Cozy Comfort Black Tea by Simpson & Vail

Seller Description: "It's like a "throw-back" tea….brings up thoughts of snuggling in a cozy comforter by a fireplace, or being a little kid snuggled in a comforter sitting on your Grammie's lap, wrapped in the comforter and her hugs. It's like watching cookies bake in the oven and drifting off to peaceful places on the aroma wafting from the oven."

Ingredients:Black teas, organic cinnamon pieces, orange blossoms and Black Walnut flavor.
Website: Cozy Comfort Tea by Simpson & Vail

Sample source: Provided

Teaware: 16oz glass infuser mug
Measured dry: 3 teaspoons
Water Temperature: 212º F
Steeping Time: 3 minutes
Additives: 3 teaspoons of raw sugar

I made this tea up a couple times in a couple different ways, but it is amazingly consistent. It has a very light, buttery cinnamon flavor with hints of something like caramel, although part of that may be due to the raw sugar I used to sweeten it. It's not all of it, though, because I didn't use that much!

After trying it, I understand why the seller had such a difficult time naming it... and why the original name of Black Walnut didn't stick. There doesn't seem to be much nuttiness at all, for having walnut flavoring.

All in all, it's pretty difficult to pin down. The black tea blend remains firmly in the background, if not backstage. There is no astringency at all, and nothing in this tea even hints at a brisk bite of caffeine. It's just so incredibly gentle. If I hadn't brewed it myself, I wouldn't think it was even a black tea.

So I guess this blend is for people who'd like a sweet, slight hit of caffeine without the taste normally associated with it. 

Prominent Notes: Butter and cinnamon
Aftertaste: Butter and an itsy bitsy teeny tiny hint of the black tea blend
Overall: An interesting tea, but probably not a cupboard staple.

St. Nick's Tea by Simpson & Vail

Seller Description: "Add St. Nick's Tea to your holiday wish list because this blend is Nutty & Nice! Black teas are enhanced with the flavors of chocolate and roasted nuts with a hint of maple. The tea brews to an amber cup with a smooth, nutty, slightly sweet taste. It's the perfect blend to enjoy on winter nights while you're sitting by the fire. A definite crowd pleaser!"
Ingredients: Black teas, almonds, organic cacao nibs, vanilla beans, flavoring and orange blossoms.

Website: St. Nick's Tea by Simpson & Vail
Sample source: Provided

Teaware: 16oz glass infuser mug
Measured dry: 2 teaspoons
Water Temperature: 212º F
Steeping Time: 3 minutes
Additives: 3 teaspoons of raw sugar

Sipping this tea, it makes me think more about young love than Santa. I remember hearing that my great grandfather used to own a pharmacy in Eastern Oregon where they sold fountain drinks and malted milk shakes.

It was at a country fair not too far from that pharmacy that my grandparents started courting... and right there on main street where grandpa, as a groom, pushed his new bride down the street in a wheelbarrow. We were recently going through some pictures for my grandfather's memorial, and I don't remember if I actually saw a picture or just remembered the story, but I can so easily connect that image of young love with the flavor of this tea... old timey and wonderful.

As it was steeping, the fragrance lured my husband from his computer room into the kitchen. He took one sip of this and a smile ignited across his face. He told me, "It makes me think of hot chocolate malt. My grandfather used to make malted chocolate milkshakes. It has this chocolately, nutty flavor that's just wonderful for a cold winter's morning." He took a few more sips, then continued, "I actually smelled it across the house. I was hoping it tasted as good as it smells, and it does!"

The flavors of this tea hit me the same way. A fantastic, old-fashioned chocolate milkshake that just makes me smile... for a couple of reasons. The first being the memories and stories it evokes, and the second being the slightly more practical (but no less celebrated) way it compares to the original in terms of calories!

Like Simpson & Vail's Victorian Earl Grey, this may have been introduced to our household as a sample, but will probably end up a cupboard regular.

Prominent Notes: Chocolate, cream, and a certain level of nuttiness
Aftertaste: A hint of the black tea base with a stronger chocolate element
Overall: A new favorite!

Winter Wonderland Rooibos by Simpson & Vail

Seller Description: "A wonderful blend of green rooibos with cacao and cinnamon and flavored with Bavarian chocolate, cinnamon and hazelnuts. When we sampled this in our store we heard "Best rooibos ever!", "A new favorite", "Great everyday tea". It brews to a golden cup with the delicious aroma and taste of cinnamon baked goodies (we were reminded of apple fritters). Smooth and warming, this blend has the more pronounced taste of cinnamon and hazelnuts, while the Bavarian chocolate is an underlying taste that rounds out the other flavors. Delicious in every season!"
Ingredients: Organic green rooibos, organic cacao nibs, organic cinnamon pieces, flavoring, white and blue cornflower petals.

Website: Winter Wonderland Rooibos by Simpson & Vail
Sample source: Provided

Teaware: 16oz glass infuser mug
Measured dry: 3 teaspoons
Water Temperature: 212º F
Steeping Time: 5 minutes
Additives: 3 teaspoons of raw sugar

When I first read over the notes about this tea, I thought I was in for a completely different experience. Nothing says "Nutella" to me like chocolate and hazelnut, but while this blend does have some slight cocoa notes, it hearkens more to the sweet breads of the season.

When I taste it, I'm transported back to Grandma's kitchen, enjoying warm stollen while Mom, my aunts, and grandma bustled around preparing Christmas dinner. Every year it was the same: A sweet bread with raisins topped with white icing, candied fruits, and nuts in pretty floral designs.

I can definitely see how some reviewers liken it to apple fritters (It's the closest I've gotten since I developed my apple allergy!) but it just seems like more to me. The nuttiness of the hazelnuts and the slight fruity elements combined with the flavor of that sweet, drippy icing just shout stollen to me... and makes it that much more special.

Now please excuse me while I go pull out Grandma's recipe and make some of my own!

Prominent Notes: Buttery flour with nutty and fruity elements
Aftertaste: Sugary icing with a slightly caramel, buttery element
Overall: A wonderful cup full of memories of the season

Holiday Blend by Simpson & Vail

The next tea to be featured in the Pageant of Winter Teas is this festive blend from Simpson & Vail. 

Seller Description: "This blend of tea and herbs was created to capture the tastes and treats of the winter holiday season. It is a magnificent blend of black teas, rooibos and peppermint that has been delicately scented with vanilla and vanilla pieces. This Holiday Blend tea will enliven all of your holiday festivities." 
Ingredients: Black teas, rooibos, peppermint leaves, organic alfalfa leaves, flavoring, malva blossoms, erica flowers, and vanilla beans.
Website: Holiday Blend by Simpson & Vail

Sample source: Provided

Teaware: 16oz glass infuser mug
Measured dry: 2 teaspoons
Water Temperature: 212º F
Steeping Time: 3 minutes
Additives: 3 teaspoons of raw sugar

I knew from the start that this would be a peppermint blend, but my first whiff of the dry aroma promised so much more than that. This is not a single-note tea, and the different elements give it a surprising complexity... more like a journey through a Christmas village than a single destination.

The promise of the dry aroma transitions in an interesting way into the steeped cup. It's a much lighter flavor than I had anticipated, and I think in the future I will use 1-1/2tsp instead of 1tsp per cup. It's coming across more like an herbal than a brisk black, and I'm having a difficult time picking up many of the other elements.

Teaware: 8oz Depression Glass cup with tea ball
Measured dry: 1-1/2 teaspoons
Water Temperature: 212º F
Steeping Time: 3 minutes
Additives: 1-1/2 teaspoons

For my second cup, I went ahead and made a smaller, more concentrated batch. I do get a little more of the vanilla and floral notes here, but the black base is still proving light and elusive.

While it does still taste like an herbal, the presence of the black tea base does add a caffeine kick. This would be a nicely relaxing cup for a lazy morning.

Prominent Notes: Peppermint and vanilla

Aftertaste: Floral elements and just a hint of the black base
Overall: A black tea that keeps a low profile

Nutcracker Tea by Simpson & Vail

Outside the snow and ice have taken over North Texas, so I wanted something both brisk enough to help me wake up and spicy enough to give me an extra little kick of warmth.

Seller Description: "A delectable tea blend for you and all your guests this holiday season. We've combined Autumn flavors with decadent chocolate and mint and added a touch of warming cinnamon. Nutcracker brews to a deep amber color with a creamy, refreshing taste and a heavenly aroma. The flavors in this blend are not competitive, they perfectly complement one another … kind of the way it should be during the holiday season!"

Ingredients: Black tea, almond pieces, orange peel, cranberries, cinnamon & chocolate mint flavors.

Website: Nutcracker Tea by Simpson & Vail
Sample source: Provided

Teaware: 16oz glass infuser mug
Measured dry: 3 teaspoons
Water Temperature: 212º F
Steeping Time: 3 minutes
Additives: 4 teaspoons of raw sugar

This one was a little difficult to pigeonhole, because unlike so many other holiday teas, it doesn't attempt to replicate the flavor of a specific holiday treat.

After opening the sample, I had to take a moment to consider the blend. Initially, it smells like a complexly spiced dark chocolate... the kind of thing you'd pick up in a specialty chocolate store. 

When steeped, the chocolate steps back a little, and the black tea begins to assert itself. It still tastes chocolately, but the flavor is definitely sharing the stage, and the more minor notes begin to peek out of their initial hiding places.

Most prominent of those is the cinnamon, which is wonderfully true to form, and doesn't fall into the same cinnamon-candy pitfall that so many other teas do. After that, there are very, very slight hints of the orange and cranberry, but they're pretty difficult to pick out.

If anything, this reminds me - just a little - of Mexican hot chocolate, but keyed down to a level of spiciness that my tongue can handle.

Prominent Notes: Black tea, dark chocolate, and cinnamon.
Aftertaste: Cinnamon and slight hints of almond.
Overall: A great choice for this morning!

Organic Candy Cane by Simpson & Vail

This evening's tea is a cheerful yet soothing peppermint, as we move on to the Organic Candy Cane Rooibos Herbal Tisane by Simpson & Vail.

Seller Description: "It's fabulous hot or iced (so yes you can enjoy it in the summer too!) and with no added sugar, this calorie free blend is sure to please. The aroma of the dry leaf is amazing - a definite mood booster - with its euphoric aroma of minty sweetness. When brewed, this herbal blend has a taste that is tingly, refreshing, and harkens me back to my childhood - or rather just last December….. The taste lingers delicately and deliciously on the tongue. A cup of this tea brings joy to our day and we hope it does the same for you!"
Ingredients: Organic green Rooibos, natural candy cane flavor, organic stevia, and red and white organic cornflower petals.
Website: Organic Candy Cane Rooibos Herbal Tisane by Simpson & Vail

Sample source: Provided

Teaware: 16oz glass infuser mug
Measured dry: 2-1/4 teaspoons
Water Temperature: 212º F
Steeping Time: 5 minutes
Additives: 3 teaspoons of raw sugar

Most of the holiday teas I've encountered this season have been caffeinated, so I was delighted to discover this cheerful peppermint herbal - all the better to sip during a long evening of grading!

After I opened the sample envelope, my senses cleared and I could close my eyes and imagine stepping into a candy cane forest. The herbal and rooibos elements are beautifully blended, and the rooibos (which can overcome some blends) had been perfectly balanced and restrained. It supports the flavors gorgeously but stays behind the curtain.

Mei-Mei timing the steep
from atop the tea chest.

I can't believe it, but it really is like licking a candy cane! Each sip brings a wave of peppermint, which quickly settles back and lets a creamy cool minty calm, which just lasts and lasts, slide in its wake. My tongue is still tingling even a full minute after my last drink. I can pick out very, very slight hints of the cornflower, but like the rooibos it is more of a stagehand, helping backstage to bring the experience to life. Now, My husband loves peppermint teas, but we rarely keep them on hand because so many of them can be overwhelming, and I hadn't found one that I could just sit back and enjoy... until now.

Prominent Notes: Peppermint with very slight hints of cornflower

Aftertaste: Creamy, lasting minty freshness
Overall: I love it!

Gingerbread Black Tea by Simpson & Vail

Next up on our tour of holiday teas is the slightly smoky Gingerbread Black Tea by Simpson & Vail, which helped me ring in the first morning of our Thanksgiving break!

Seller Description: "Warm yourself from the inside out with this aromatic black tea blend. The brewed tea emits a heady, spicy aroma and the cup is perfectly proportioned. The flavors of gingerbread spices dance on your tongue, with no one spice overwhelming the others. Destined to be a spice lovers new favorite tea!"
Ingredients: Organic China black tippy tea, organic cinnamon, organic cloves, organic ginger and gingerbread flavoring.
Website: Gingerbread Black Tea by Simpson & Vail

Sample source: Provided

Teaware: Glass cup and saucer, metal infuser
Measured dry: 1-1/2 teaspoons
Water Temperature: 212º F
Steeping Time: 3 minutes
Additives: 2 teaspoons of raw sugar

Opening the sample package, I was overwhelmed by the scent of warm gingerbread cookies. When I spread out the blend, it was easy to identify the cloves and cinnamon, although it did take me a moment longer to recognize the ginger - I'm so used to sushi ginger and candied ginger that I don't think I've ever seen dried ginger before. But no matter its appearance, it plays a solid role in this tea!

The ginger blends with the smoky flavor of cloves and the creamy, muted spices of pumpkin pie. There's an interesting layered effect, as each of the notes is hitting my tastebuds individually before combining into a gingerbread-infused aftertaste.

This was actually my second attempt, and by far the most successful. My husband made up the batch earlier this morning, and he followed the recommended quantity and steep time. He thought it was too weak after three minutes, so it steeped for one more. That turned out to be a mistake, and the cloves took the opportunity to become a little overwhelming.

To get the maximum depth of flavor without the bitterness of an oversteep, I decided to bump up the dry leaves and go back to the original steep time. That was the perfect move, as it reigned in the cloves and brought a wonderful balance to the cup.

As it cooled, the flavor became even creamier and more pronounced. This will be a tea to keep your eye on as we move forward in the Pageant of Winter Teas!

Prominent Notes: Smoky, with notable cloves and creamy, muted pumpkin pie spices

Aftertaste: Gingerbread
Overall: Yummm!

Victorian Earl Grey by Simpson & Vail vs. Organic Earl Grey by Tealicious

Welcome to the second elimination round of the Battle of the Earl Greys! Today we have a couple fantastic teas ready to go head to head: The Victorian Earl Grey by Simpson & Vail and Teacilious' Organic Earl Grey!

Victorian Earl Grey by Simpson & Vail
Teaware: 16oz glass infuser mug with lid
Measured dry: 2 teaspoons
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 4 minutes
Additives: 4 teaspoons of raw sugar




Organic Earl Grey by Tealicious
Teaware: 16oz glass infuser mug with lid
Measured dry: 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?

• Simpson & Vail:  Ohhh, deliciously. There's a harmony in this cup of citrus and floral, with just the barest hint of a spicy undertone.

• Tealicious: This is a straightforward Earl Grey, with a near perfect balance between the bergamot and the black tea. This is going to be a tough call, because both these teas are exceptional!

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

• Simpson & Vail:  This is an absolutely wonderful tea, but compared to the Tealicious the lovely and fresh floral notes of rose and lavender do take the driver's seat.

• Tealicious: This is a more traditional Earl Grey, and the small red flowers in its blend do not really step forward enough to differentiate themselves.

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

• Simpson & Vail:  Oh yes, there is a huge "Wow!" factor here. Each sip makes me close my eyes and think of lace and elegance. Fresh flowers just snipped from the garden.

• Tealicious: The "Wow!" factor here is how gorgeously it's balanced, especially for an organic. Sometimes you get more satisfaction from the label than the taste of the tea, but this blend brings both to the table.

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

• Simpson & Vail:  There is none. This is a incredibly smooth tea.

• Tealicious: What's astringency? This tea makes me forget that even exists.

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

• Simpson & Vail:  It's certified Kosher.

• Tealicious: This is labeled organic. It's not on their website yet because it is due to be released later this month, so I don't have additional information yet.

Jake's Opinion: Both are extremely good cups of tea. As a straightforward Earl Grey, the Tealicous stands out as being perfectly balanced in all its elements. The Simpson & Vail, while not a traditional Earl Grey, has a beautifully unique and enjoyable flavor.

Lyssa's Opinion: I wish this pair up had come later on, because they are each so wonderful on their own. This is a very difficult decision. I adore both of them, and could easily see myself enjoying them in the mornings before school. Since I do have to make a decision, I'm going to go back to my criteria. That's why it's there, after all! Of the two, the better Earl Grey is the Tealicious... but I'm still going to be adding the Victorian Earl Grey to my cupboard because I love it so much.


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

Organic Earl Grey by Tealicious

Earl Grey Extra by Simpson & Vail vs. Bergamot Rose Laoshan Black by Verdant

Today I'm excited to announce the fourth face/off in the Battle of the Earl Greys, between Verdant's Rose Bergamot Laoshan Black and Simpson & Vail's Earl Grey Extra!


Earl Grey Extra by Simpson & Vail
Teaware: 16oz glass infuser mug with lid
Measured dry: 2 teaspoons
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 4 minutes
Additives: 4 teaspoons of raw sugar




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





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?

• Simpson & Vail: Yes, this is nice and smooth a hint of smokiness. This is an excellent straightforward Earl Grey with a strong kick of bergamot, nicely balanced with the black blend of Darjeeling, Assam, Chinese, and Sri Lankan teas.

• Verdant: This is so smooth it's silky. While not quite your traditional Earl Grey flavor profile, the Laoshan Black base is buttery and just kind of amazingly flavorful. 

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

• Simpson & Vail: Not applicable, this is a straightforward Earl Grey profile.

• Verdant: Not entirely, the bergamot is not a prominent enough note for it to fit into the traditional flavor profile, but the elements are still there. There is also just a touch of rose, but it is very understated and somewhat faint.

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

• Simpson & Vail: This has a richer amount of bergamot than many of its peers, which makes for a more traditional yet very tasty cup.

• Verdant: Oh, yeah! The buttery and incredibly flavorful base really makes this tea stand out in a wonderful and unique way.

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

• Simpson & Vail: The astringency is mild to moderate, but nothing that detracts from my enjoyment of this tea.

• Verdant: There's not much astringency at all. This remains very smooth and silky.

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

• Simpson & Vail: It's listed as a Kosher tea.

• Verdant: Yes, in a big way! Verdant's teas are farm-direct, single-origin with ethical sourcing. As Kelsey told me in an email, they are not currently certified fair-trade or organic, but they do meet those standards. They explain their sourcing further on their website.

Jake's Opinion: The Simpson & Vail is the better Earl Grey, but the Verdant is the better tea overall, with an incredibly complex and rich flavor, along with a very smooth and buttery texture.

Lyssa's Opinion: Oh, my goodness, these are both so good! This was a very, very difficult call. I do agree with Jake that the Simpson & Vail adheres more to the traditional Earl Grey flavor profile, but I also love the complexity of the Verdant and its ties to organics and fair-trade. Truly, I could see myself happily making either one of these on a cold morning, but when it comes down to it, I think I'm going to have to go with the cup that makes me say "wow!" with each sip.

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

Bergamot Rose Laoshan Black by Verdant

Rishi's Earl Grey vs. Victorian Earl Grey by Simpson & Vail

Earl Grey by Rishi vs. Victorian Earl Grey by S&V

This is the first face/off of the Battle of the Earl Greys. Today Rishi's Earl Grey goes head-to-head with the Victorian Earl Grey of Simpson & Vail. Both of these teas have already had their initial reviews, so this will be more of a comparison than a review.

Because I only had one sachet of the Rishi Earl Grey, I could only make only 8oz of it instead of the 16oz I will try to use for the rest of this project. In the preparation notes below, please note that all additives have been scaled down to match.


Victorian Earl Grey by Simpson & Vail
Teaware: 16oz glass infuser mug with lid
Measured dry: 2 teaspoons
Water Temperature: Boiling minus two minutes
Steeping Time: 4 minutes
Additives: 3 teaspoons of raw sugar, 2 tablespoon milk

Earl Grey by Rishi Tea
Teaware: 16oz glass mug with lid (filled halfway, to 8oz)
Measured dry: 1 tea sachet
Water Temperature: Boiling minus two minutes
Steeping Time: 4 minutes
Additives: 1-1/2 teaspoons of raw sugar, 1 tablespoon milk


And now for the criteria that's been evolving throughout the series of initial reviews...


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

• Earl Grey: No, it was very bitter.

• Victorian Earl Grey: Yes, very! This only gets better with additives, and milk helps it really pop. The rose and lavender come to the forefront and then the black tea and bergamot slide on in.

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

• Earl Grey: There are no distractions, but the bergamot flavor is very understated and difficult to pick out. It's not a variety, but the black tea is more dominant.

• Victorian Earl Grey: No, the rose and lavender are definitely prevalent, but it doesn't detract from our enjoyment.

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

• Earl Grey: Not a positive one.

• Victorian Earl Grey: Yes! It fills my mind with satin, crinolines, and lace.

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

• Earl Grey: Mild to moderate, but that's not its major detraction.

• Victorian Earl Grey: There's not much at all. It's a nice, smooth drink.

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

• Earl Grey: It is organic and Fair Trade, but the company is making poor decisions as of late regarding packaging (one step forward, two steps back). You can read more about that in this tea's initial review.

• Victorian Earl Grey: It's certified Kosher.

During the infusion process

Overall: While we didn't agree on every point, my husband and I did come to the same conclusion overall.

Jake definitely enjoyed both. He preferred the Victorian Earl Grey, but didn't mind the bitterness of the Earl Grey at all. He actually drained the rest of the cup as soon as I was finished reviewing it.

I, however, had a much stronger preference. I really enjoyed the Victorian Earl Grey and didn't care for the Earl Grey at all. The only reason I might hesitate to settle on the Victorian would be that it is less of an Earl Grey focus than I am looking for. But when I send my mind a couple weeks into the future it's much more enjoyable to think about starting my day with the Victorian than dreading the bitterness of the Earl Grey.


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

The Victorian Earl Grey by Simpson & Vail

Creamy Earl Grey by Simpson & Vail

Creamy Earl Grey by Simpson & Vail

Seller Description: "This variation of an Earl Grey blend has rapidly become a best seller! The tantalizing, heady aroma of this blend and with the smooth, creamy flavor that lingers on the taste buds combines to create a delicious sensory delight."
Directions: Brew tea at 212º - steep for 3 minutes.
Website: Creamy Earl Grey
Cost: $7.20/4oz

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

This is the last of the seven Simpson & Vail samples, and as I opened it the dry smell burst from the bag, full of cream with just a hint of black tea. I couldn't really smell the bergamot until it started steeping, but once the hot water began to do its work the citrus notes began to make themselves known. Now, during the course of this project I have tried a lot of different Earl Grey creams. Many of them have been overwhelmingly creamy - so much so that I was often hard pressed to taste any aspect of the normal Earl Grey flavor profile.

This was a pleasant surprise. It has a much better balance than many of those other Earl Grey creams, and while the black tea and bergamot flavors don't dominate they are strong enough not to fade into the background. This is very smooth, and there's no noticeable astringency, so it can be enjoyed without any of the dry mouth factor you often encounter with straight Earl Greys.

Now, when I'm at home I prefer to add cream on my own, but this is the kind of thing I'd take to work where cream and milk are unreliable. I'm also a lot less likely to re-steep there, as this one doesn't really hold up. It's a solid all-in-one for the office. That said, this is going to go on my Earl Grey cream lineup instead of moving forward in the Battle of the Earl Greys. It's just a bit more of a better fit.

Prominent Notes: Cream, light black tea & bergamot

Aftertaste: Cream and bergamot
Overall: An enjoyable cup

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

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 Extra by Simpson & Vail

Seller description: "For the 'extreme' Earl Grey lover, we've added more Bergamot oil to our famous Earl Grey to make Earl Grey Extra. This blend was originally formulated by Mr. Vail for his many Eastern European customers."
Classifications: Kosher
Directions: Brew tea at 212º - steep for 3 minutes.
Cost: $6.50/4oz

Teaware: 16oz tetsubin with depression glass cup
Measured dry: 1 tablespoon
Water temperature: Boiling
Steeping time: 4 minutes
Additives: 1 tablespoon Sugar in the Raw, a dash of milk later

This is the fourth of seven samples from Simpson & Vail. I've really enjoyed their teas - especially the fruity ones - but this comes closer than any of the others to meeting the criteria for my ideal Earl Grey.

Dry, this tea nearly shouts "Bergamot!' and it smells so wonderful I'm having a difficult time keeping my nose out of it. In fact, the citrus smell is so pervasive that it's difficult to even smell the black tea base.

When steeped, the bergamot aroma translates into a very citrusy cup, with a nice deep color. The black tea does come out in the flavor, but there's no missing the extra bergamot which does an excellent job of taking their straight Earl Grey blend and kicking it up a notch. This does a much better job of holding my interest and allowing this one to stand out above the crowd.

The extra bergamot does make it a little astringent, but not as much as some of the other teas I've tried. It leaves me with a slight dry mouth, but adding a dash of milk definitely helped to balance it out.

I decided to go for a second steep, and as you can see from the picture it was a lot lighter - both in color and in taste. Most of the remaining flavor comes from the sugar, and I'm hard pressed to locate any of the original notes. This will remain a single-steep tea for me in the future.

All that said, this will be moving on to the next round in the Battle of the Earl Greys! It will be interesting to see how it compares with other teas side-by-side.




Prominent notes: Black tea and bergamot
Aftertaste: Citrus and a slight hint of floral
Overall: This is going to take its place in the first elimination round

Summertime Earl Grey by Simpson & Vail

Seller Description: "Don't let the name fool you, this tea can be enjoyed anytime of the year! The tea brews to a dark amber cup with a smooth, refreshing, light peach taste and subtle Earl Grey undertones."

Classifications: Kosher
Directions: Brew tea at 212º - steep for 3 minutes. 

Cost: $7.20/4oz

Summertime Earl Grey

Teaware: 16oz tetsubin and depression glass cup

Measured dry: 1 tbsp

Water Temperature: Boiling

Steeping Time: 3 minutes

Additives: 1 tbsp Sugar in the Raw initially, a second added later

Another sample from Simpson & Vail! After my first tea this morning, I was still craving something fun and fruity. I sniffed through the samples a bit, and zeroed in on this peach!

At the first waft, I couldn't help but think back to family road trips and summers of camping by Olallie Lake. It wasn't until I looked at the seller's description that I understood why! It smells like peach fruit leather - not the artificial tinge of Fruit Roll-Ups, but the real dried fruit taste of the kind you get in the natural foods section.

Steeped Tea

Steeped... mmm. Okay, give me a moment while I savor my happy place. It just tastes so fresh and fruity - this is exactly what I was craving! I love how each sip is bringing back memories - the florescent orange whistles we wore everywhere around the lake, the warmth of the sun as my best friend Katie and I took their canoe out on the water, my little sister diving in after fishing lures... oh, it's morning sunshine in a cup!

Like the Citrus Paradisi, I can't really taste the traditional Earl Grey flavor profile. If the bergamot is in here it's well hidden. This is more of a peach black than an Earl Grey, but it's so good I just don't care! It's my new favorite peach tea, and I just couldn't resist making iced tea with it.

Summertime Earl Grey - Iced

I poured it over a glass of ice, and took a sip. Based on the smell, I kind of expected the peach to taste much richer, but it did gain more depth. I was surprised at how much more prominent the black tea blend became, but it didn't detract from the taste. I'm glad I tried this, but I do prefer it hot. 

Overall, this is a very tasty tea with a wonderful capacity for brining back shiny summer memories!

Prominent Notes: Peach!

Aftertaste: Black tea blend

Overall: Just tasty and wonderful - a new cupboard staple!

Citrus Paradisi Earl Grey Blend by Simpson & Vail

Seller Description: "Citrus Paradisi is a citrus lovers delight. We've combined our best selling Earl Grey black tea with natural grapefruit oil to create a taste sensation. The tea brews to a dark amber cup with a hearty, full bodied taste. The aroma and taste of this blend is captivating and refreshing. Earl Grey tea is a favorite with bakers in many culinary recipes. It goes especially well with cakes, cookies, confections and any recipe with chocolate!"

Classifications: Kosher
Directions: Brew tea at 212º - steep for 3 minutes. 

Cost: $7.20/4oz

Citrus Paradisi Earl Grey Blend

Teaware: 16oz tetsubin and depression glass cup

Measured dry: 1 tbsp

Water Temperature: Boiling

Steeping Time: 3 minutes

Additives: 1 tbsp Sugar in the Raw

This is the second tea from the sample set Simpson & Vail were kind enough to send my way. I felt like something a little summery this morning, and the dry smell of this tea seemed like it would hit the spot quite nicely!

Dry, this tea smells more like an herbal - the grapefruit and other citrus flavors nearly jump out of the bag and dominate your senses. I couldn't smell the black tea blend at all, and had to give the package's label another glance to make sure it was, in fact, an Earl Grey blend!

Steeped, the pendulum swings and the citrus flavors surrender to the demands of the black teas. The citrus notes fade into the background and it's difficult to pick them out at all. I have to sip them extra slowly, and let the tea linger on my tongue in order to taste the grapefruit at the tail end, while I still can't pick out the bergamot which is supposed to give Earl Grey its distinctive flavor.

First and Second Steeps

As you can see from the image above, the first and second steeps were very different. While the wet tea leaves did continue to smell like grapefruit throughout, the second steep is a much lighter cup - both in color and in flavor. The bergamot does finally come out to play, and the grapefruit is diminished. At this point it actually begins to taste like an Earl Grey, albeit a watery one. Because the flavor does wane in the second steep, I will treat this as a single-steep tea in the future.

When you wrap it all up, this is an interesting blend - I've never had one play such games on me! First you've got a tongue-in-cheek game of Got Your Nose! with the dry smell, and then you play Hide & Seek with the flavors in the steeped cup. While I do enjoy it, and will be happy to finish the pot, this will not be moving forward in the Battle of the Earl Greys because it simply doesn't taste strongly enough like an Earl Grey.

Prominent Notes: Black tea blend

Aftertaste: Grapefruit

Overall: A playful cup

Earl Grey by Simpson & Vail

Simpson & Vail was kind enough to send me a selection of their Earl Greys for this project! I'll spread them out, but look forward to their Victorian Earl Grey, Summertime Earl Grey, Creamy Earl Grey, Citrus Paradisi Earl Grey Blend, and Mrs. Grey's Blend in the weeks to come! For now, let's start in the beginning, with their Earl Grey Aromatic Tea:

Mei Photo-Bomb - Again!

Seller Description: "One of Mr. Vail's 15 original tea blends. If you enjoy the floral notes of Bergamot, this Earl Grey tea will become your favorite! This exceptional combination of Darjeeling, Assam, Chinese, and Sri Lankan teas, sprayed with the oil of Bergamot has been satisfying our customers for generations....Certified Kosher."

Directions: 1 tsp at 212°F for 3 minutes

Cost: $9.10/4oz tin

Teaware: 8oz cup with tea ball infuser

Measured dry: 1 tsp

Water Temperature: Boiling

Steeping Time: 3 minutes

Additives: 1 tsp Sugar in the Raw, with a second added later.

From the moment I opened the bag, I wanted to bury my nose in it! The delicious scents of the traditional Earl Grey blend were nice and pungent - it lives up to the "aromatic" part of the name! I got out a couple other Earl Greys out to compare, and while the scent did back off a little after that initial waft, my husband and I agreed that this had a smoother citrus fragrance than the sharper notes of the Arbor and Teavana that we'd pulled out. 

Simpson & Vail - Earl Grey

I decided to go small this morning, and just made a single cup instead of a pot. I started out by only adding one teaspoon of sugar, but the cup called for a little more. The first sip, with the single teaspoon of sugar, had more of a bite than I would usually care for, and it left my tongue feeling dry. 

Adding another teaspoon of sugar really helped smooth it out. If I had remembered to stop by the store and pick up milk, I think a dash would help kick this up another notch and balance out the dry feeling. I'll try to update when I make that happen! 

I did try one re-steep, but it didn't hold up - even with a longer steep time the flavors had waned and it was a little too watery. I think in the future this will be a single-steep tea for me.

Altogether, this is a nice, easy-going Earl Grey - the black tea blend does dominate the cup, with only a mild kick of bergamot to give it that distinctive Earl Grey flavor. It's matter-of-fact and straightforward - a good cup of tea! If this is the starting point, I really look forward to trying the other Simpson & Vail Earl Grey varieties!

Prominent Notes: Black tea, mild citrus

Aftertaste: Black tea blend

Overall: A great place to start!