Earl Grey from Lupicia

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Black

Where to Buy:  Lupicia

Company Description:

Authentic Earl Grey made with Keemun tea. Delicious straight up or with milk.

Taster Review:

This is truly a remarkable Earl Grey – quite possibly the best Earl Grey I’ve yet to taste!

What makes this Earl Grey so unique is the Keemun black tea base.  Most Earl Grey teas are comprised of Ceylon black tea, which is typically quite mild.  Keemun tea, on the other hand, is much more robust, possessing a fruitier character, and is almost wine-like in flavor.  It has a slight toasted quality to it as well.  This Keemun is very deep in flavor:  with notes of fruit and wine as well as hints of earth and smoke.

The aroma of the dry tea is – not surprisingly – quite “Earl Grey-ish.”  That is to say that it has that very pleasing scent of the bergamot orange.  Citrus-y … floral … beautiful!  Upon brewing, the bergamot softens slightly to allow some of the wine-like and even slightly earthy qualities of the Keemun tea to come through.

The wine-like characteristic of this tea provides an interesting contrast to the citrus flavor and flowery tone of the bergamot.  When they meet together in one tea cup, it is a fine, complex grouping of flavors that this Earl Grey lover finds irresistible.   The fruit and earth flavors of the Keemun seems to curb the sharp notes of the bergamot just enough to make it extraordinarily palatable.  There isn’t even the slightest suggestion of a perfume-ish taste to this tea.  It is magnificence in a teacup!

When you visit the Lupicia Fresh Tea website and enter “Earl Grey” into the search field, you just might be a bit overwhelmed by the number of Earl Grey teas that Lupicia has to offer.  I know I was!  This one is simply “Earl Grey,” but to ensure you’re getting the right Earl Grey, read the description to make sure that the base is Keemun.  I’m not trying to dissuade you from trying their other Earl Grey varieties (as I do plan on trying them myself eventually as well), but, this one is an absolute MUST TRY… and for me, this one is an absolute must keep on hands at all times!  I love this tea!