I love Earl Grey and I have some very definite ideas of how it should taste. I have a rule about it when reviewing – if it is anything but tea and bergamot you better call it something else or I will complain. If you change the name I will cut you some slack and judge it on its own merits. This tea passes on both ends of my rule. It is Earl Grey but the name change suggests to me there is something different about it. Thank you Justea for this subtle but important attention to detail.
My normal everyday earl is Ceylon based, which I believe to be the standard. I like my bergamot front and center. I don’t want to have to search for it but don’t overwhelm me. I do demand balance. I want to taste the tea as well. Some tea companies call their tea earl grey and overemphasize the base or the bergamot. Justea once again pays attention to the details and balances this blend nicely.
This particular blend using the Kenyan base is malty and smooth, yet slightly drying. It does not have the throat grabbing bite of the Ceylon standard. This is why I appreciate the name Kathryne, it suggests a softer, more gentle approach to my beloved tea.
The bergamot is very well suited to the base. By my standard it is not overpowering. The flavor is balanced between floral and fruit but I would say leaning towards floral. It is not perfumey or fake tasting. Nicely done.
After sipping this hot, I iced it down and found it to be very refreshing. This takes sweetener well. I greatly enjoyed this one. Thank you Justea.
For those who may have missed it – Justea is a non-profit organization attempting to break the cycle of poverty that too many tea farmers face by teaching them to process their own leaves and selling direct.
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very nice review, and i was planning on drinking this tonight after work… so now i got some sort idea what to expect! :)
A side note – I tend to be an under-leafer compared to what others appear to use. I don’t measure exact but I used a little over a tsp (maybe 1 1/2) in around 10 oz water. I also used 190F water on this and the black tea.
Upon further study, I simply seem to be far more tolerant of briskness. That surprises me as Assams often set my stomach on fire and cause face twisting contortions while sipping. With the Kenyan teas I only noticed a little dryness. Different strokes.
I love your Earl Grey rules. Totally agree!
That dryness i understand, if a assam is brewed to far its either bitter or way to strong. While this one steeped to long is capable off not going weird in the mouth
I just wanted to make a quick comment. I’m not associated with JusTea, in the fact that I don’t represent them. I can offer some insight on the name Kathryne Earl Grey. Through JusTea, I was able to honor my grandmother, someone who has been inspirational and deeply impacted my life, by naming this tea after her. Your reviews of the tea mean a lot to our 93- year-old grandmother and us as a family, too. Thank you for helping us make her legacy extend beyond our family!
allyshay, what a wonderful note to read first thing in the morning. You have made my day. I will now think of your grandmother with every sip of this wonderful tea. Thank you so much for adding this personal touch.
allyshay, I tried to message you but you have to be following me. Is it possible to email me a picture of your grandmother? I would love to include the information you shared along with the picture on my blog. Follow me and I can message you with an address.
very nice review, and i was planning on drinking this tonight after work… so now i got some sort idea what to expect! :)
A side note – I tend to be an under-leafer compared to what others appear to use. I don’t measure exact but I used a little over a tsp (maybe 1 1/2) in around 10 oz water. I also used 190F water on this and the black tea.
Upon further study, I simply seem to be far more tolerant of briskness. That surprises me as Assams often set my stomach on fire and cause face twisting contortions while sipping. With the Kenyan teas I only noticed a little dryness. Different strokes.
I love your Earl Grey rules. Totally agree!
That dryness i understand, if a assam is brewed to far its either bitter or way to strong. While this one steeped to long is capable off not going weird in the mouth
I just wanted to make a quick comment. I’m not associated with JusTea, in the fact that I don’t represent them. I can offer some insight on the name Kathryne Earl Grey. Through JusTea, I was able to honor my grandmother, someone who has been inspirational and deeply impacted my life, by naming this tea after her. Your reviews of the tea mean a lot to our 93- year-old grandmother and us as a family, too. Thank you for helping us make her legacy extend beyond our family!
allyshay, what a wonderful note to read first thing in the morning. You have made my day. I will now think of your grandmother with every sip of this wonderful tea. Thank you so much for adding this personal touch.
allyshay, I tried to message you but you have to be following me. Is it possible to email me a picture of your grandmother? I would love to include the information you shared along with the picture on my blog. Follow me and I can message you with an address.