It has been awhile. However, I seem to recall Mariage Freres’ English Breakfast tea is primarily a BOPF (fannings) grade blend. Usually, with fannings grade teas any more than 2 minutes and the tannins become overly assertive. As such, I recommend to anyone drinking this to steep it for 2 minutes at 95 degrees Celsius and try it before re-shelving.
I know the bag note says 3 minutes, but I seem to recall going with the advice for fannings grade tea in The French Art of Tea instead and rather enjoying this tea (several times, the bag is empty.)