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