Victorian Earl Grey by Simpson & Vail vs. Organic Earl Grey by Tealicious

Welcome to the second elimination round of the Battle of the Earl Greys! Today we have a couple fantastic teas ready to go head to head: The Victorian Earl Grey by Simpson & Vail and Teacilious' Organic Earl Grey!

Victorian Earl Grey by Simpson & Vail
Teaware: 16oz glass infuser mug with lid
Measured dry: 2 teaspoons
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 4 minutes
Additives: 4 teaspoons of raw sugar




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






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?

• Simpson & Vail:  Ohhh, deliciously. There's a harmony in this cup of citrus and floral, with just the barest hint of a spicy undertone.

• Tealicious: This is a straightforward Earl Grey, with a near perfect balance between the bergamot and the black tea. This is going to be a tough call, because both these teas are exceptional!

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

• Simpson & Vail:  This is an absolutely wonderful tea, but compared to the Tealicious the lovely and fresh floral notes of rose and lavender do take the driver's seat.

• Tealicious: This is a more traditional Earl Grey, and the small red flowers in its blend do not really step forward enough to differentiate themselves.

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

• Simpson & Vail:  Oh yes, there is a huge "Wow!" factor here. Each sip makes me close my eyes and think of lace and elegance. Fresh flowers just snipped from the garden.

• Tealicious: The "Wow!" factor here is how gorgeously it's balanced, especially for an organic. Sometimes you get more satisfaction from the label than the taste of the tea, but this blend brings both to the table.

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

• Simpson & Vail:  There is none. This is a incredibly smooth tea.

• Tealicious: What's astringency? This tea makes me forget that even exists.

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

• Simpson & Vail:  It's certified Kosher.

• Tealicious: This is labeled organic. It's not on their website yet because it is due to be released later this month, so I don't have additional information yet.

Jake's Opinion: Both are extremely good cups of tea. As a straightforward Earl Grey, the Tealicous stands out as being perfectly balanced in all its elements. The Simpson & Vail, while not a traditional Earl Grey, has a beautifully unique and enjoyable flavor.

Lyssa's Opinion: I wish this pair up had come later on, because they are each so wonderful on their own. This is a very difficult decision. I adore both of them, and could easily see myself enjoying them in the mornings before school. Since I do have to make a decision, I'm going to go back to my criteria. That's why it's there, after all! Of the two, the better Earl Grey is the Tealicious... but I'm still going to be adding the Victorian Earl Grey to my cupboard because I love it so much.


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

Organic Earl Grey by Tealicious