Blue Sky Blend Black Tea from J. Atkinson & Co

BlueBlendTea Information:

Leaf Type:  Black

Where to Buy: J. Atkinson & Co

Tea Description:

Renowned as we are for our Earl Grey Extra we thought we’d add another member to our citrus flavoured black tea family. With the addition of Orange already taken up on the market in the delightful form of Lady Grey, we looked to the next size up from Bergamot, which one only ever seems to find in Earl Grey, and settled on the Grapefruit. In creating this blend we decided to go for the sweeter more distinctive Pink Grapefruit. With the delicate decorative embellishment of Blue Cornflower petals we warmed to our theme of creating a cheery ‘Recession-busting’ refreshment. Blue Sky Blend was born and was so enamoured by the Judges at the North West Fine Food awards that they gave it a Gold Medal on its first outing into the wider world. Under the premise that ‘another cup of tea’ is the greatest procrastinator to the creative process, we would recommend that if you’re looking to do some Blue Sky Thinking get Blue Sky Drinking! (I obviously need to go and do just that…!)

Learn more about this tea here.

Taster’s Review:

Also known as “Grapefruit Earl Grey”, this Award Winning blend certainly packs a citrus scented punch. Whilst raw it has a wonderful grapefruit, rose and floral scent that is very refreshing but super citrusy at the same time.

In flavour this is lightly sweet with moderate grapefruit and rose petal tones which offers a refreshing taste compared to it’s dark black tea base. Somewhat perfumed but in a wonderful way! Every time I drink rose petals in tea it makes me feel beautiful, and this tea holds no exception. Behind the floral and citrus notes is a dark, malt base which holds the lighter flavours together.

Throughout the flavours remain consistent, even as it cools, and I would say that the balance of flavours was delightful! An inventive twist on the classic Earl Grey but a blend that keeps itself ‘close to home’.

Overall I would say this makes a pleasant change from your classic Earl Grey but keeping the elegance and debonair vibe it has accustomed over the years. While it may not take the place of some of my beloved Earl Grey blends on my shelf, I admit the grapefruit is a wonderful extra in the early afternoon!

So, grapefruit in an Earl Grey? Yes please!