Kathryne Kenyan Earl Grey by JusTea

Kathryne Kenyan Earl Grey by JusTea

Seller Description: Our Kathryne Earl Grey tea is whole leaf Kenyan black tea leaves cold-pressed with organic Mediterranean bergamot oil. 
Directions: 2 teaspoons per 8oz of water at 195°F for 3 minutes

Website: Kathryne Kenyan Earl Grey at JusTea
Sample source: Provided

Dry leaves

Teaware: 8oz Noritake "Sterling Tide" cup and saucer
Measured dry: 2 teaspoons
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 3 minutes
Additives: 2 teaspoons of raw sugar

A sample of this tea came my way when the company was looking to promote their crowd-sourcing project, geared towards helping Kenyan tea farmers process their own product and cutting out the middlemen. As far as I can tell, JusTea is actually a non-profit with a host of volunteers all geared towards the goal of a living wage for these families. If you're curious, they have some good information on their website.

Infused liquor

But all the promotion in the world isn't going to help if the tea isn't tasty, and no one wants to drink it. My first sniff of the dry tea is promising. The black base is there in the background, but what dominates the aroma is the rich bergamot, which smells both fresh and pungent.

I made the first cup up following the steeping directions, and the first thing I noticed about the liquor is that it is the color of a thick cup of coffee. The flavor is dark and brisk, with an intense astringency. This tea would be good for people making the transition from coffee to tea, because using two teaspoonfuls of tea for each 8oz of water makes for a rather brisk and astringent cup of tea. It wasn't quite to my tastes yet, so I decided to experiment with quantities and steep times.

Infused leaves

For my second cup I tried reducing the dry tea to one teaspoon and steeped for 3 minutes. This time the color was much lighter, and the flavor was as well. Now, instead of a brisk and astringent cup, it's smoothed out significantly. The black tea blend still dominates, but elements of the bergamot can now make themselves known. 

If I make this again, I will definitely go with the smaller amount of tea. It tastes significantly better, and makes for a much more enjoyable experience. That way, you get to enjoy both the taste of a nice, straightforward Earl Grey and the fact that you're supporting such an important cause.

Prominent Notes: Black tea with understated bergamot notes
Aftertaste: Black tea
Overall: A nice cup of Earl Grey

Exotique by Chado Tea Room

Seller Description: A classic Nilgiri tea blended with Blue Mallow Blossoms and then flavored with a delicious flavors of Bergamot, Passion Fruit, Rose and a hint of vanilla.
Website: Exotique by Chado Tea Room

Sample source: Steepster Swap

Teaware: Royal Albert cup and saucer
Measured dry: 1 teaspoon
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 4 minutes
Additives: 2 teaspoons of raw sugar

This is a very curious tea, and I'm not entirely certain what to make of it. Knowing that I was trying to round out the lineup for the Battle of the Earl Greys, Dinosara was kind enough to include some of this when she sent me the Lupicia Earl Grey.

She had labeled it "Earl Grey Exotique" but when I searched the Chado Tea Room's website for Earl Grey, it didn't come up with the other Earl Greys. I discovered that while it was listed under the Earl Grey category, it did not actually carry the title.

Sipping it now, I kind of understand why. It is definitely unique, and refuses to be easily pigeonholed. I do get a little bit of the Earl Grey flavor profile, but it's not a cream nor a floral, and as it cools what I assume are the the passionfruit and mallow blossoms become more prominent. The astringency increases as well. It was much better hot. It's not quite what I'm looking for with this project, but I am glad that I got a chance to try this, because it is so interesting.

Prominent Notes: Nilgiri tea and rose
Aftertaste: Slightly creamy, with hints of vanilla and bergamot

Overall: Curiouser and curiouser...

Bergamot Rose Laoshan Black by Verdant Tea

Bergamot Rose Laoshan Black by Verdant Tea

Seller Description: The satisfying malty and chocolatey Laoshan Black is one of our most popular and beloved teas. We wanted to ‘reinterpret’ the flavor profile of the black tea with a citrus blend and bring out the tart notes of the tea for the summer, all while making the chocolate notes even more luscious through a counter-compliment.
Ingredients: Laoshan Black, organic: lemon peel, orange peel, rose petals, and bergamot
Directions: 2 teaspoons per 8oz of water at 212°F for 2 minutes

Website: Bergamot Rose Laoshan Black at Verdant Tea
Sample source: Provided

Gorgeous dry blend

Teaware: 16oz glass infuser mug
Measured dry: 2 teaspoons
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 4 minutes
Additives: 4 teaspoons of raw sugar

I have to admit some initial hesitancy about this tea, mostly due to the Laoshan Black base. When I first tried the base, I was pretty unsure about the smell of it and was still under the impression that I simply didn't like black teas on their own. Of course, I was making them with my gaiwan like I would a green, but while I enjoy green teas without additives, I always add sugar to my black blends. I wasn't treating this the same way, but now... well, I'm not quite eating my words... I'm drinking them. 

Liquor

And no, for those of you in my grad school cohort, not the way we acted out that poem, sipping "words like wine," and savored their fine vintages - this was pure crow!

But this tea... wow. The base is rich and buttery with a slightly toasted flavor. On top of that is layered a gentle nudge of citrus and the faintest hint of rose before finishing with a slightly minty aftertaste. There is no astringency, and I'm not tasting chocolate at all, but what I do taste is smooth, silky, and just plain wonderful!

I'm enjoying myself so much that I actually have to cut myself off because I need to hold enough of the tea back for it to move forward to the next phase in the Battle of the Earl Greys. But it's sooo tempting to just brew up a ginormous pot and sip the afternoon away!

First steep on left, second on right

When I was a baby, my father taught me how to drink Pepsi, with a big "Ah!" after each sip. To this day, it's become so ingrained that I can't help but do a little of that when I drink anything (Thank you, Daddy!) but I try to keep it quiet and unnoticeable. This tea totally deserves a loud lip-smack and happy exhalation. 

Because I wanted to keep enjoying it, I attempted a second steep. I started by adding 30 seconds to the initial steep time, but after a quick check-in I let it go another 2-1/2 minutes. Even after two steeps, the leaves still smelled delicious. The tea itself wasn't quite as good as the first steep, but it still had a lot more presence than many of the black teas I attempt to re-steep. Most of that was due to the base tea, as the citrus has faded into the background and the rose has all but disappeared.

Infused leaves

I'm glad I put a little of the first steep aside to compare it to the re-steep, because I am going to take what's left and go curl up with a book and a cat. What a wonderful way to end the afternoon!

Prominent Notes: Laoshan black with buttery, slightly toasted notes. Hints of rose and citrus.
Aftertaste: Laoshan black and a slightly minty note
Overall: This is a solid contender in the Battle of the Earl Greys, and is becoming a cupboard staple!

Earl Grey by Nina's Paris

Earl Grey by Nina's Paris

Seller Description: The smoothness of Keemun together with the freshness of bergamot. An ancient recipe that was handed down by a high dignitary of China to Earl Charles Grey. A classic that definitely shouldn't be missed.

Website: Earl Grey by Nina's Paris
Sample source: Provided

Earl Grey by Nina's Paris

Teaware: China cup
Measured dry: 1 teaspoon
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 3 minutes
Additives: 2 teaspoons of raw sugar

Does it say something about me that I'm starting to personify my Earl Greys? I'm just under forty Earl Grey reviews at this point, and I find that I'm talking effusively about their personality traits and mannerisms.

Take this one, for example. It's not dissimilar to the Anne de Bourgh I met yesterday afternoon, but while it may be mild, it shows a sense of pluckiness I can appreciate. This is Georgiana Darcy. Friendly and hopeful, with a little room to grow.

The dry smell of this blend is decidedly sweet, with just a slight edge from the bergamot. After steeping, the bergamot flavors are more of a flourish at the end of each sip than a primary note. The black tea base is a lot more prevalent here, and there is a fruitiness to the flavor that I can't quite put my finger on. It's more than the bergamot alone. Whatever that note may be, it contributes to a wonderfully smooth cup with little to no astringency.

I think of Georgiana here, because while she adores her brother (who wouldn't?!) and she tries very hard to learn the rules of her society, she also breaks free in some notable ways. I can see that promise in this tea. It's trying very hard to be a basic and straightforward Earl Grey, but while a lot of the harsh edges have been filed off, it still has a slight briskness that belies that. And like Georgiana, as it ages it develops further. The tea has cooled while I typed, and the last sip is noticeably better than the first.

Out of curiosity, I made one more cup. This time I used a heaping teaspoon and added a minute to the steep time. With one sip I can tell those changes made a huge difference. The initial elements I wrote about are much more pronounced, and it is noticeably more brisk - to the point that there is now some minor astringency. The next time I make this I will try for a happy medium in between the two.

All in all, this is a solid Earl Grey with a touch of natural sweetness and a hint of fruitiness. I'm looking for something a little more brisk for my early mornings, but this would be a wonderful cup to enjoy on a lazy weekend morning.

Prominent Notes: Keemun
Aftertaste: Bergamot

Overall: A nice Earl Grey with sweet and fruity elements

Earl Grey by Lupicia

Earl Grey by Lupicia

Seller Description: Authentic Earl Grey made with Keemun tea. Delicious straight up or with milk.

Website: Earl Grey by Lupicia
Sample source: Steepster Swap

Teaware: 16oz glass infuser mug, transferred to china cup
Measured dry: 2 teaspoons
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: First attempt 3 minutes, second 4 minutes
Additives: 3 teaspoons of raw sugar

I've heard a lot of wonderful things about this tea, so I knew I had to try it out before I got too much further into the Battle of the Earl Greys. I didn't expect to have to quickly look up the names of Jane Austen characters, nor did I think it would be quite so... forgettable.

Earl Grey by Lupicia

The dry smell is more subtle than other teas I've tried recently, but unmistakably bergamot with only traces of the black tea.

I actually made this tea twice. The first time I went with the shorter steep time, only to discover the tea was not quite brisk enough yet for my taste. It was still enjoyable, despite the need for a slightly longer steep. The black tea and bergamot are so seamlessly blended together that I could not separate one note from the other, and, as an added bonus, there is little to no astringency at this point.

The second attempt is stronger, but still somewhat mild. The flavors are just as perfectly blended, and there is still little to no astringency at all. It's incredibly smooth, and I've never met a tea that's quite so polite. It doesn't briskly announce itself and strut into the room like many other Earl Greys. It knocks quietly, waits to be invited, and then hesitantly peeks around the door before meekly scuttling into the room and perching daintily on a small chair. I've seen people describe Earl Grey as the grandfather of teas, but this one is acting like some meek Regency miss.

I wanted Elizabeth Bennet and I got Anne de Bourgh!

And yes, I did have to look her name up because she was that forgetful!

Now this is still a nice tea, and a very smooth cup, but it's just too... meek. I'm trying to find something with enough get-up-and-go to kick my brain into gear in the morning. This tea may contain caffeine, but it just doesn't have that bold and assertive quality I'm looking for.

Prominent Notes: Black tea and bergamot
Aftertaste: Not noticible

Overall: Straightforward and delicious

Earl Grey Lavender by Revolution

Tealights and tea... a wonderful combination!

Seller Description: Revolution Tea's award-winning Earl Grey Lavender adds a unique twist to a popular favorite. Ceylon, Oolong and Darjeeling estate tea leaves are lightly flavored with Oil of Bergamot and combined with super blue lavender to create a wonderful, sweet tea. Enjoy Earl Grey Lavender as a morning pick-me-up or as a late afternoon treat.

Website: Earl Grey Lavender by Revolution
Sample source: Provided

A sachet of Earl Grey Lavender

Teaware: Noritake "Sterling Tide" teacup, 7oz capacity
Measured dry: 1 sachet
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 3 minutes
Additives: 2 teaspoons of raw sugar

Despite the caffeine I knew was loaded in every sip, I couldn't resist steeping a cup (or two!) of this tonight. We just finished our first week back with students, so I needed a little cup of calm... and the warmth of the tea was also a much-needed balm to my throat. The first week back always does a number on my vocal chords after a summer of casual conversation. I lit a couple tea lights and settled back to sooth and enjoy... or loaf and invite, if you've ever had Kim Campbell as a professor! One of her favorite poetry activities is - even now that she's teaching teachers and not middle school students - to have those in her charge physically interpret the line from Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself."

The contents of the sachet

Now the business of interpreting "I loafe and invite my soul" is usually fraught with reflection, meditation, or any number of things that speak to you as an individual. For me, it's calm and quiet and often best done in starlight.

I am so glad that I steeped up a cup of this tea, because it was the perfect counterpoint. Dry, it smells nearly entirely of lavender, and fresh lavender at that. No sour perfumey notes, just the serenity of a lovely fragrance, and I think that was the clincher this evening.

The box indicated a 3-4 minute steep time, and lately erring on the side of caution has been working well for me. There is a surprisingly good balance between the traditional Earl Grey flavor profile and the lavender. The black tea and bergamot slide to the front, while the lavender dances lightly in the background. Often I will encounter teas which are skewed one way or another, but this one actually lives up to its promise.

The infused leaves

I did open one of the sachets, and I was impressed with the beauty of the tea it contained. There is a world of difference between the fannings of a tea bag and the unbroken leaves of a sachet like this.

But the elephant in the room is the nylon sachet, which does give you the experience and quality of a loose leaf tea with the convenience of a tea bag. I hope in the future that Revolution will embrace biodegradable sachet material, or offer their teas as loose leaf. It is truly the only thing keeping me from completely enjoying this wonderful tea.

It is pretty unusual for me to enjoy a cup of Earl Grey at night, but since this is so much more soothing than brisk I just couldn't let my fingers walk past it to more nighttime-friendly teas.

Prominent Notes: Black tea blend and bergamot oil
Aftertaste: Fresh Lavender

Overall: A surprisingly tasty tea

Earl of Anxi by Verdant Tea

The Earl of Anxi by Verdant Tea

Seller Description: A unique Earl Grey made with Tieguanyin and laced with saffron and frankincense....We start not with a black tea, but with our famous Hand-Picked Tieguanyin to give the bergamot a cleaner base to integrate with, and reinforce the floral citrus notes. We draw out the citrus sweetness with a uniquely creamy and rich orange peel, and crystallize the florals into a prominent position with jasmine blossoms.
Ingredients: Autumn Harvest Tieguanyin, Organic Orange Peel, Organic Jasmine, Wildcrafted Frankincense Resin, Organic Goji Berry, Organic Saffron
Directions: 5g per 8oz of water at 212°F for 2 minutes

Website: The Earl of Anxi at Verdant Tea
Sample source: Provided

Teaware: 16oz glass infuser mug
Measured dry: 2 teaspoons
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 2 minutes
Additives: 3 teaspoons of raw sugar

When I'm enjoying tea, I will often close my eyes and venture to the tea's perfect setting. This one takes me straight to Christmas Mass. A lot of that has to do with the smoky Frankincense, but it's also the brightness in this tea that, in the darkest part of winter, promises the spring will come.

I was given a sample of this for the Battle of the Earl Greys, with the understanding that it was quite different than the traditional Earl Grey flavor profile. The black tea has been replaced with a green, the bergamot with orange, and additional notes (like the Frankincense!) have been added. It's such a special blend, though, that I knew I had to include it anyway, and I am so glad that I was able to.

When I opened the sample I had a quick flashback to opening my package of Hand Picked Autumn Tiegyanyin, as the delicate dry smell of the tea comes primarily from its green base. Gradually that changed, as hints of the orange peel, jasmine, and Frankincense did begin to introduce themselves politely. 

Steeped, the aroma is nearly pure Tiegyanyin, and I have a difficult time locating the other notes. They come out and play in the actual flavor more than the aroma. This is not a brisk tea, ready to shake the last of the sand from your sleepy eyes. It's more of a soothing hand rubbing your back when things seem overwhelming. 

This blend uses my absolute favorite green tea as a base and just stacks different elements and nuances onto it. With one sip I'm hit first by the Tiegyanyin and orange peel, then it almost feels like I'm breathing out Frankincense and jasmine. It's incredibly fresh, very silky and creamy, and there is only the tiniest of the astringency I often find in my morning teas. 

An additional bonus is that it also holds up well upon re-steeping. After three minutes it is nearly as strong as the first steep. All the elements are still there and some of the smaller notes, like the saffron, are actually peeking out more.

That said, I can't quite imagine myself making a cup of this to jump-start my hectic school day. It deserves, no, demands, the time to really sip and savor it over multiple hours and many steepings. This is more of a weekend winter morning tea, and I think I will continue to enjoy it as such.

Prominent Notes: Tiegyanyin, citrus, and jasmine
Aftertaste: Frankincense

Overall: A very tasty, comforting tea

Silky Earl Grey by Teajo Teas

Steam rising from Silky Earl Grey by Teajo Teas

Seller Description: This aromatic black tea is made with pure bergamot extract and safflower. If you are a fan of this classic tea, you will love our blend. The black tea in this blend is single estate and originates from a garden in Assam, a region known for producing high quality, full-bodied tea.
Ingredients: Broken leaf black tea, bergamot oil, lemon peel, safflower and cacao.
Directions: 1 tablespoon for 3 minutes, 8oz water at 212°F

Website: Teajo.com

Dry leaves of Silky Earl Grey

Teaware: Steeped in 16oz glass infuser mug
Measured dry: 2 teaspoons
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 3 minutes
Additives: 4 teaspoons of raw sugar

This is simply glorious. By now you know that I don't throw that around lightly, but this tea... wow. I'm trying to be impartial - this was a complimentary sample after all - but I'm actually having a really difficult time with this one. It's going to be very hard for me not to just rave about it. I knew I was in for something special when my eyes rolled up at the dry smell of the tea. It is just pregnant with pungent bergamot, embraced with a clean and fresh Assam base, and holds just the slightest hint of licorice.

Once I opened the package and met those gorgeous leaves, I was pretty sure that a love affair with this tea was about to begin. They look like glistening pieces of chewy black licorice, nearly good enough to eat!

Steeped Silky Earl Grey

Now not every tea that smells amazing translates well into the cup, but this defies the odds. It gets better. It's fresh, smooth and nuanced, and with each sip I keep discovering more layers. I might pick out a slight licorice, a tiny note of mint or vanilla with one sip, and the faintest hint of cocoa in the next. 

Now, there is some mild astringency, but nothing that took away from my enjoyment. Even then, it was quickly solved but a small dash of milk. Then it keeps on going, as this tea also holds up fairly well on the second steep. The flavors are not nearly as strong or nuanced, but it is still better than many of the first-steep Earl Greys I've tried during this project.

In addition to the warm fuzzies I experience just drinking this tea, I love the fact that it is not only single estate tea from a family owned farm, but it it is also grown biodynamically. From what I understand, it's a sustainable way of farming that goes above and beyond organics and treats all aspects of of the farm as part of one single organism... interrelated in both a physical and spiritual way; the plants, the animals, and even the soil. 

There is no question that this is going into the next round of the Battle of the Earl Greys... but it's also going to become a cupboard staple.

Prominent Notes: Bergamot and Assam
Aftertaste: Just the slightest hints of cocao and licorice

Overall: This is a very strong contender!

Earl Grey by Rishi Tea

Earl Grey by Rishi Tea

Seller Description: "Earl Grey is a British tea classic and the most popular tea of the Western World. This citrus-scented tea blend dates back to the 19th Century Sino-British trade of opium, tea, silk and porcelain. Our bestselling Organic Earl Grey blends bold-flavored Yunnan Dian Hong harvested from antique tea trees with natural Bergamot citrus from Southern Italy."

Directions: 1 tablespoon per 8 ounces, steep at 212°F (boiling) for 4 minutes (1st infusion), 5 minutes (2nd infusion)
Website: Rishi-Tea.com

Teaware: 16oz glass mug with lid (filled halfway)
Measured dry: 1 tea sachet
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 4 minutes
Additives: 1-1/2 teaspoons of raw sugar, 1 tablespoon milk

I only had one sachet of this tea on hand, but I heard so many great things about it that I knew it was pretty likely to snag a place in the first elimination round. Because of that, I decided to do both this review and its first face/off on the same day, with the same cup of tea. I do owe thanks to Short Sorceress, because our Steepster swap made this possible.

The sachet and its packaging

To be honest, I usually avoid any kind of pre-packaged tea. In our household we try to recycle what we can, and cut extraneous waste where possible. Buying a tin of loose leaf tea and using a reusable infuser basket means that we don't create extra waste. You're cutting off a stage in the manufacturing process and saving a whole bunch of extra packaging from adding up in a landfill.

Now sometimes it is easier to be able to grab something and go. On the rare occasions I will use a teabag or sachet, I do appreciate vendors' efforts to make pre-packaged teas more environmentally friendly. It was with a hopeful mind that I read Rishi's 2012 press release about their new sachets, but all it really said was that they were made with "plant based resources." That doesn't necessarily mean they're any better or more biodegradable. 

Looking at the sachet in front of me, I am surprised at the rough thickness of it, and how loose the weave is. I've tried a couple sachets before (from Revolution, Mighty Leaf, and the like) and those were diaphanous and silky - you could easily see through them to the full leaf tea inside. This has the extra steeping room common to those sachets, but none of the visibility. It wasn't until after I steeped the tea and cut the bag open that I was actually able to see what I was making!

But all the packaging in the world isn't going to do you any good if the tea isn't to your taste. 

The dry smell of this tea was fairly promising. It had a nice, rich aroma that was heavy with bergamot. Now, because I only had the one sachet I only filled my 16oz mug to the 8oz mark and steeped for the recommended four minutes.

I only have a stovetop kettle, so I can't tell you what the exact water temperature was, but it did have 1-2 minutes to cool after it boiled. But a slightly cooler temperature should have resulted in a lighter cup, not a bitter one. And this was bitter. I tried it first without additives, but the overwhelming black tea flavor bit at me with astringency. Since I never take black tea without sugar I wasn't very worried yet. 

I added a teaspoon and a half of raw sugar, but unfortunately it just wasn't able to cut the bitterness. The smell of the tea is still wonderful, but when I bring it to my lips I get a mouthful of an abrasive, bitter, and astringent brew with a slightly burnt twist. This one doesn't hesitate to bite back.

Adding a tablespoon of milk didn't help as much as I would have liked either. It did serve to smooth out some of the bitterness but it came at a cost, diluting the flavor. 

Infused leaves

The website for this tea did suggest re-steeping, so I decided to give it one more try. I had already opened the bag to examine the infused leaves, so the second steep was actually done without the bag, in my favorite infuser. As the website suggested, I steeped for five minutes. A teaspoon and a half of raw sugar later, the re-steep did have a noticeably more diluted flavor, but the bitterness and astringency have backed off considerably. While not the best, it's considerably better than the first steep.

It would have been nice to experiment with this tea a little more, but I can't justify buying a whole box of tea when I didn't like it the first time. Especially with the shenanigans the company is pulling with their new packaging and pricing. 

Rishi released a press release back in October about their packaging transition from tins (which I have never had a difficult time recycling) to a combination of plastic bags and recycled cardboard. To me, that sounds more like a move backwards than forwards. 

Their stance is that this is "...ushering in the transformation of the brandʼs packaging format from a labeled tin to a more environmentally friendly, sealed bag in a printed, bi-lingual box. The move provides a strategic change to invest more in tea quality and freshness and less in packaging, storage and transit costs. The airtight bag in a box is far better suited to preserve the freshness and character of Rishi Teaʼs signature teas. Rishi Tea will gradually transition its entire line of loose leaf tins to this new, more sustainable format."

In addition to that, the price has also jumped. I didn't price the tea before the change, but according to one Amazon reviewer, the price difference is nearly a dollar per ounce. 

I really enjoyed their Earl Grey Lavender, but that just doesn't sound like solid logic to me. Maybe if they had some more in-depth information I would comforted or even engaged by it, but what they have put out there is not enough to sway me. I am not willing to deal with that in order to get my hands on more. With how they're treating their customers, I'm glad that I was so disappointed by this tea.

Prominent Notes: Black tea blend

Aftertaste: Bergamot and a slightly burnt flavor

Overall: An interesting thing to try, but not for me

Earl Grey Decaf by Mighty Leaf

Seller Description: "Perfection of a classic, minus the caffeine. Gold tips of rich black tea leaves blended with a twist of deep, first-press bergamot oil."

Directions: "Brew time 4 minutes."
Website: MightyLeaf.com

Teaware: 16oz glass mug with lid (filled halfway)
Measured dry: 1 tea sachet
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 4 minutes
Additives: 1 tablespoon of raw sugar

This takes the Earl Grey experience into a whole new time slot! Before this, the Battle of the Earl Greys bas been a whirlwind of morning or sometimes early afternoon teas which have left me wound up well into the night and early morning. It was a delightful break to sit back and enjoy this tea without having to worry about the clock.

And I really did enjoy it. It tastes very similar to their regular, caffeinated Earl Grey; sweeter than the sugar alone, this is smooth and eminently sippable. For a decaf tea, I was surprised how much of the usual Earl Grey experience it provided. You get the same smell, a very similar flavor, and a kick of astringency that's low but definitely present.


Now, when it comes to the Battle of the Earl Greys, I am looking for a morning friendly caffeinated tea with the wherewithal to kick my sleepy tail into motion... but this fits a completely difference niche. I have to cut myself off from all caffeine after noon, otherwise I will spend the evening bouncing off the walls, unable to sleep that night. This would allow me to continue to enjoy the flavor of an Earl Grey at school during the afternoon.

Prominent Notes: Bergamot oil with a twist of black tea

Aftertaste: Black tea with an astringent chaser

Overall: A nice way to enjoy an Earl Grey after dark... or even after noon!

Earl Grey Heaven by Persimmon Tree

This company offers some pretty great little 5 for $5 samplers, and I wasn't very good about restraining myself! I ordered the black tea sampler, the herbal, and the rooibos. Hopefully that will be enough to keep me busy for a little while!

But we have to start somewhere, so first off is their Earl Grey Heaven!

Seller Description: "A delicious fusion of organic black loose-leaf tea leaves, fragrant oil of bergamot and a touch of French vanilla, this divine black tea will fill your room with an aroma most heavenly! This creamy Earl Grey tea is rich and robust with refreshing citrus notes that will awaken your senses and put a spring in your step."
Directions: 1-2 teaspoons per 8oz, steep 4-5 minutes

Website: Earl Grey Heaven
Cost: $9.99/2oz

The directions on their website were so inexact they were not really directions at all, so I had to fiddle with this a bit to end up with an enjoyable cup. This tea definitely played hard to get! For clarity's sake, I decided to break this up into three parts, one for each attempt.

ATTEMPT #1
Teaware: 16oz glass infuser mug with lid
Measured dry: 2 teaspoons
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 4 minutes, plus 2 minutes later
Additives: 1 tablespoon of raw sugar

I decided to do the logical thing and start on the low end, with the smaller amount of tea and shorter steep time. It didn't work out, and what flavor there was lacked nearly any substance. There were slight hints of vanilla and black tea, but any trace bergamot was just too light to identify. It was a watery tease, so I decided to let it steep a little longer. After two more minutes the flavor hadn't improved and the cup still tasted watery, but with an additional bitter note. I decided to dump that out and start over.

ATTEMPT #2
Teaware: 16oz glass infuser mug with lid
Measured dry: 3 teaspoons
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 5 minutes
Additives: 1-1/2 tablespoons of raw sugar

This cup was noticeably better. It was still watery, but starting to develop some backbone. The vanilla was unmistakable, and this time there was enough of the Earl Grey flavor profile to build up to a medium level of astringency, but something was still missing. It just didn't have that get-up-and-go that's so essential for a morning tea. I need it to help me kick my butt into gear, but this tea makes me feel like I need to boss it around instead!

I decided to give it one more chance, and added a dash of milk. I was impressed with how much of a difference it made - it kicked it up a level, and it was the most enjoyable cup yet. The milk did a good job of filling in some of the blanks, but there was still room to grow, so I decided to try making one more cup.

ATTEMPT #3
Teaware: 16oz glass infuser mug with lid
Measured dry: 4 teaspoons
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 5 minutes
Additives: 1-1/2 tablespoons of raw sugar

I'm running out of steam at this point, so this will have to be the last one. At least I think we finally dialed it in - well, as much as this tea is capable of. While the flavors have become more powerful, there's still some intrinsic weakness... just something missing. I think the black tea base just isn't strong enough to carry the rest of the flavors. 

Adding milk did help significantly, and this one was head and shoulders above where we started. The creaminess blends well with the vanilla, and it allows the black tea blend and bergamot to establish themselves more firmly. Letting it sit and cool a bit helped deepen the flavor as well. 

But I don't want to have to make it with milk every time, which I would have to in order to enjoy this one. Overall, this just isn't the one for me.

Prominent Notes: Black tea and vanilla

Aftertaste: Bergamot and vanilla

Overall: This will not be moving forward

Earl Grey by Tao of Tea

Earl Grey by Tao of Tea

Seller Description: "This is a handcrafted blend of organic Assam black tea and organic bergamot Essence. Our bergamot ‘Citrus Bergamia’ originates from Sicily in Italy, the famous home to this fruit, and is steam distilled to make a natural essence. We hand-blend the bergamot essence and tea leaves in small batches so that we can maintain an even flavor profile, often ignored by larger mechanical processes. The flavor of the tea is fresh, citrusy and slightly floral. This citrus aroma has a stabilizing effect on the emotions, promotes positive thoughts and relieves anxiety. Bergamot is second only to lavender in its ability to relax the brain and induce sleep."

Directions: 1 teaspoon per 8oz, steep 4-5 minutes
Website: Earl Grey
Cost: $8.75/3.5oz tin

Teaware: 16oz glass infuser mug with lid
Measured dry: 2 teaspoons
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 4-1/2 minutes
Additives: 1 tablespoon of Sugar in the Raw

This tea has some pretty wonderful promise, but for me the love just wasn't there. The moment I opened the bag, my hope for this tea began to wither. It has a pungent, burnt aspect that seems like it belongs to a completely different kind of tea. Nothing about it made me think "Earl Grey" and I couldn't wait to get my nose away from it.

Despite my misgivings, I really tried to keep an open mind, but the first sip tasted nearly identical to the dry aroma. It was just overwhelmingly burnt black tea, coming at you from two fronts: the smell of the tea and the flavor itself.

As it has cooled the bergamot was able to peek out of its hiding place. It was still faint, but at least it was present. Probably the best thing about this blend was the level of astringency, which was nearly negligible. At least you don't have to worry about a dry-mouth factor.

Overall, this one just isn't for me. I like everything they have to say about it, and the fact that it's organic, but as much as I truly wanted to love it, I just can't. It will not be moving forward in the Battle of the Earl Greys.

Prominent Notes: Burnt black tea

Aftertaste: Burnt black tea

Overall: This won't be moving forward

Creamy Earl Grey by Simpson & Vail

Creamy Earl Grey by Simpson & Vail

Seller Description: "This variation of an Earl Grey blend has rapidly become a best seller! The tantalizing, heady aroma of this blend and with the smooth, creamy flavor that lingers on the taste buds combines to create a delicious sensory delight."
Directions: Brew tea at 212º - steep for 3 minutes.
Website: Creamy Earl Grey
Cost: $7.20/4oz

Teaware: ForLife NewLeaf 16oz infuser mug
Measured dry: 2 teaspoons
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 4 minutes
Additives: 1 tbsp Sugar in the Raw

This is the last of the seven Simpson & Vail samples, and as I opened it the dry smell burst from the bag, full of cream with just a hint of black tea. I couldn't really smell the bergamot until it started steeping, but once the hot water began to do its work the citrus notes began to make themselves known. Now, during the course of this project I have tried a lot of different Earl Grey creams. Many of them have been overwhelmingly creamy - so much so that I was often hard pressed to taste any aspect of the normal Earl Grey flavor profile.

This was a pleasant surprise. It has a much better balance than many of those other Earl Grey creams, and while the black tea and bergamot flavors don't dominate they are strong enough not to fade into the background. This is very smooth, and there's no noticeable astringency, so it can be enjoyed without any of the dry mouth factor you often encounter with straight Earl Greys.

Now, when I'm at home I prefer to add cream on my own, but this is the kind of thing I'd take to work where cream and milk are unreliable. I'm also a lot less likely to re-steep there, as this one doesn't really hold up. It's a solid all-in-one for the office. That said, this is going to go on my Earl Grey cream lineup instead of moving forward in the Battle of the Earl Greys. It's just a bit more of a better fit.

Prominent Notes: Cream, light black tea & bergamot

Aftertaste: Cream and bergamot
Overall: An enjoyable cup

Cream Earl Grey by New Mexico Tea Co.

Cream Earl Grey by New Mexico Tea Co.

Seller Description: "An exquisite Earl Grey character mellowed with soft hints of cream. If you are fan of Earl Grey and have not tried tried this, you are in for a treat. Cream Earl Grey has a taste that is smooth with vanilla overtones, which stand out above the premium bergamot flavor – the signature taste of Earl Grey."
Ingredients: Black tea, cornflower petals, bergamot oil, and natural flavors
Website: Cream Earl Grey by NM Tea Co.

Cost: $5.50/2oz

The dry blend

Teaware: 16oz glass infuser mug with lid, Depression Glass cup
Measured dry: 2 teaspoons
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 4 minutes
Additives: 1 tablespoon of Sugar in the Raw

Thank you, QueenOfTarts from Steepster, for sending this my way! The dry tea smells amazing - a huge whiff of cream with light notes of bergamot peeking through.

The smell does tell you a lot about what to expect with the tea once it has steeped. Jake was in the other room playing his spacecraft game (he's talking a newbie through E.V.E.) so I divided the tea into two cups, made him use his coaster, and settled down with mine and some Patricia Briggs.

The infused leaves

Any bergamot I may have smelled in the dry aroma has vanished, and the tea itself tastes like mostly cream with a little black tea at the end. It might have worked a little better for me if I was reading about feline shapeshifters, but Ms. Briggs fills her worlds with werewolves and the cream just didn't hit the spot!

When Jake took a break from the Gallente Federation to share his reaction, he was not any more impressed with this than I was - but a little more emphatic!

This was an interesting thing to try, but so much of the focus is on the cream that the traditional Earl Grey flavor profile just slips through the cracks. Because of that, it's not going to be moving forward in the Battle of the Earl Greys.

Prominent Notes: Cream

Aftertaste: Black tea

Overall: Not moving forward

Earl Grey by DAVIDsTEA

In front of the tea chest are the remaining Earl Greys!

We're getting close to the end of the initial reviews, and soon I will post the brackets for the first elimination round! Still to come are...

• Earl Grey by DAVIDsTEA
• Earl Grey by Rishi Tea 
• Earl Grey Decaf by Mighty Leaf
• Creamy Earl Grey by Simpson & Vail
• Earl Grey by Tao of Tea
• Cream Earl Grey by New Mexico Tea Company
• Earl Grey by Nina's Paris (yet to arrive)
• Earl Grey Heaven by The Persimmon Tree (yet to arrive)

There are, of course, countless more that I'd like to try but the school year is upon us and I can't put as much money into tea. If you happen to have an Earl Grey that is not listed on here or the blog archive, I would be delighted if you could send it my way. Otherwise, I think 38 Earl Greys is a good place to start!

We're going to begin paring down that list with today's tea: Earl Grey by DAVIDsTEA!

Earl Grey by DAVIDsTEA

Seller Description: "Everyone has tried Earl Grey. And yet this one is different. It’s made with an exceptional blend of rare, ethically-grown, high-altitude black teas. Pure oil of bergamot, a citrus fruit, gives it an aroma that’s headier than usual. And the cornflower petals add a subtly perfect fragrance. Discover the difference. You’ll never go back."
Directions: 1-1/2 teaspoon per 8oz, steep 4-5 minutes

Website: DAVIDsTEA Earl Grey
Cost: $8.00/100g with tin

The dry tea

Teaware: 16oz tetsubin with Depression Glass cups
Measured dry: 2-1/2 teaspoons
Water Temperature: Boiling
Steeping Time: 4-1/2 minutes
Additives: 1-1/2 tablespoon of Sugar in the Raw

I liked DAVIDsTEA's Cream of Earl Grey so much that I couldn't leave this one out! The dry tea aroma is just heavenly. The bergamot does cartwheels, nearly shouting "Look at me!" and the cornflower slyly twines around it.

The second time was the charm with this one. There are conflicting directions between the sticker that goes on the tin and the website. The former advises 1-1/2tsp per 8oz of water, while the latter says to use 1tsp per 8oz. The first time I made this, I followed the directions on the tin and let it steep the full five minutes. It was a little bitter, so I made it again with slightly less tea and a shorter steep time. That was the ticket!

There was just a tiny bit of astringency with the first cup, but in the second attempt I am having a difficult time locating more than a hint of it. It's just so smooth and wonderful... wait a second. That's strange... I just poured a second cup and it's changed a lot. I took out the infuser basket to end the steep on time, but the tea in the teapot has continued to change while I sipped the first cup I poured. The astringency has increased from minuscule to medium and it tastes somehow darker and more unpredictable.

It may be that I needed to stir the tea in the pot, but I usually don't have to bother with that. I pulled in Jake for a second opinion, and the first thing he asked me was if I had left the leaves in to continue to steep, because this did taste so much like an oversteep. We talked about it for a while, and he suggested that it might just need to be enjoyed fresh instead of left. I'm left wondering if we can avoid this same reaction in an infuser mug, where you're only making one serving and enjoying it rather quickly.

The infused leaves

I did try this with a dash of milk, and I don't recommend it. Something about the blend just makes the flavor roll up and die when it's even slightly diluted, and each sip was just overwhelmed even with the slightest drop of milk.

The infused leaves were a bit of a shock too. With as intense as the dry flavor was, I expected something on a similar level. No dice. The infused leaves smell like wet autumn leaves that someone dribbled a couple drops of Earl Grey on.

Overall this has been a bit of a letdown. I loved the initial cup, but once it had a chance to sit for a couple minutes and cool it was horrible. I'll keep experimenting with it and see if I can dial in a better cup, but I'm not a fan of fussy teas.

Prominent Notes: Bergamot

Aftertaste: Cornflower

Overall: Too finicky for my tastes