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