Green Earl Grey

I’m liking this alright. I’m not going to say I prefer it over a black Earl Grey because I don’t, but, I do like the differences it offers. It is lighter and crisper than a typical black Earl Grey, and that’s very refreshing. I’m not loving it … but I like it alright.

Many thanks to Sonia at Revolution Tea for this sample. As you all know I do try green teas, but we never seem to hit it off. Which is why I was putting off trying this tea from Revolution Tea. But I have to admit I’m surprised! Maybe the Italian Bergamot? Maybe my palate is expanding? Whatever it is…I like it!

For some reason with the bergamot mixed with the green tea the citrus flavor is somewhat toned down. More than I have found in those EG’s made with black tea. Both the tea and flavoring go hand in hand with this tea. Which leaves me with a clean fresh finish. It also leaves me happy to have another sample to try iced!

I have had this in my cupboard for a while and completely forgot about it. Shame on me! I guess I just tend to ignore my bagged teas and go straight for the loose-leaf. (I’m such a snob). I am glad I re-discovered this though, because it is unexpectedly good. I don’t care for the plastic-y pyramid bags, but that’s not a problem. I just rip them open and pour the leaves into my infuser and bingo! loose-leaf! This also gives me a chance to inspect the leaves, and these appeared to be in good shape, not shredded up in teensy weensy pieces. Once steeped, my infuser is filled with nice full sencha leaves, and the liquor is fresh bright green. Okay, I’ll admit I’m impressed. So far so good.

The resulting tea is delicious! I thought it would be difficult to achieve a good balance with the bergamot and green tea leaves, but this company manages to pull off the blend very well. The Earl Grey bergamot flavor is perfect: citrusy and light, and the assertive yet sweet sencha comes through nicely. It is a good sencha base, definitely holding its own to the bergamot but at the same time working harmoniously with it. Both flavors are impeccably balanced. I’d say this is a wonderful breakfast or brunch tea, when you want a green with a little more oomf to it but that’s still smooth enough to ease you into the day. Or, I could see this also being that perfect rainy afternoon tea, when it seems a little too late for a brisk, classic black EG and you want something just a bit lighter (but that will still provide you with a snap-out-of-it alertness). This tea will no longer remain lonely and neglected on my shelf. I think it is deserving of loose-leaf status now. :-)

This one is really exceptionally nice. I’d never found a tea that made Earl Grey as tasty in a green or white as in black before this one – found myself in a ridiculously overpriced café in Waterstone’s and had a cup of this. Then had to search for ages for somewhere to buy it here in Dublin! For me it’s a great green tea – not bitter at all – with just the right amount of bergamot – not overpowering but not anemic either.