Cream of Avalon

I … don’t know. This one smells absolutely incredible. The caramel and grapefruit really grab me, and I was looking forward to what I was sure was going to be the Earl Grey variation I’d fall in love with and always want on hand. But it’s falling short. I’m only getting mediocre EG from this. No caramel. A lighter, more buoyant citrus note that must come from the grapefruit, but not what I was expecting. And, I’ve had it three times now and it’s always gone bitter on me at 2.5 minutes. Drinkable and not at all unpleasant, but a disappointment!

Sipping on this at Billy Bishop Airport while waiting for my flight to board. I noticed a Loblaws across the street from diner where I was having breakfast and thought I’d check it out. I was pleasantly surprised to find that they had a loose leaf tea section. After pestering the sales associate to smell a bunch of the teas, I picked four. This was one of them and I was really hesitant to try it because bergamot is really hit or miss with me.

I’m very happy that I picked this one up. I steeped it for about 2 minutes and added sugar. It is sooo creamy and has a buttery caramel taste. The grapefruit gives it a nice tangy flavour and the bergamot is there but tolerable. After reading the other reviews, I was expecting to be disappointed in this but oh my god, it’s delicious!

I tried this in the shop this morning. It was interesting.
The dreaded Berg, as always, threw me off so I won’t rate it… that wouldn’t be fair to those who enjoy it the way I so dearly wish I could :)
Kinda reminds me of Monks blend, only less intense and perfumey and without any grenadine, more vanilla.
It was surprisingly smooth for a tea I dislike!

Smooth and buttery—I think it’s wonderful, but it does get bitter quickly. Maybe it’s a big faux-pas, but I do really enjoy this one with milk and honey, especially in the early Autumn.

Lovely earl grey — smooth tea, very drinkable.