Earl Grey Black Tea

First off, I'm a BIG tea drinker, my favorite varieties being in order Earl Grey, Lapsong and English Breakfast. My reference points for what represent great teas are Kusmi, Harney, Taylor's of Harrogate and Mark T. Wendell (Hu Kwa). So take what I say within that context. When I first ordered this tea, there were no reviews and I was a bit skeptical it could measure up to what I'm accustomed to. Well, simply put, it does. This is a very good Earl Grey. The base Sri Lankan black, while not the Chinese black found in most Earl Greys, is large-leafed and a very high quality. Moreover, the application of begamot oil, while somewhat bold, is not overpowering. So the bergamot has presence, but not to the point where you find yourself wondering if it's being used to camouflage weaknesses in the underlying tea (a common trick). And as for the cornflowers they don't seem to have any impact at all which is probably a good thing. Compared to the others, this is most akin to Harney's Earl Grey Supreme. It shares the Harney's tea/bergamot flavor balance, but possesses more overall punch. Whereas the Taylor's puts less emphasis on bergamot and the various Kusmi Earl Greys offer more overall subtlety (which they should, considering they cost 4-6 times as much). This tea represents a very good value. The quality is significantly better than the price would suggest and the flavor should suit anyone who prefers a somewhat bold interpretation of the traditional Earl Grey recipe.

I like this tea. It takes a bit more time than usually to be enough flavored. But taste is very soft and pleasant.

I am a long time Earl Grey fanatic and daily consumer, I have had dozens of different renditions of this classic black tea. I very seldom reorder the same one in my neverending search for that EG holy grail. Overall, I find most to be anywhere from dull to disgusting. Some however float above the pack, bringing something special or unexpected to the party. This might be one of those teas I just can't decide. Elmwood Inn's take on Earl Grey starts out with a quality, whole leaf, single estate Ceylon tea. The quality of the base stands above. Along with a fine base tea are some beautiful blue cornflowers and thin gold ribbons that often come with them. A visually attractive Earl Grey. The scent is one of those Earl Greys that stand out in a crowd. Bold, pungent aroma of true bergamot and a subtle but noticeable fennel-like essence. I see no indication that any such flavor is included, but I consistently pick it up nonetheless. After looking at and smelling this tea, I found the flavor to be exactly what I was expecting -- a light tea base (due to large leaf) with just enough bergamot flavor to take the driver's seat without completely overpowering the tea. And then there's that fennel-like flavor. Not strong or offensive, but just a bit odd for me in an Earl Grey. At times, I also pick up the slightest floral note -- maybe lavender? I guess that speaks to the delicacy of the flavor balance in this tea, which in itself is a relatively rare feat in an EG of this boldness.

Beautiful aroma, nice re-sealable packaging, excellent flavor, great value compared to buying lesser quantities of tea. This is a quality product.

Tastes like plantation tea! I like the cornflowers in this one. Good citrus aromas, rich taste. Medium brown cuppa. You can use the leaves twice. 1minute for the first steep, and 3 min for the second one. I don't take anything in my tea, but I think this would be nice with a bit of milk, too.