Write a tea journal, see what others are drinking and get recommendations from people you trust. Sign Up or Learn More
Black Tea by New Mexico Tea Company
A sophisticated twist to an undeniably sophisticated black tea. Vintage Earl Grey adds the subtleties of rose and lavender to the familiar well-loved tradition of Italian orange bergamot for a smashing afternoon delight. Enjoyed with an intimate circle of friends or in your own personal retreat time, this soothing and lively combination will stir memories of pleasant times well spent.
Backlog:
I liked this variation of the classic Earl Grey. I’m an earl grey fanatic anyway, as many of you are probably aware. The bergamot, rose and lavender are really tasty together… and I like the accent of rosemary. Definitely different from the traditional Earl Grey … but different can be good, and in the case of this Vintage Earl Grey, it definitely IS good.
This does seem very sophisticated. Very ladies-who-don’t-need-jobs-and-who-do-charity-works-instead. And that isn’t a bad thing. It is a very delicate, high class tea. It reminds me of my grandmother. Totally not like me at all. I’m not a delicate lady. :)
The rose is very present, as is the lavender. The bergamot is underneath, but not as strong as the florals, by far. The tea base is somewhat overshadowed by the florals but again, I don’t consider that especially bad.
On smelling the dry leaf, I was about knocked out by the rose and I had my doubts. I am not a huge rose or lavender fan. My mom really likes lavender teas but she isn’t a huge fan of rose. I got this thinking maybe the rose would be faint enough that it might appeal to her. And, I’ll admit it – the advertising art swayed me. :)
All the not-fans-of aside, I like this tea, which does surprise me. Smelling it, both dry and steeped, would make me think this would be one that would be given to others. I am undecided at this point about purchasing again – that may depend on what Mom and the other tea party ladies think as well.
Because of the strong rose smell, I did err on the side of caution and steep this for half the recommended time. I think I’m glad I did but I’ll try it again with the full recommended time just to see what happens.
Another awesome tea from the NM Tea Co. I have had other floral Earl Greys where the flower would overwhelm the bergamot, but this tea has a good balance. The rosemary is a nice touch. The tea is a touch bitter, I wish I hadn’t steeped it so long, 3 minutes would probably be better.
I love the smell of this tea too, it’s like having a cup of Earl Grey in a flower garden.
Very perfume-y without some of the elements that typically are part of that package that I can’t stand (jasmine, tons and tons of rose). I could see getting this as a novelty/change of pace once in a while for my EG tin. It smells lovely but it’s not overpoweringly floral in flavor, just right.
