54 Tasting Notes

99

This is the BEST jasmine tea I have ever tasted!

I’ve never been a big jasmine tea fan until I realised that the big difference is whether a tea is artificially or naturally flavoured. Once I discovered delicately scented jasmine pearls, I went on a search for the very best taste, and this is it.

The smell is soft and divine; the taste is just right. The green tea is smooth and just a little vegetal with a natural, soft floral. It re-infuses extremely well. I like it up to the third cup.

The price tag is insane so this is definitely a special occasion tea that deserves to be savoured.

Preparation
185 °F / 85 °C 3 min, 0 sec

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64
drank Imperial Grey by Apollo Tea
54 tasting notes

When I sniffed this one, I figured it was going to be like most ‘Earl Grey Cremes’ but was pleasantly surprised. You can taste straight away that it’s a good black tea base with just the right amount of bergamot. It is definitely a creamy cup but nothing overtly gourmand or sickly like some teas of this type. The creaminess makes this a smooth, rich cup, and the aftertaste is actually quite brisk, which is pleasing since a lot of creamy teas tend to be too sweet or cloying.

I like this tea a lot more than I expected. I probably won’t be buying more but I will definitely enjoy what is left of my sample.

Brewing note: made this with 1% milk. No sugar. The second cup is almost identical to the first, which is lovely.

Preparation
200 °F / 93 °C 3 min, 0 sec

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53
drank Baroness Grey by Apollo Tea
54 tasting notes

This is an incredibly brisk tea! I was actually surprised by how strong it was once brewed. It’s wonderfully aromatic, which is always a major plus for me, and the taste is a strong earl grey with sharp citrus overtones. The aftertaste is a little bitter. I had this with milk but I think next time I’ll need to add a little raw sugar to make it more my thing. For people who love citrus, I’d recommend this black with a sliver of lemon.

Preparation
200 °F / 93 °C 3 min, 0 sec

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86
drank Dorian Grey by Apollo Tea
54 tasting notes

I have been looking forward to this tea since I first stumbled across it. I mean, who wouldn’t love a tea called Dorian Grey? I finally caved and bought Apollo’s ‘best of Earl Grey’ sampler and this was the first tea I tried.

I was a little worried at first. Of the 5 teas in the sampler, this had the lightest aroma. In fact, it almost smelled a little stale. When hot water is poured on it, I get a burst of wonderful scent and then that murkiness overtakes again.

I am pleased to say that the taste is far better than the scent would have you believe. This is a mellow, smooth, and creamy Earl Grey. There is a soft caramel aftertaste but it’s just the right amount; no overpowering sweetness or gourmand flavour. I’m a huge Earl Grey fan and this one is now among my favourites. I can’t wait to try the others!

Tasting note: I had this with 1% milk. No sugar.

Preparation
200 °F / 93 °C 3 min, 0 sec
AJ

I saw you in the midst of adding this to your cupboard. I stared. “There is a tea. Called Dorian Grey.” It had to be an earl grey, naturally, but my interest is peaked, and now I’m looking at all the different Dorian Grey teas on Steepster, and thinking about which one I should try to get my hands on. Two of them seem to be of similar blends, but one looks to be… completely different. Hmmm.

Gemma

It looks like Apollo and Metro might source theirs from the same place. The descriptions are basically identical. It would be interesting to try them both to confirm, though.

AJ

I noticed! I think I will just add Apollo’s to my shopping list for now.

Gemma

I do like Apollo. I’ve ordered twice from them and they shipped within 48hrs via Fed Ex. The shipping costs are really reasonable and their customer service has been great. I’ve really been enjoying the quality of their teas, too. Definitely worth a try!

AJ

I will definitely have to check it out, then. Thank you.

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91

This is an incredibly unusual oolong, and one I’m very glad I tried. When brewed, this tea has a sharp fruitiness to it, which reminds me distinctly of dry white wine and something else that I can’t quite put my finger on. It tastes as it smells; that unusual sharpness a wonderful contrast to the smooth vegetal aftertaste. It’s really something else and I am not doing it justice. Each infusion had the same wine-like aroma and taste. I don’t think I’ll drink this often but it’s a wonderful addition to my tea cupboard.

Preparation
185 °F / 85 °C 3 min, 0 sec

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99

Classic British tea! We call it ’builder’s tea’ in my family. :) I get my mum to bring this over for me when she visits. I love how strong it is and how it stains my mug with all that tannin. This tea can be made so ridiculously strong and absolutely needs lashings of milk and sugar. I brew this tea up when I need some serious comforting. A personal favourite. Tea snobs take note: you’re missing out.

Preparation
Boiling 5 min, 15 sec

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100
drank Earl Grey by Twinings
54 tasting notes

Twinings is my favourite bagged tea, hands down, and I always keep some Earl Grey on hand. It’s a good, solid rendition of this famous tea and it is wonderfully relaxing right before bed (I stick the the decaf version).

Preparation
205 °F / 96 °C 5 min, 0 sec

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100
drank Lady Grey by Twinings
54 tasting notes

Pretty much the only bagged tea I drink anymore are the British ‘builders’ teas and Twinings. I always have a box of the decaf Lady or Earl Grey in my cupboard, and generally have a large mug right before bed. It’s my go-to relaxing tea. Very delicious and soothing.

Preparation
200 °F / 93 °C 4 min, 30 sec

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41
drank Spice of Life by Teavana
54 tasting notes

This is the strangest tasting tea. Someone described it to me as being similar to Cola, and I can almost see the comparison. Somehow it becomes so much more than the sum of its parts. I can’t really describe it but it’s not at all unpleasant, and the spice is noticeable without being overly strong. Unusual.

Preparation
175 °F / 79 °C 2 min, 0 sec

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87
drank Silver Yin Zhen Pearls by Teavana
54 tasting notes

Beautiful white tea. Soft, smooth, a little vegetal, and absolutely delicious. Very delicate and wonderful when added to other teas.

Preparation
175 °F / 79 °C 3 min, 30 sec

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Geeky Brit living in the steamy South with my mad scientist husband, greyhound, and a small menagerie of reptiles and amphibians. Most likely to be found curled up with the pup and a good book, or sitting at the computer.

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Lawrenceville, GA

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