Raspberry Chocolate Bark by Teajo Teas

Today, on our tour of holiday teas, we travel into the realm of stocking stuffer treats with Raspberry Chocolate Bark by Teajo Teas!

Seller Description: "We give you permission to indulge in this delicious blend of full-bodied Assam tea, natural raspberry flavor and dark chocolate. It's perfect for the holidays!"
Ingredients: Full leaf black tea, cornflower, cacao chips and natural flavors.
Website: Raspberry Chocolate Bark by Teajo Teas

Sample source: Provided

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

Opening the package of this tea was like stepping back into the Christmas mornings of my childhood. The aroma of this tea is nearly identical to the scent that would fill my senses after happily slamming apart a raspberry Chocolate Orange.

With those happy memories fresh in my mind, I went about investigating the leaves. The black tea base was obvious, as were the cacao chips and cornflowers. Less identifiable were the red flowers and small pieces of fruit or berry.

Whatever they are, this blend tastes wonderful once it's steeped. I often find that I either really love or really hate chocolate-flavored teas, but this one has hit the sweet spot! It tastes exactly like the title suggests - chocolate and a plant-based raspberry flavoring that toes the line between artificial and fresh. I don't taste much of the black tea base, but what there is makes itself known in the aftertaste. The cornflower also plays a background role, because once the raspberry and dark chocolate notes hit you, they stay with you through each sip and even become more prominent as the tea cools.

All in all, I would be delighted to enjoy this on Christmas morning!

Prominent Notes: Primarily chocolate and raspberry with only a slight hint of cornflower

Aftertaste: If anything, a faint echo of the black tea blend
Overall: A guilt-free chocolate binge!

The Battle of the Earl Greys - Final Round

We've finally made it to the final round of the Battle of the Earl Greys. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has supported this project and helped us make it to this point. It has been a lot of fun, and a great learning experience!

Our final round matches Organic Earl Grey by Tealicious with Silky Earl Grey by Teajo Teas. To make it this far, after 50 different Earl Greys have been evaluated, they are both pretty wonderful. Let's see how they fare against each other through the criteria, one last time.

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




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?

• Tealicious:  When compared side-by-side, this tea has a noticeably brisker quality, but nothing that would qualify as "jarring."

• Teajo Teas: No, this is incredibly smooth... it lives up to the "silky" part of its name.

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

• Tealicious: Because this tea has not been released yet, I don't have a lot of information about it. The dry blend has unidentified red petals, but they don't add a significant floral note to the flavor. This tastes like a very good, straightforward Earl Grey.

• Teajo Teas: The slight touch of vanilla only adds to the impact of the Earl Grey flavors in this tea, and is in no way overwhelming.

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

• Tealicious:  The "Wow!" factor is in how nicely its flavors are blended.

• Teajo Teas: This tea actually makes you say, "Wow!" when you first try it. It is unquestioningly an Earl Grey, but so fresh and gorgeously balanced.

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

• Tealicious:  When compared side-by-side, there is a slight bite, but it's not very much at all, and certainly nothing that detracts from the experience.

• Teajo Teas: There is no astringency at all.

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

• Tealicious:  This tea has not yet been released, but I was told it is certified organic.

• Teajo Teas: Yes, in a big way. You can read more on the company's website. 

Jake's Opinion: Well both are enjoyable Earl Greys, I prefer the Teajo to the Tealicious. Both teas are beautifully blended, but the creaminess of the Teajo distinguishes it further.

Lyssa's Opinion: As we've climbed further and further up the tiers, it's become progressively difficult to pin things down in the end. I would be delighted to keep any of the final four (or even the final eight!) on hand in our cupboard... and I probably will! That said, between these two wonderful teas I have to go for the fresh, light creaminess of the Teajo as well.

So, the winner of the Battle of the Earl Greys is...

Silky Earl Grey by Teajo Teas

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 Black by Teavana vs. Silky Earl Grey by Teajo

Today marks the final face/off of the second elimination round, and after this there will only be three face/offs left until we have our champion! Today Teavana's Earl Grey Black Tea goes up against Silky Earl Grey by Teajo Teas.

Earl Grey Black Tea by Teavana
Teaware: 16oz glass infuser mug with lid
Measured dry: 2 teaspoons
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 3 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?

• Teavana:  Yes, this is a pretty standard cup with just the slightest hint of licorice in the aftertaste.

• Teajo Teas: This lives up to the "silky" in its name, and the slight touch of creaminess adds to the effect.

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

• Teavana: This is primarily a straightforward Earl Grey, with only slight hints of other flavors in its aftertaste.

• Teajo Teas: The only difference from the traditional flavor profile is the addition of a hint of vanilla, but it only adds to the experience.

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

• Teavana:  This is just a good, solid Earl Grey. 

• Teajo Teas: Yes, this is a pretty amazing tea. From the organic, fair-trade, single-estate, and biodynamic methods it is grown and prepared with, to the freshness and taste of this fantastic blend, I can really say nothing but, "Wow!"

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

• Teavana:  We can't taste any.

• Teajo Teas: There might be the slightest hint, but if it's there, it's difficult to pick out.

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

• Teavana:  They make unsubstantiated claims and carry no certifications. The in-store experience is overwhelmingly pushy and negative,.

• Teajo Teas: Yes, in a rather impressive way. Their website has more information about this, but this is a guilt-free cup of tea.

Jake's Opinion: With its faint licorice notes, the Teavana is among the top tier of Earl Greys, however I must choose the Teajo for its delectably creamy notes and solid Earl Grey flavor.

Lyssa's Opinion: When I first started getting back into loose leaf teas, the only seller we could find close to us was Teavana. Since then, I have gone online to other vendors for more and more of my ordering because I have been disillusioned by their inflated prices and incredibly pushy sales practices. I have a large tin of the Earl Grey Black left in the cupboard, and when it's gone, I will not be replacing it. It is a really good Earl Grey, but when it comes down to it, the Teajo both tastes and feels better.


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

Silky Earl Grey by Teajo Teas

Earl Grey by Arbor Teas vs. Silky Earl Grey by Teajo Teas

Today, in the second-to-the-last of our first elimination rounds, Arbor Tea's Earl Grey is going up against Teajo's Silky Earl Grey. May the best tea win!


Earl Grey by Arbor Teas
Teaware: 16oz glass infuser mug with lid
Measured dry: 2 teaspoons
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 4 minutesAdditives: 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?

• Arbor Tea: Yes, this is a nice, smooth Earl Grey.

• Teajo Teas: Ohhhh, yes! I want to slide into this cup and float for a while! It's delightfully smooth, and definitely lives up to the "Silky" part of its name.

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

• Arbor Tea: Not applicable, this is a straightforward Earl Grey.

• Teajo Teas: The cacao and licorice notes add depth and detail, but there is no question that the Earl Grey flavors are large and in charge.

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

• Arbor Tea: This is tasty and enjoyable, but it doesn't really stand out.

• Teajo Teas: Every single sip comes with its own "Wow." From the incredible freshness and intricate layers of flavor to the delightfully smooth and supportive base, this tea is in a league of its own.

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

• Arbor Tea: Very mild and hardly noticeable. 

• Teajo Teas: There is none at all, and nothing to detract from its experience.

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

• Arbor Tea: Yes, this is a certified organic and fair trade tea from a company that uses exclusively biodegradable packaging and carbon offsets. 

• Teajo Teas: Yes, this is an organically grown, single-estate, biodynamic tea. 

Jake's Opinion: The Teajo is a spectacular blended Earl Grey, and enjoyable for all its elements. The Arbor, while a solid Earl Grey, is like water in comparison.

Lyssa's Opinion: I am so, so grateful that Tea Sipper recommended Teajo, because it has blown nearly everything else out of the water. I love the freshness, the base, and the supporting notes... heck, I just love this tea! It's kind of unfair to put it up against anything else, because it will just be too difficult to beat. The Arbor is a nice, solid Earl Grey on its own with wonderful ties to sustainability, but it just can't hold a candle to the awesomeness that is the Teajo.


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

Silky Earl Grey by Teajo Teas

Silky Earl Grey by Teajo Teas

Steam rising from Silky Earl Grey by Teajo Teas

Seller Description: This aromatic black tea is made with pure bergamot extract and safflower. If you are a fan of this classic tea, you will love our blend. The black tea in this blend is single estate and originates from a garden in Assam, a region known for producing high quality, full-bodied tea.
Ingredients: Broken leaf black tea, bergamot oil, lemon peel, safflower and cacao.
Directions: 1 tablespoon for 3 minutes, 8oz water at 212°F

Website: Teajo.com

Dry leaves of Silky Earl Grey

Teaware: Steeped in 16oz glass infuser mug
Measured dry: 2 teaspoons
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 3 minutes
Additives: 4 teaspoons of raw sugar

This is simply glorious. By now you know that I don't throw that around lightly, but this tea... wow. I'm trying to be impartial - this was a complimentary sample after all - but I'm actually having a really difficult time with this one. It's going to be very hard for me not to just rave about it. I knew I was in for something special when my eyes rolled up at the dry smell of the tea. It is just pregnant with pungent bergamot, embraced with a clean and fresh Assam base, and holds just the slightest hint of licorice.

Once I opened the package and met those gorgeous leaves, I was pretty sure that a love affair with this tea was about to begin. They look like glistening pieces of chewy black licorice, nearly good enough to eat!

Steeped Silky Earl Grey

Now not every tea that smells amazing translates well into the cup, but this defies the odds. It gets better. It's fresh, smooth and nuanced, and with each sip I keep discovering more layers. I might pick out a slight licorice, a tiny note of mint or vanilla with one sip, and the faintest hint of cocoa in the next. 

Now, there is some mild astringency, but nothing that took away from my enjoyment. Even then, it was quickly solved but a small dash of milk. Then it keeps on going, as this tea also holds up fairly well on the second steep. The flavors are not nearly as strong or nuanced, but it is still better than many of the first-steep Earl Greys I've tried during this project.

In addition to the warm fuzzies I experience just drinking this tea, I love the fact that it is not only single estate tea from a family owned farm, but it it is also grown biodynamically. From what I understand, it's a sustainable way of farming that goes above and beyond organics and treats all aspects of of the farm as part of one single organism... interrelated in both a physical and spiritual way; the plants, the animals, and even the soil. 

There is no question that this is going into the next round of the Battle of the Earl Greys... but it's also going to become a cupboard staple.

Prominent Notes: Bergamot and Assam
Aftertaste: Just the slightest hints of cocao and licorice

Overall: This is a very strong contender!