Getting through a ton of single teabag/sample sipdowns today. This was first on the list! Although this is bagged (not silk sachet), it is very good quality as far as flavouring and tea used.
Although the base is a little bit bitter, I didn’t find it took away from the experience. The base somehow manages to be quite smooth at the same time. Almost malty or creamy, but the brew isn’t thick in the mouthfeel. It has that slightly natural sweetness and smoothness of milk. This is a really flavourful black with an almost cocoa/chocolate note to it; it makes for a nice Earl Grey because of its strong, but smooth nature. It is an assam, so naturally it has elements that make for a very drinkable cup.
The citrus isn’t off putting/bitter, but the bergamot is of medium intensity (also not bitter). This is my preferred amount of bergamot because otherwise you can’t taste the base.
Overall, this is a really good choice for an Earl Grey, and definitely one of the better bagged EGs. I enjoyed mine iced, and it resteeped really well with full flavor. It could have done many more steeps. I’ve had this hot in the past and enjoyed it that way too. It is smooth enough that it is great plain, but it is flavourful enough that it goes well with milk too (I highly recommend vanilla almond or vanilla soy, the vanilla is a great touch).
Flavors: Bergamot, Citrus Zest, Cocoa, Smooth, Tannin
