a nice malty feel in each sip and there are no hints of astringency around. Just smooth rich black tea. Another no mess no fuss tea that is perfect for those busy mornings or when you just need to do a grab and go kinda tea. What is also great is that most grocery stores carry this tea so it is easily accessible.
I’ll be happy when I can proudly say “SIPDOWN” (when all the teabags are gone). But this isn’t such a bad tea to drink this afternoon. It is definitely giving me a bit of a pep in my step for the afternoon.
Earl Grey from Adagio Teas
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Adagio Teas (this Earl Grey is part of their Sweet Medley Gourmet Tea Collection)
About Adagio Teas’ Gourmet Tea Collection:
Perfect for any occasion, these gourmet tea collections are a great way to introduce someone to superior teas while still offering the convenience of tea bags. Each gift box includes six different varieties of gourmet tea bags containing the same high quality full-leaf teas we offer loose. Their pyramid shape gives leaves plenty of room to unfurl and fully infuse.
Bags are individually wrapped and are packaged in a lovely display box. Whomever you send it to, they’ll think of you with each delicious cup.
Taster’s Review:
This is a tea that I didn’t find on Adagio Teas’ website as a loose leaf tea (unless this is the Earl Grey Bravo). Rather than assume that it is Earl Grey Bravo, I decided to review it as “Earl Grey” since that’s what it says on the package.
The aroma of the dry leaf is very satisfying to me as an Earl Grey lover. It is the fragrance of the bergamot that captures my attention from the moment I open the pouch, and keeps me smiling as I sip. The scent tapers after brewing, but, the cup is still pleasing to the nose.
After a few early mishaps with Adagio Teas’ black tea base used in their flavored black teas, I have come to the conclusion that their black teas should not be steeped longer than three minutes. Any longer, and the flavor tends to be a bit too harsh for my palate. But even after three minutes, I’m noticing some of the harshness in my cup. Maybe next time I should try steeping at just 2 1/2 minutes.
The black tea is brisk with some bitterness to it. It is this bitterness that I’m referring to in the previous paragraph. It is a little harsh, but not so much that I’m unable to finish the cup. And I find that as I continue to sip, the harshness tends to mellow out a bit.
There is a bit of cleansing astringency to the tea which seems to enhance the citrus-y notes of the bergamot. The bergamot is bright and tangy, although I would like for there to be a bit more of the bergamot flavor.
Is this my favorite Earl Grey? No, but, I will say that it is certainly enjoyable and not something I’d turn down if offered. It is a tasty cup of tea, and makes a good choice for an afternoon pick-me-up.
