A mellow, full bodied and slightly brisk blend of Chinese, Indian and/or Sri Lankan black teas with fresh dried Bergamot Orange peel cut to the size and shape of the leaves.
An experiment in bringing real fresh bergamot aroma to an Earl Grey, rather than the cloying perfume that permeates most on the market while retaining characteristic flavors of the tea. Lightly bitter floral citrus notes swing in and out with the mellow cocoa, wood, and muscat notes of the tea. The aim of this blend is to produce a flavor, aroma and tactile dance shifting between the characteristics of the tea and the elements imparted by the citrus rather than simply marrying them together.
While exhibiting a wider repertoire of flavor and aromatic complexities than the Basic Earl Grey and comparable in terms of body, this blend is not fashioned with a mind to augment it with additions after brewing. Rather, it is intended to appease drinkers through different expressions when brewed under variations of time, temperature, and amount of leaf used in brewing.
While a favorite of Earl Grey drinkers who have had it, this is only a seasonal offering available briefly for a few months after the oranges become available in early winter.
This blend is inspired by and for artists of northern California and the bulk of any profits from it are donated to the Petaluma Arts Council to assist in fostering accessibility, education, and awareness of various art forms in Sonoma County.