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Black Tea by Peet's Coffee & Tea
A lively Darjeeling flavored with bergamot oil. Citrusy, aromatic, traditional. Also available in tea bags.
This blend has the classic Earl Grey taste, using fragrant bergamot oil on a base of India tea. This essential oil is pressed from the rind of the fruit of the Citrus bergamia tree, then applied to the tea for its aromatic effect. Everything depends on the quality of the tea and the degree and skill of scenting, and Peet’s version of this classic blend achieves a balanced yet vibrant flavor.
I got this in a trade with Spencer, as I just can’t get enough Earl Grey these days.
I have to say, this is the first EG I’ve ever gave a thumbs down. In his letter, Spencer mentioned that he didn’t care for it. I thought that surely, I’d like it anyway, but no. It’s like a cheap, sharp Ceylon with the stingiest brush of bergamot. I almost don’t taste it. I’ll finish the rest, but this is not a good first impression for this company.
Earl Grey with the base of India tea? I hoped this meant Darjeeling. The smell of the earl grey was very malty, and I picked up very light hints of bergamot. That must be why they called it earl grey “with bergamot”.
When I steeped the tea, I got a very bitter cup (for an earl grey, at least) and the base tea overpowered the bergamot. This did not taste really like an earl grey at all, and I was disappointed.
It is a good thing I did not buy this particular tea for myself, as my friend let me sample it. I would have liked more bergamot, or maybe a less strong base tea. There had to be some other tea besides Darjeeling, because it was too malty.
It felt like I brewed up an English breakfast tea, and added some bergamot oil in the mix. This was very surprising, as I have generally been pleased with Peet’s teas. I hope the next Peet’s tea I have is not like this.
This was a very disappointing Earl Grey. I can’t taste the bergamot at all, though I can taste something above the black tea. I’m not sure what it is, but I am fairly sure that I don’t like it. As per the tea itself: the Darjeeling is so-so. It is a bitter, bland, and overall bad tea. I am sad Peet’s.
Oh this is terrible. Bitter with a splash of perfume.
I’m probably spoiled by Earl Grey teas from better blenders, but this is the worst Earl Grey blend I’ve ever tasted. I’m even counting Bigelow here. 0 points for style. However, I probably oversteeped it, but still… bleagh.
Flat taste, a bit bitter, and it’s empty of additional flavors, despite advertised. Not terrible, but nothing you want to buy.
The leaves were very crushed and it tasted about as old as your average bag tea. I barely tasted the bergamot, and I have to say I think it was mostly decaf. This is fine if you are meeting your friends there and don’t feel like drinking the coffee. In my opinion Peet’s is a coffee house not a tea house.
This tea was not very great. I’ve had way better teas. It was not worth the high price.
I thought this Earl Grey was too overpowering and bitter.
I love it, it’s got a smooth taste.
It’s a solid tea, but the Bergamot seems to have difficulty making an appearance in flavor.. Not the best of Earl Greys I’ve had
