Earl Grey Lavender by Revolution

Tealights and tea... a wonderful combination!

Seller Description: Revolution Tea's award-winning Earl Grey Lavender adds a unique twist to a popular favorite. Ceylon, Oolong and Darjeeling estate tea leaves are lightly flavored with Oil of Bergamot and combined with super blue lavender to create a wonderful, sweet tea. Enjoy Earl Grey Lavender as a morning pick-me-up or as a late afternoon treat.

Website: Earl Grey Lavender by Revolution
Sample source: Provided

A sachet of Earl Grey Lavender

Teaware: Noritake "Sterling Tide" teacup, 7oz capacity
Measured dry: 1 sachet
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 3 minutes
Additives: 2 teaspoons of raw sugar

Despite the caffeine I knew was loaded in every sip, I couldn't resist steeping a cup (or two!) of this tonight. We just finished our first week back with students, so I needed a little cup of calm... and the warmth of the tea was also a much-needed balm to my throat. The first week back always does a number on my vocal chords after a summer of casual conversation. I lit a couple tea lights and settled back to sooth and enjoy... or loaf and invite, if you've ever had Kim Campbell as a professor! One of her favorite poetry activities is - even now that she's teaching teachers and not middle school students - to have those in her charge physically interpret the line from Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself."

The contents of the sachet

Now the business of interpreting "I loafe and invite my soul" is usually fraught with reflection, meditation, or any number of things that speak to you as an individual. For me, it's calm and quiet and often best done in starlight.

I am so glad that I steeped up a cup of this tea, because it was the perfect counterpoint. Dry, it smells nearly entirely of lavender, and fresh lavender at that. No sour perfumey notes, just the serenity of a lovely fragrance, and I think that was the clincher this evening.

The box indicated a 3-4 minute steep time, and lately erring on the side of caution has been working well for me. There is a surprisingly good balance between the traditional Earl Grey flavor profile and the lavender. The black tea and bergamot slide to the front, while the lavender dances lightly in the background. Often I will encounter teas which are skewed one way or another, but this one actually lives up to its promise.

The infused leaves

I did open one of the sachets, and I was impressed with the beauty of the tea it contained. There is a world of difference between the fannings of a tea bag and the unbroken leaves of a sachet like this.

But the elephant in the room is the nylon sachet, which does give you the experience and quality of a loose leaf tea with the convenience of a tea bag. I hope in the future that Revolution will embrace biodegradable sachet material, or offer their teas as loose leaf. It is truly the only thing keeping me from completely enjoying this wonderful tea.

It is pretty unusual for me to enjoy a cup of Earl Grey at night, but since this is so much more soothing than brisk I just couldn't let my fingers walk past it to more nighttime-friendly teas.

Prominent Notes: Black tea blend and bergamot oil
Aftertaste: Fresh Lavender

Overall: A surprisingly tasty tea

Earl Grey Provence by Mariage Frères

Earl Grey Provence by Mariage Frères

Seller Description: "The zesty and lightly peppered flavour of bergamot lends itself perfectly to black tea. In this version, our master blender weaves in the colourful flavours of Provence in all their glory: an astonishing addition of wild lavender gives a touch of warmth and mystery to the cup. Its round and ample body feels silky on the palate, energising all the senses."

Directions: "Measure out 2.5 g of tea for 20 cl of pure, filtered water. Bring the water to a simmer (about 95° C) and let the tea infuse for 3 to 5 minutes."
Cost: 9,50 €/100g

Teaware: 16oz tetsubin teapot with Depression Glass teacup.
Measured dry: 2 teaspoons
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 4 minutes
Additives: 1 tablespoon of Sugar in the Raw

Earl Grey Provence

This is the last of the three Mariage Frères samples, and I picked it out today because the dry smell is perfect for a warm smile on a dreary morning. It's cloudy, rainy, and a chill is hanging in the air. I love it! For one precious morning I feel like we've been magically transported from horrible, broiling Dallas to our wonderful heart-home in the Pacific Northwest. The tea has a spicy bergamot aroma mixed with a not-quite lavender floral scent, and the black tea blend is a faint note towards the end.

Once I brewed it, I was surprised by how pale the liquor was - before it darkened with the depth of the cup it was a lovely light gold. From what I remember of the other Mariage Frères teas I've tried, I was expecting something a little darker.

The flavor is sweet - sweeter than the Sugar in the Raw itself. There is some significant astringency, and a definite dry tongue sensation. As with the initial dry aroma, the bergamot and the lavender are most prominent, while there are only hints of the black tea base. From my experience, teas with a higher astringency seem to coincide with more bergamot, but in this case the lavender seems to be contributing as well.

A great cup on a cloudy day

I was curious how the lavender would translate into an iced tea, so I put a covered cup of this in the fridge to cool for a couple hours. It's not something I'm going to do again, as the flavor lost all its traction. It was half of the original pot and not altered in any way but temperature, but the lavender has lost all its freshness and its taste is watery if not almost papery.

Now that its been a couple hours since that first sip, I decided to brew up a second batch. This time I just used my 16oz infuser mug, but I added one more thing: a dash of milk. Oh, I wish I had made the first cup this way! The milk really helps cut some of the astringency and smooths out the flavor.

While this is an enjoyable cup of tea - especially with the milk - it does strike me more like a flavored black tea than an Earl Grey. For that reason it will not be moving forward in the Battle of the Earl Greys. 

Prominent Notes: Lavender and bergamot

Aftertaste: Not noticeable

Overall: An enjoyable tea, but it will not be advancing

Mrs. Grey's Blend by Simpson & Vail

Mrs. Grey's Blend by Simpson & Vail

Seller Description: "An interesting black tea blend that has the fragrant aroma and flavor of our Earl Grey with orange and lemon peels that creates a refreshing taste sensation. Delicious when iced!"
Directions: Brew tea at 212º - steep for 3 minutes.

Cost: $6.95/4oz

The dry tea

Teaware: ForLife NewLeaf 16oz infuser mug
Measured dry: 2 teaspoons
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 4 minutes
Additives: 1-1/2 tbsp Sugar in the Raw

On to sample number six, of the seven provided by Simpson & Vail! It's been a heck of a lot of fun to have the opportunity to try so many different Earl Greys and their variations. Not all of them have been things I would usually purchase on my own, but it's been fascinating to contrast what I think I'd like with how I actually felt about these new teas. This tea is a great example of that. When I started this project, I didn't think I'd find so much enjoyment in the various blends. I felt fairly certain that when the chips came down and the brackets were closed it would be a straightforward Earl Grey, but some of the blends have actually given me cause to question that idea.

This was one of those blends, mostly because of its dry smell, which lives up to the seller's description. There is no missing the black tea and aromatic bergamot, but the citrus aroma is a little more sneaky. It's there, but you need to work a little to pick it out. 

The infused leaves

After it steeped I was surprised by how prevalent the black tea blend becomes. The bergamot is still present, but neither it nor the other citrus notes assert themselves as much as the actual tea flavors. To me, this almost tastes more like a traditional Earl Grey than a blend. It even has the customary astringency, and leaves my tongue very dry. 

Now, I'd like to tell you what my husband thought of it as well, but that requires a little background.  Have you ever heard of someone referring to a small kitchen as a "one-butt" kitchen? Well, at our apartment it's more like "half-cheek"! Jake was making biscuits and gravy while I was darting around him to prepare and photograph this. He stole a cup, and at first described it as "bready." 

Later he admitted that impression had more to do with the fact he was covered in flour than the actual flavor of the tea! He's a fantastic cook, but a very messy one. I tried to find a cool and very nerdy apron to encourage him to wear one, but so far it's stayed a lot neater than he has. 

Ha! I got the apron on him!

While I glared pointedly at the pristine Discworld apron hanging in the corner, he told me that it tasted more like a standard Earl Grey to him, although he could pick out the additional citrus notes.

Since that made a lot more sense than his "bready" comment, I left him to it and, because of the seller's description, I put half of my sample in the fridge to cool.

About an hour later I pulled it back out, and I was surprised to discover that if anything the black blend had become stronger, almost completely overshadowing the citrus notes. I almost want to add lemon to it, which is funny because this blend is supposed to have extra citrus! In the future, I think I will enjoy this hot instead of cool, because the flavor is much more balanced that way.

While the dry aroma had initially made me hope to add it to the lineup, I don't think this one will be moving forward in the Battle of the Earl Greys. It is a nice, solid Earl Grey but the additional citrus notes just are not strong nor prevalent enough to help this stand out.

Prominent Notes: Black tea blend

Aftertaste: Mixed citrus notes
Overall: More of a standard Earl Grey than a variety blend

Lady Grey by Tealicious

Lady Grey by Tealicious

Teaware: 16oz infuser mug

Measured dry: 2 tsp

Water Temperature: Boiling

Steeping Time: 4 minutes

Additives: 4 tsp Sugar in the Raw 

This sample is another one of three fall preview teas which were sent to me by Tealicious. It won't be released until October, so it's not listed on the website yet.

It appears to be a black blend with lavender flowers and probably bergamot oil. Dry, this blend smells deceptively mild. The black blend dominates, while the lavender and citrus notes are very, very faint.

When steeped, the flavors switch places. The first punch of lavender rises out of the cup along with its steam, and it keeps on coming with the first sip. It's mild and sweetly floral in a fresh way, without perfumey bites or bitterness. The lavender flavor is more prevalent than the traditional Earl Grey flavor profile, which in itself is fairly light and the bergamot is barely noticeable. There is some astringency, but like the rest of the cup its bite is gentle.

I decided to try it chilled, and when cool the lavender continues to dominate the cup. Of the two versions, I do prefer it hot - mostly because when its chilled you don't get that wonderful sensation of a warm cup in your hands!

After that I did one more thing: a second steep. This didn't quite hold up - the cup was very watery, and in the future I will prepare it as a single-steep tea.

All in all, this is a great tea if you're craving lavender. It is a bit more of a flavored black than an Earl Grey, and it will not be moving on in the Battle of the Earl Greys for that reason.

Prominent Notes: Lavender

Aftertaste: Black blend and very light bergamot

Overall: Less an Earl Grey than a floral black

Victorian Earl Grey by Simpson & Vail

Victorian Earl Grey by Simpson & Vail

Seller Description: "Take a step back into the past with this floral blend. This tea is a sensational mixture of Rose Congou black tea, rose petals, lavender, rosemary and high quality bergamot oil. A top seller, Victorian Earl Grey tea brews to an amber cup that has a sweet, floral taste that is adored by old and young alike. The aroma of the brewed tea is slightly earthy and woody from the rosemary and lavender, and while the brewed tea has this taste as well, it is rounded out with the citrus taste of bergamot and the sweet rose petals."
Ingredients: Rose Congou black tea, lavender petals, rose petals, rosemary and bergamot oil.
Directions: Brew tea at 212º - steep for 3 minutes.

Cost: $6.80/4oz

Teaware: ForLife NewLeaf 16oz infuser mug
Measured dry: 2 teaspoons
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 4 minutes
Additives: 1-1/2 tbsp Sugar in the Raw

This was the fifth of seven samples provided by Simpson & Vail for the Battle of the Earl Greys. For those of you who've been following my costuming blog, I've been doing a lot of Victorian research and costuming over the last year. I can't help but dance back into that frame of mind when I smell this tea. Visions of lace and embroidery, stays and petticoats just dance through my mind.

The dry smell is primarily floral, with very prominent rose, rosemary, and lavender notes. It manages to completely avoid smelling too much like artificial perfume and instead smells fresh and vibrant - like you've stuck your nose into a bouquet or you're sitting in an actual garden. I can't smell the citrus or black tea blend that's the traditional Earl Grey flavor profile, but it just smells too good for me to worry about it too much at this point!

The jolting shriek of my modern timer helped me detach my nose from the rest of the dry sample, and attend to the fresh liquor.

Steeped, the color of the liquor falls between baltic and cherry amber. It's more pink than I remember seeing from other Earl Grey blends, which just helps it stand out that much more. The aroma is just as richly floral as the dry tea, but now the black tea is beginning to assert its presence.



The infused leaves smell nearly identical to the aroma of the steeped tea, with only a little less of the floral signature.

At first, I wasn't sure if the bergamot was going to be strong enough to create the traditional flavor profile of an Earl Grey. At first sip all those worries are assuaged. It's not the most prominent note - that honor goes jointly to the rosemary and rose - but it is definitely making itself known.

I just can't stop drinking this! There is little to no astringency, and each sip is smooth and sweet - beyond even the Sugar in the Raw that I routinely add. This isn't quite the straightforward Earl Grey that I'm looking for in the Battle of the Earl Greys project, so it won't be moving on into the bracket, but it's wonderful and unique enough to forge it's own place in our cupboard. I'm looking forward to making up a cup of this while I work on my next petticoat!

Prominent Notes: Lavender, rosemary, and black tea blend

Aftertaste: Rose and bergamot

Overall: Absolutely wonderful!

Earl Grey Lavender by Rishi Tea

Seller Description: "Our contemporary version of this classic blend was developed in French tea salons and has pleased the palate and raised the eyebrows of more than a few Earl Grey purists. Earl Grey Lavender is handcrafted in small batches and infused with pure essentials oils of real fruit and flowers."
Classifications: Organic and Fair Trade

Directions: 1 tablespoon per 8oz, 212 degrees Fahrenheit, steep 3-5 minutes

Cost: $4.00/oz

Teaware: 16oz tetsubin and depression glass cup

Measured dry: 3 tsp

Water Temperature: Boiling

Steeping Time: 3 minutes

Additives: 2tbsp Sugar in the Raw

While I was in graduate school, my friend Drea and I rented an adorable house in Portland's Hawthorne District. Like so many homes there, ours was a bit of a hodgepodge of second-hand and hand-me-down furniture. It was cheerful chaos, and everything kind of meshed in the way that nothing matched but it was all wonderful and unique. Our front porch did not escape. It was dominated by a green swing, covered in tropical floral cushions. Spiders loved it, but so did we. I remember taking breaks from studying or grading, lounging on that swing and watching the people who passed by. Piercings and tattoos, yuppie and hippie alike - and often accompanied by the strangest variations of canines. You've got to give it to Portland - we have wonderful people-watching! 

Earl Grey Lavender - Rishi

Just in front of the swing, the front flower bed was dominated by a solid block of lavender. Even though I'm still stuck here in Dallas, this tea just took me back to those deliciously lazy summer moments on that swing. 

This is the second Earl Grey Lavender I've tried during this project, and not only does it taste amazing, you also get the pleasure of knowing each cup is both Free Trade and organic. 

I've tried floral teas before that have tasted like I'd dunked my tongue into a vial of perfume, but this is smooth and fresh. This tea finds a gorgeous balance between the notes - it stays true to the flavor profile of an Earl Grey, but kicks things up a notch with the addition of the lavender. Neither dominates, nor does either go after your taste buds with a sledgehammer - they twine and play together beautifully. A sinuous dance inside the cup!

Steeped Earl Grey Lavender

I am so glad that I made a full pot of this, as I just can't seem to get enough of it! Thank you again, Short Sorceress, for the Steepster swap that gave me the opportunity to try this wonderful tea!

Prominent Notes: Lavender and Bergamot

Aftertaste: Black tea blend

Overall: The best Earl Grey Lavender yet!

Earl Grey Lavender by Adagio Teas

Seller Description: "Lavender has a long history of medicinal, culinary, and household use. For one, its sweet, floral fragrance is notably sooting, invoking relaxation. Combined with the classic blend of Earl Grey's citrus and a hint of cream this black tea blend is sure to become a quiet time favorite."
Directions: 1 tsp/8oz. Steep at 212 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes.
Cost: $6/3oz

Teaware: 16oz capacity hand-thrown mug
Measured dry: 2 tsp
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 5 minutes
Additives: 1-1/2 tbsp Sugar in the Raw

School’s out, the building is locked down for the summer, and now I just have two days of ESL training at district office before the real vacation starts! At least my morning started off on a high note – my husband made us biscuit, egg, and cheddar sandwiches for breakfast this morning, while I made us each a cup of this.

It’s been a while since I’ve had an Earl Grey Lavender, but I don’t remember the EG taking the backseat in such a decisive way. The lavender and the cream flavor are definitely the dominant notes, while the EG is little more than an aftertaste.

All in all, I think I would have liked this a lot more if it hadn’t been an Earl Grey cream. It’s still an okay tea, with all that lovely caffeine, but I don’t think this will be a cupboard staple.

Prominent Notes: Lavender and cream
Aftertaste: Bergamot
Overall: An interesting experiment, but the focus isn't strong enough on the Earl Grey. This will not move to the next round.