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.
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.
- 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.
- 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...
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