Organic Earl Grey by Tealicious vs. Bergamot Rose Laoshan Black by Verdant

We're coming down to the very end. At this point there are four teas left, and three face/offs to be waged. After a lot of thought and discussion, I have decided not to change the criteria. While we are answering the same questions, what makes them different is how each new tea pairing compares side-by-side. With that in mind, let's move on! Today we're going to be looking at the combination of Earl Grey Organic by Tealicious and Verdant's Bergamot Rose Laoshan Black.


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




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?

• Tealicious:  It may have been the fact this was toward the end of the sample, but this is just a tad brisker than I remember it. That doesn't detract or even jar, though.

• Verdant: No, this is just as incredibly smooth and silky as I remember it.

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

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

• Verdant: The further this tea goes in the Battle of the Earl Greys, the less of an Earl Grey it tastes like to me. It is a truly wonderful tea, but I'm not sure it's close enough to the traditional flavor profile to continue to move forward.

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

• Tealicious:  The biggest "Wow!" factor here is how truly wonderfully this is blended. The bergamot and the black tea base are married in a nearly perfect way.

• Verdant: Every time I sip this, I am amazed anew at the flavor of the base, and how nicely the floral and citrus notes harmonize with it.

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

• Tealicious:  It's barely noticeable at all.

• Verdant: Nonexistent.

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

• Tealicious:  This tea has not released yet, so no details are available on the website, but I was told it was certified organic.

• Verdant: Yes, in a very big way.

Jake's Opinion: While the uniqueness and overall pleasantness of the Verdant has gotten it this far in the Battle of the Earl Greys, that very flavor profile is a mark against it at this point. Compared to the Tealicious it does not have a traditional Earl Grey flavor profile, and given how wonderfully the Tealicious is blended, I must choose it as the better Earl Grey.

Lyssa's Opinion: I love both of these teas, and they would not have gotten this far if I didn't, but I also have to go back to the original goal for this project again: discovering the best Earl Grey for me to take to school in the morning. The Verdant tastes and feels very rich, so I can see myself savoring this on a slow morning. The Tealicious has more of the get-up-and-go feeling I need to start my busy days.


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

Organic Earl Grey by Tealicious