Earl Grey French Blue by Mariage Frères vs. Silky Earl Grey by Teajo Teas

This is the last face/off before our final round, and I have to say that I'm a little relieved. I didn't realize everything this project was going to entail when I began... and I had no idea it would take this long to complete! But here we are, coming down to the wire. Today we have two very strong contenders: Earl Grey French Blue by Mariage Frères and Silky Earl Grey by Teajo Teas.

Earl Grey French Blue by Mariage Frères
Teaware: 16oz glass infuser mug with lid
Measured dry: 1-1/2 teaspoons
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 4 minutes
Additives: 4 teaspoons of raw sugar





Silky Earl Grey by Teajo Teas
Teaware: 16oz glass infuser mug with lid
Measured dry: 2 teaspoons
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 3 minutes
Additives: 4 teaspoons of raw sugar





Now that both cups have been properly infused, let's see how they meet the criteria!

1. Does the tea taste smooth, without any jarring notes?

• Mariage Frères:  While these are both amazing teas, the floral notes of this tea do lend it a slightly crisper experience.

• Teajo Teas: The slight touch of vanilla in this tea gives it a delightfully creamy quality, without overstepping its welcome like other cream teas.

2. If this is a variety blend, does the Earl Grey flavor profile maintain the driver's seat?

• Mariage Frères:  This cornflowers in this blend don't hide from your palate, but they also let the Earl Grey flavor profile take the lead.

• Teajo Teas: There's only the slightest hint of vanilla, which in no way eclipses the Earl Grey flavors.

3. Is there a "Wow!" factor? Something that makes it stand out?

• Mariage Frères:  This tea is gorgeously balanced, and has a nice, brisk flavor.

• Teajo Teas: An amazingly smooth, sweet Earl Grey with a near perfect balance.

4. How is the astringency? Does it detract from the tea?

• Mariage Frères:  What's astringency? This tea made forget it even exists!

• Teajo Teas: None at all!

5. Does it have any special ties to sustainability, Fair-Trade, or eco-friendliness?

• Mariage Frères:  None listed.

• Teajo Teas: Oh, yeah. You can check out their website for more information.

Jake's Opinion: This is truly difficult. I can see myself enjoying both teas throughout the day. Personally, I would prefer the briskness of the Mariage Frères in the morning, but both teas I would enjoy thoroughly throughout the day, and the creaminess of the Teajo gives it an ever so slight edge for enjoyment during that period.

Lyssa's Opinion: I am in love with both of these teas. They are both absolutely fantastic, but I do have to whittle it down to a winner. I could easily see myself taking either of these with me to school and thoroughly enjoying them. When I scroll back down through the criteria we've been using during this project, there is one item that had a discrepancy. The teas were neck and neck throughout every question... except the one about sustainability, fair-trade, and eco-friendliness. So as difficult as this was, I think we've got a winner.

So, the winner of this face/off is...

Silky Earl Grey by Teajo Teas

Earl Grey Organic by Mighty Leaf vs. Earl Grey French Blue by Mariage Frères

We've made it to the third face/off of the second elimination round! The face/offs are getting closer and closer, and soon we will have a winner! For today, we have two more excellent opponents are squaring off: Mighty Leaf's Earl Grey Organic and Earl Grey French Blue by Mariage Frères.


Earl Grey Organic by Mighty Leaf
Teaware: 16oz glass infuser mug with lid, half full
Measured dry: 1 sachet
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 4 minutes
Additives: 2 teaspoons of raw sugar





Earl Grey French Blue by Mariage Frères
Teaware: 16oz glass infuser mug with lid
Measured dry: 1-1/2 teaspoons
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 4 minutes
Additives: 4 teaspoons of raw sugar





Now that both cups have been properly infused, let's see how they meet the criteria!

1. Does the tea taste smooth, without any jarring notes?

• Mighty Leaf: This is a brisk cup with slight astringency.

• Mariage Frères: Yes, this is incredibly smooth.

2. If this is a variety blend, does the Earl Grey flavor profile maintain the driver's seat?

• Mighty Leaf: This is a straightforward Earl Grey that follows the traditional flavor profile.

• Mariage Frères: The cornflowers add a decidedly floral note, but it is not overwhelming and the traditional flavor profile flourishes with the addition.

3. Is there a "Wow!" factor? Something that makes it stand out?

• Mighty Leaf: The biggest draw for this tea is its organic certification and the convenience of its biodegradable individual sachets. 

• Mariage Frères: This is an incredible blend of floral and black tea notes, and all the elements seem to complement each other just about perfectly. It's so smooth I just want to slide on into the cup!

4. How is the astringency? Does it detract from the tea?

• Mighty Leaf: There is some slight astringency, which certainly lends it a very brisk quality but doesn't really take away from the experience.

• Mariage Frères: N/A - There is no noticeable astringency.

5. Does it have any special ties to sustainability, Fair-Trade, or eco-friendliness?

• Mighty Leaf: This is certified organic and comes packaged in individual, biodegradable sachets. 

• Mariage Frères: None listed.

Jake's Opinion: In this match, the Mariage Frères really stands out. The traditional flavor profile of the Earl Grey mixed with the floral elements makes for a very smooth and delightful cup.

Lyssa's Opinion: I have to agree with Jake, between these two teas, I do prefer the Mariage Frères. The Mighty Leaf is a very good tea, but the face/off format we chose for this project does require that only one tea move forward.


So, the winner of this face/off is...

Earl Grey French Blue by Mariage Frères

Bergamot Rose Laoshan Black by Verdant vs. Earl Grey Impérial by Mariage Frères

Slated for today is the second face/off in the second elimination round of the Battle of the Earl Greys! Today, two excellent opponents are squaring off: Verdant's Bergamot Rose Laoshan Black and Earl Grey Impérial by Mariage Frères.

Bergamot Rose Laoshan Black by Verdant
Teaware: 16oz glass infuser mug with lid
Measured dry: 2 teaspoons
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 4 minutes
Additives: 4 teaspoons of raw sugar




Earl Grey Impérial by Mariage Frères
Teaware: 16oz glass infuser mug with lid
Measured dry: 1-1/2 teaspoons
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 4 minutes
Additives: 4 teaspoons of raw sugar





Now that both cups have been properly infused, let's see how they meet the criteria!

1. Does the tea taste smooth, without any jarring notes?

• Verdant:  Like before, this tea is so malty and smooth that not a single jarring note mars it.

• Mariage Frères: This one tastes noticeably more vegetal, as it is a green, but it also lacks any discordant, jarring notes.

2. If this is a variety blend, does the Earl Grey flavor profile maintain the driver's seat?

• Verdant:  As delicious as this is, the bergamot does take a bit of a back seat to the malty and floral notes of this blend.

• Mariage Frères: There is no missing the slightly evergreen flavor of this tea, and the minty aftertaste. Because of that, it's just as far from the traditional Earl Grey flavor profile as the Verdant.

3. Is there a "Wow!" factor? Something that makes it stand out?

• Verdant:  The Laoshan Black tea base is what makes this really outstanding. Its silky maltiness steals the show, and the bergamot and rose make lovely backup singers.

• Mariage Frères: This one makes me feel like I'm breathing out Christmas. It has a lovely crispness to it, and the minty aftertaste makes for a fresher start to the morning.

4. How is the astringency? Does it detract from the tea?

• Verdant:  N/A - This is incredibly silky smooth.

• Mariage Frères: N/A - There is no discernable astringency.

5. Does it have any special ties to sustainability, Fair-Trade, or eco-friendliness?

• Verdant:  Yes, in a big way. You can read more in the original post, but this tea and the company it comes from, has an outstanding reputation.

• Mariage Frères: None listed.

Jake's Opinion: This is so hard. They are two very different categories of tea. The Verdant is so creamy and smooth while the Mariage Frères is so crisp and brisk. I would rather start my morning off with the Mariage Frères, but I can see myself enjoying the Verdant all thoughout the day.

Lyssa's Opinion: This face/off was a little more straightforward for me than for Jake. I am absolutely in love with the Bergamot Rose Laoshan Black. Unlike Jake, who enjoys his greens in the morning and his blacks throughout the day, I have always gone the opposite direction. I could easily see myself enjoying the Mariage Frères in the afternoon, but for me the morning calls for a black tea, and the Verdant exemplifies so many of the characteristics I am looking for.

So, the winner of this face/off is...

Bergamot Rose Laoshan Black by Verdant

Earl Grey by EnjoyingTea vs. Earl Grey French Blue by Mariage Frères

We're one step further into the Battle of the Earl Greys today, as EnjoyingTea's Earl Grey Black Tea goes up against Mariage Frères' Earl Grey French Blue!


Earl Grey Black Tea by EnjoyingTea
Teaware: 16oz glass infuser mug with lid
Measured dry: 2 teaspoons
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 4 minutes
Additives: 4 teaspoons of raw sugar




Earl Grey French Blue by Mariage Frères
Teaware: 16oz glass infuser mug with lid
Measured dry: 1-1/2 teaspoons
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 5 minutes
Additives: 4 teaspoons of raw sugar





Now that both cups have been properly infused, let's see how they meet the criteria!

1. Does the tea taste smooth, without any jarring notes?

• EnjoyingTea: While it's not exactly jarring, there is a sharper note in this tea, which is just this side of bitter... not quite reaching it, but a slight jolt nonetheless. I don't remember this from the last time I made it, so a slightly shorter steep time may alleviate it.

• Mariage Frères: This is very smooth, with a little more of a floral finish than I remembered.

2. If this is a variety blend, does the Earl Grey flavor profile maintain the driver's seat?

• EnjoyingTea: N/A - This is a straightforward Earl Grey.

• Mariage Frères: There's a pronounced floral note, but it doesn't detract from the taste of the tea, and the Earl Grey does remain the primary flavor.

3. Is there a "Wow!" factor? Something that makes it stand out?

• EnjoyingTea: No, this is just a nice, solid Earl Grey.

• Mariage Frères: With this tea, the thing that comes closest to a "Wow!" factor is the brand. It is pretty cool to be sipping a cup that came to you from France.
  

4. How is the astringency? Does it detract from the tea?

• EnjoyingTea: There is only a mild astringency to this tea, but it doesn't detract at all.

• Mariage Frères: This tea has even less astringency, and that makes for a very smooth cup.

5. Does it have any special ties to sustainability, Fair-Trade, or eco-friendliness?

• EnjoyingTea: None listed.

• Mariage Frères: None listed.

Jake's Opinion: Both are solid Earl Greys, however the Mariage Frères, with its slight floral note and overall smoothness, makes it the better tea in this match up.

Lyssa's Opinion: Both of these teas make for a great cup of tea to kick off your morning, so this makes for a pretty tough call. In the end I have to rely on the criteria I set up before we even started the first round, and following it leads me to one conclusion.


So, the winner of this face/off is...

Earl Grey French Blue by Mariage Frères

Earl Grey Impérial by Mariage Frères vs. Earl Grey Lavender by Revolution

Mariage Frères on left, Revolution on right

Today we have the third bout of the Battle of the Earl Greys, where Mariage Frères' Earl Grey Impérial goes head-to-head with Earl Grey Lavender by Revolution!


Earl Grey Impérial by Mariage Frères
Teaware: 16oz glass infuser mug with lid
Measured dry: 1-1/2 teaspoons
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 4 minutes
Additives: 4 teaspoons of raw sugar




Earl Grey Lavender by Revolution
Teaware: 16oz glass infuser mug with lid
Measured dry: 2 sachets
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 3 minutes
Additives: 4 teaspoons of raw sugar





Now that both cups have been properly infused, let's see how they meet the criteria!

1. Does the tea taste smooth, without any jarring notes?

• Mariage Frères: Yes, the green base blends very nicely with the bergamot and makes for a very smooth and understated cup.

• Revolution: By comparison the black tea becomes much more prominent in this cup, but it's not jarring - just more noticeable. Jake thinks he detects a slight "burnt cereal" flavor, but I think it's just part of the black blend that makes up the base of this tea and doesn't detract for me.

2. If this is a variety blend, does the Earl Grey flavor profile maintain the driver's seat?

• Mariage Frères: This is a green variety, which does mark a significant change to the flavor profile. I actually get more bergamot and mint here, and it doesn't strike me so much as an Earl Grey as a green variety.

• Revolution: This is a lavender variety, and the fresh floral note is more present in the aftertaste, which makes this the more traditional of the two.

3. Is there a "Wow!" factor? Something that makes it stand out?

• Mariage Frères: This isn't your traditional flavor profile, but it is a damn good cup of tea. The green base twines beautifully with the prominent bergamot notes, and the minty aftertaste serves as an additional wake-up call in your morning cuppa. 

• Revolution: I do enjoy the balance this tea achieves. So many lavender Earl Greys are overwhelmingly floral, but this one is so understated that I really enjoy that aspect of it.

4. How is the astringency? Does it detract from the tea?

• Mariage Frères: There is no detectable astringency - it's a very smooth and silky cup.

• Revolution: There is some mild to moderate astringency, but adjusting steeping times may help alleviate this. 

5. Does it have any special ties to sustainability, Fair-Trade, or eco-friendliness?

• Mariage Frères: None listed.

• Revolution: None listed, and their tea only comes in individual nylon mesh sachets.

Jake's Opinion: The Mariage Frères is my favorite of the two. It is a very smooth cup of tea with prominent bergamot notes. The Revolution has a more traditional profile that blends bergamot and black tea flavors together nicely, but the lavender element in this cup tastes either burnt or over-dried. That's in stark contrast to the sweetness I would expect from fresh lavender, and that I smell from the tea left in the box. This may be a steeping problem, because when this tea cools it looses the jarring notes from the lavender, but I still prefer the Mariage Frères.

Lyssa's Opinion: This was an interesting pair-up of very different varieties, and while I do enjoy both teas, I tend to prefer the Mariage Frères for the purposes of this project. I disagree with my husband's strange fixation on the lavender, and like I mentioned in the Revolution's initial review, it's a wonderfully soothing cup for evenings, but the Mariage Frères is a little more geared towards the get-up-and-go I need to help me wipe the sleep from my eyes before school.

So, the winner of this face/off is...

Earl Grey Impérial by Mariage Frères

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

Earl Grey French Blue by Mariage Frères

The first cup, just before I removed the infuser.

Seller Description: "Graceful and sophisticated, this classic blend reinvents itself by pairing the fruity, zesty and lightly peppery notes of refined bergamot with the sweet-scented hint of cornflower. Balanced and full of body with ample and lasting flavour, the liquor floods the palate with its charm and majesty."

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: 8,50 €/100g

Teaware: ForLife NewLeaf 16oz infuser mug
Measured dry: 1-1/4 tsp for first cup, 1-1/2 tsp for second cup
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 4 minutes for first cup, 5 minutes for second cup
Additives: 1-1/2 tbsp Sugar in the Raw

This marks my 20th Earl Grey review during the Battle of the Earl Greys! I couldn't resist pulling out my new mugs this morning - I bought two of them for side-by-side tea comparisons in the elimination rounds as well as practical use at home and work. It was a difficult choice. At first I couldn't decide if I wanted a professional tea cupping set or something more practical. I had to sit myself down with the question: If this is a quest to find the perfect tea for me, how will I actually prepare it in the future? I'm not going to drag a cupping set to school, but I will need to have something compact yet still enjoyable, so this set emerged as the winner.

Earl Grey French Blue

But on to the tea! This is the second tea in the Mariage Frères trio of samples. Unlike its counterparts, the dry smell of this tea is more floral than citrus, and the black tea blend is an after note. The dry blend is actually quite pretty - the blue flowers are surprisingly plentiful and vivid.

They don't stay that way. One of the first things I noticed about the infused leaves is that all the color was leeched out of them and they were left pale and grayish yellow. Luckily that doesn't influence the flavor!

I was very careful with the measurements this time, and was right on the mark for the tea to water ratio. For the next cup, I think I'll increase the amount of tea and the steep time because this first try was a little weak. The floral notes from the cornflowers are overwhelming the bergamot, and this tastes more like a floral black than an Earl Grey right now.

Infused leaves at the end of steep

That's about as far as I got this morning. My allergies were acting up, so I had to take some Benadryl and it knocked me for a loop. I took a completely unexpected nap, but managed (barely!) to put the rest of the tea in the fridge before my head hit the pillow. As an iced tea, this is a lot more forgiving and the weak taste does not detract from it - rather, it becomes a strength and gives it a nice laid-back flavor. The black tea blend becomes a stronger note, and the citrus notes begin to peek out around the floral.

For my second hot cup of this, I increased the amount of the tea by 1/4 tsp and the steep time to 5 minutes. Small changes, but at first sip I can tell they made all the difference. It's a much richer cup with a deeper color and flavor. The bergamot has woken up and is making its presence known, knocking the cornflowers down where they belong! There is no question now that this tea has an Earl Grey flavor profile, but the small kick of the cornflowers is giving it an extra punch which brings it to a higher level.

The second cup - with steam!

It is more astringent now, but only in a mild way. The dry mouth feel is light but present, where it was missing before. It's just enough to let you know you're drinking an Earl Grey!

I had serious doubts about this tea after the first cup, but the second one has completely wiped them out! I am absolutely loving this, and it will definitely be moving on to the first elimination round!

Prominent Notes: Black tea blend and bergamot

Aftertaste: Prominent notes plus faint floral notes

Overall: When brewed correctly, this is a wonderful cup!

Earl Grey Impérial by Mariage Frères

Mariage Frères generously supplied samples of three of their Earl Grey blends for this project. 

Today I'm starting with the Earl Grey Impérial, but look forward to the Earl Grey French Blue and the Earl Grey Provence in the next week!




Seller Description: "Darjeeling exquisitely flavoured with bergamot."

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 and depression glass cup

Measured dry: 1-1/2 tsp

Water Temperature: Boiling

Steeping Time: 4 minutes

Additives: 1-1/2 tbsp Sugar in the Raw

Earl Grey Impérial

I think I've fallen in love! This is an attitude adjustment in a cup - each sip is so gorgeously smooth yet complex that I find myself just sinking in to it with a smile. For a lovely moment the worries melt off my shoulders and I can just relax into the cup.

Dry, it smells like a slice of citrus and a wave of something sharp and green that I just can't identify. It's a wonderful contrast, but I have to take my nose out of it long enough to prepare a cup! Based on the online conversions I found, the directions are approximately 1/2 teaspoon per 7oz. I was so excited to try this tea that I forgot the old adage about a teaspoon per person and one for the pot!

I'm glad that I did, as it forced me to be more careful with my measurements. What can I say? I'm an English teacher and not a math teacher - I avoid it when I can, but I'm quickly learning that the best cup will include a couple equations. 

The first steep's color

The first pot had 1-1/2 teaspoons and was a little light so I decided to do another go later... but I overcompensated and let the 2 teaspoons get a little too rounded. Because of that the second pot was slightly bitter, so I think in the future I will use 1-3/4 level teaspoons with my 16oz teapot. It's a wonderful tea, but it is a little assertive about the way it's prepared. 



With all that out of the way, I was able to re-focus on the taste. When it comes to Earl Grey, I never really though a green tea version would be a strong contender. In my mind, I just couldn't mesh the ingrained concept of a black tea Earl Grey with the vegetal flavors of a green. This tea has turned that idea on its head and done a little victory jig around it!

The dry smell has translated beautifully into the cup, and that same sharp green flavor - something like a minty mix of fresh garden herbs - continues to twine with the citrus notes and buttery Darjeeling base. There's enough astringency to leave my tongue a little dry, but nothing I can't work around!

The infused leaves

While writing this up, I noticed that the longer it sits the more prominent the Darjeeling notes become. It made me wonder how this one would taste cold. That's not entirely surprising, as it's supposed to hit 103° F today! 

As it turns out, the Darjeeling doesn't back down when this is iced, but the minty flavor is actually the part that pops out. I'm having a difficult time deciding which way I like it more! 

Out of curiosity I did attempt a second steep, but even at 5-1/2 minutes it was still very weak. The tang of the bergamot does hold on rather tenaciously, but the base isn't there to back it up. In the future this tea will be a single steep for me. 

Prominent Notes: Bergamot and Darjeeling

Aftertaste: Bergamot and mint

Overall: A solid contender - this will be moving on to the next round!