Element Tea included this is a sample in my recent (first, last, and never again) order from them. Sad they are going out of business, but yay for cheap tea. I ordered three real teas, and you would think I’d try them first, but nope. When I saw this was an included sample, I got really excited, because I almost bought this, but didn’t.
I’ve been searching for a tolerable Earl Grey…. and this is not it, unfortunately. I steeped this for 3 minutes with boiling water, and at first I thought it was too bitter… until I realized it was just very citrus-y. Almost like a grapefruit peel. Ick. I think that’s the Oil of Bergamot coming in that I’m not a big fan of. I was hoping to taste some creaminess, but all I get is that citrus taste. Not good :( .. It does have an interesting smell to it.
I decided to cut this with some skim milk, and in doing so, it’s a lot better. BUT, I still want a tea that I can drink straight, so having to put milk in it to make it tolerable shouldn’t really be necessary. I don’t mind a tea where the milk enhances the flavor, but no point in buying a tea that I can only drink under certain conditions if there are others I can drink straight- right?
Second infusion at 3 minutes: Brewed this again at 3 minutes, and the second infusion is not nearly as strong – which is good. It tastes less citrus-y and more like black tea. I just think I’m not a big Earl Grey fan, and may never be. How sad :(
Preparation
Comments
I’m the same way. I’ve never found an EG that’s tolerable without milk. Although the EGC from David’s Tea is really, really smooth.
@Michelle – Oooh, that would be awesome! Thanks :-D
@Alphakitty – I’ve considered getting Upton’s. Is this the creamy one or just the straight?
The Creme Vanilla is very lightly citrusy—I’ve never tried their standard EG, but if you’re looking for a subtle bergamot taste the creme vanilla is about as light as you can get while still being an earl grey. I have 8oz of it, so if you’d like a sample PM me ^^
I’m the same way. I’ve never found an EG that’s tolerable without milk. Although the EGC from David’s Tea is really, really smooth.
Hmm.. I’ll have to look into that. Too bad David’s Tea doesn’t really do samplers :(
I’ll send you a bit if you want, I have half a tin sitting around.
Upton’s EGC is also very smooth and only lightly beramot-y, plus they sell samples!
@Michelle – Oooh, that would be awesome! Thanks :-D
@Alphakitty – I’ve considered getting Upton’s. Is this the creamy one or just the straight?
The Creme Vanilla is very lightly citrusy—I’ve never tried their standard EG, but if you’re looking for a subtle bergamot taste the creme vanilla is about as light as you can get while still being an earl grey. I have 8oz of it, so if you’d like a sample PM me ^^
@Rachel – I’ll stick it in the post tomorrow!
Awesome! Thanks!! :-D
Harney and Son’s Earl Grey Supreme is pretty light, but still tasty. I would definitely recommend it.