In this article, we present the best Earl Grey tea picks!
Earl Grey tea is a classic and beloved beverage many worldwide enjoy. With its distinct flavor profile, this type of tea offers a soothing experience that can brighten your day and grant moments of respite. Originating from Britain, Earl Grey tea is quintessential for afternoon tea and widely appreciated for its taste derived from adding bergamot oil to traditional black tea.
When seeking the best Earl Grey tea, essential factors include the quality of the black tea leaves used, the source and purity of bergamot oil, and the methods employed in blending the two components. Additionally, attention needs to be paid to the packaging – it should maintain the tea’s freshness and protect its delicate flavors from getting compromised.
We dedicated numerous hours to delving into the world of Earl Grey tea and tasting a myriad of brands. Based on our research and testing, we have compiled a list of the top Earl Grey teas that offer the perfect fusion of quality, flavor, and aroma. Please keep reading to find out which picks made our list!
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Best Earl Grey Teas
We have compiled a list of the best Earl Grey teas to enjoy. Each tea has been carefully chosen for its distinctive flavor profile and premium quality ingredients. Let’s dive into our top picks!
Taylors of Harrogate Earl Grey, 50 Teabags
From our experience, Taylors of Harrogate Earl Grey tea delivers exceptional flavor. We enjoyed the harmony between the citrusy bergamot notes and the combination of African and high-altitude Indian teas, resulting in an elegantly balanced cup.
While savoring this delightful tea, we appreciated that the brand is Carbon Neutral Certified, a member of the Ethical Tea Partnership, and Rainforest Alliance Certified. Knowing that our tea habits support sustainable and ethical practices makes each cup even more enjoyable.
However, there were a few minor drawbacks that we noticed. The tea bags do not have strings or tabs, which makes handling them more difficult. Additionally, some customers have reported issues with the packaging’s durability. Lastly, this pick may come at a slightly higher price than other options on the market.
Despite these minor issues, Taylors of Harrogate Earl Grey is an excellent choice for enthusiasts who seek a full-bodied and distinctive tea experience.
Harney & Sons HRP Earl Grey Imperial Tea Tin
As avid tea drinkers, we were thrilled to try the Harney & Sons Earl Grey Imperial Tea, a historically inspired blend created especially for the Historic Royal Palaces of England. Upon brewing, we immediately noticed the sophisticated aroma emanating from our cups.
The blend’s unique combination of black and oolong teas from China and India, along with the natural oil of Bergamot, provided a rich and smooth flavor profile. And for the aficionados who crave a little extra bergamot in their Earl Grey, this tea delivers just that.
Another noteworthy aspect was the beautiful and elegant tin packaging, which holds 30 sachets of loose-leaf tea. Each sachet had ample tea to brew up to two cups, ensuring we could indulge in a strong and satisfying cup each time. However, some tea enthusiasts might find the smoky flavor overpowering. It took a few sips for us to adapt to and appreciate the smokiness of the blend.
If you are interested in keeping the tin (or you collect them), keep in mind these may get slightly dented when shipped (I used to work for a toy company, and packaging can get damaged irrespective of the manufacturer’s effort). We also found that purchasing the tea on Amazon was slightly more expensive than buying directly from Harney & Sons’ website. However, if shopping convenience and free shipping are priorities, Amazon remains a suitable option.
If you are looking for an authentic and refined tea experience, we highly recommend trying this unique blend.
Davidson’s Organics Earl Grey Loose Leaf Tea
Davidson’s Organics Earl Grey Loose Leaf Tea offers a rich aroma and delightful citrusy flavor. The blend of full-bodied organic black tea with the natural oil of bergamot creates a profoundly layered brew, offering a delightful combination of citrus undertones and floral top notes.
We appreciate that the tea is sustainably farmed and responsibly sourced, ensuring the holistic health of the farms, farmers, plants, and animals. This shows Davidson’s commitment to providing premium teas without compromising environmental responsibility.
While we loved the taste and overall experience of enjoying this tea, we did notice that the tea leaves were finely chopped, which can be a challenge for some infusers. Additionally, the price point might be slightly higher than other brands, but the quality justifies the investment.
FGO Organic Earl Grey Black Tea
Enjoying a cup of FGO Organic Earl Grey Black Tea has been a scrumptious experience. The blend of organic Chinese Keemun tea, organic India Assam tea, and organic Italian bergamot oil gives this tea an enticing aroma and excellent flavor. The tea leaves are blended, filled, and packed into the foil-lined kraft bags in California, ensuring freshness and quality.
Another significant aspect of this tea that we appreciate is its eco-consciousness. The tea bags are made of Abacá Hemp Fiber Paper and free of dyes, adhesive, glue, and chlorine bleach – perfect for environmentally aware people. It’s nice not to have strings, bags, or extra waste included, and we know we are drinking delicious tea without contributing to unnecessary pollutants.
Though the cost of this pick may be higher than other brands, the taste, quality, and sustainable packaging make it worth the investment. The lack of strings or staples on the tea bags may inconvenience some, but the overall experience of enjoying this tea outweighs any minor issues.
Give this tea a try and experience the difference for yourself!
Twinings Earl Grey Black Tea
We can attest to Twinings Earl Grey Black Tea’s delightful blend of black tea with bergamot’s citrus flavor. It’s uplifting and delivers a refreshing taste with a beautiful floral aroma. We love starting our mornings with this tea, as it brings a touch of sophistication to our daily routine.
One of the aspects we appreciate the most is that the tea bags are individually sealed, guaranteeing optimal freshness. We find this convenient, as we can take the tea bags wherever we go, whether traveling or simply heading to work. And all we need is hot water to enjoy a cup of tea.
Moreover, we genuinely appreciate that Twinings sources its tea responsibly. The company focuses on improving the communities they source from by providing access to water, sanitation, and income diversification. Empowering women and promoting careful farming practices are also integral to their sourcing policy.
However, it’s worth noting some find this tea’s flavor too mild. Some tea enthusiasts may prefer a more robust taste. Lastly, we’ve noticed that the packaging can sometimes be prone to crushing, but that doesn’t affect the quality of the tea bags themselves.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best Earl Grey tea, we should consider a few key factors and features to ensure we’re making an informed decision. We’re here to help make your search for the perfect tea a bit more straightforward.
Quality of Tea Leaves
Firstly, pay attention to the quality of the tea leaves. High-quality leaves usually produce a more flavorful and robust cup of tea. Look for a product that specifies it uses whole tea leaves, as this suggests a higher grade of tea.
Blend of Bergamot
The distinct flavor of Earl Grey comes from adding bergamot oil, which is extracted from the rind of a bergamot orange. The quality and quantity of bergamot used in the blend can significantly impact the taste of your tea. In some cases, the blend might contain additional citrus notes, such as lemon or orange, which can add extra depth to the flavor profile.
Caffeine Level
We should also consider the caffeine content. Traditional Earl Grey tea contains caffeine, but if you’re looking for a caffeine-free option, consider looking for an herbal or decaffeinated version.
Packaging
The way tea is packaged can affect its freshness and flavor. Loose tea leaves generally offer a better taste, but tea bags can provide convenience.
| Packaging Type | Pros | Cons |
| Loose Tea | Better flavor, customizable strength | Requires additional tea-making tools |
| Tea Bags | Convenience, pre-measured | May sacrifice flavor quality |
Price and Quantity
Finally, consider the price and quantity of the tea you’re buying. High-quality tea might come with a higher price tag, but it’s worth the investment if you’re a true tea connoisseur. On the other hand, if you’re on a budget or new to Earl Grey tea, you may opt for a more affordable option to test first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top Earl Grey tea brands?
Some of the most popular Earl Grey tea brands that we recommend are Twinings, Harney & Sons, Bigelow, Tazo, and Stash Tea. Each brand has a distinct flavor profile, so it’s worth exploring different options to find the one that best suits your taste.
Which is better: loose leaf or tea bags for Earl Grey?
Both loose-leaf and tea bags have their advantages and drawbacks. Loose-leaf tea offers a fresher, bolder flavor, as the leaves have more room to expand and release their essential oils. Tea bags, on the other hand, provide convenience and easy brewing. If flavor is your top priority, we suggest trying loose leaf, but tea bags are the way to go if you prioritize ease of use.
What makes a high-quality Earl Grey tea?
A high-quality Earl Grey tea typically consists of bold, flavorful black tea leaves blended with the oil from the bergamot citrus fruit. Look for teas that use natural flavors, whole tea leaves, and avoid artificial additives. The aroma should be bright and citrusy, and the taste should be well-balanced between the boldness of the black tea and the delicate bergamot flavor.
Are there any unique Earl Grey tea blends to try?
Yes, there are many unique Earl Grey tea blends available. Some popular options include:
- Lady Grey is a milder, fruitier blend of Earl Grey with added Seville orange, lemon, and other citrus flavors.
- Lavender Earl Grey is a calming, floral-infused blend incorporating dried lavender flowers.
- Chai Earl Grey combines the bold flavors of Earl Grey with the exotic spices of chai tea.
- Green Earl Grey blends the rich bergamot flavor with green tea leaves, creating a lighter, more delicate taste.
What are some popular Earl Grey tea recipes?
Here are a few ideas to get you started on exploring new ways to enjoy your Earl Grey tea:
- Latte: combine brewed Earl Grey with steamed milk and a touch of vanilla syrup for a creamy treat.
- Iced Tea: brew tea, chill it, and serve it over ice with a lemon wedge and a dash of sugar for a refreshing beverage.
- Shortbread Cookies: infuse cookie dough with Earl Grey tea leaves for a delightful tea-flavored treat.
Which online platforms have great Earl Grey tea selections?
There are several online platforms where you can find an extensive variety of these teas. Our favorites include Amazon, Adagio Teas, The Tea Spot, and Harney & Sons’ website. These platforms offer a wide range of Earl Grey tea blends and types, from traditional to unique, and cater to various budgets and preferences.
Earl Grey is one of my favorite tea blends. I hope the article helps you find your favorite pick.
Tell me, what is the best Earl Grey tea?
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