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November 08, 2004
Organic Earl Grey Tea
Name: Organic Earl Grey Tea
Kathy's Rating: 9.0/10.0
Company: Hampstead Tea & Coffee Company
Origin of tea: India
Price: ~$11/125g (4.38oz)
Tea form: Loose biodynamically grown black tea with bergamot oil
What they say: Our biodynamic and fairtrade Earl Grey tea is a refreshing alternative to the heavier versions on the market today. We have recreated the original formula of Earl Grey, a tea created for the second Earl of Grey after a successful diplomatic mission. Our Earl Grey uses the natural oil of the bergamot fruit, imparting a distinct but not overpowering flavour. The base tea is harvested from the Makaibari tea estate in India, one of only a few owner-managed estates still in existence. No artificial inputs are used at any point during farming or production. The entire system emphasizes environmental responsibility.
Preparation method: Boil water and pour over tea. Steep for 3 minutes.
Review: I picked this tea up from Whole Foods Market thinking that I've never tried biodynamically grown tea before. Would the taste be better? Black leaf Earl Grey tea is a good control case for me because I've tried many, many different brands of black leaf Earl Grey teas - probably between fifteen and twenty brands. Like most people, I'm definitely for avoiding pesticides whenever possible. Hampstead's - or more accurately Makaibari Estate's - black leaf Earl Grey tea is superb. It is the best black leaf Earl Grey tea I've ever had. The taste of bergamot is rich, but not cloying as some bergamot essences in other brands of bleak leaf Earl Grey can be. This tea never produced bitter tones. Down to the last sip, the clarity of the aftertaste impressed me. If you like black leaf Earl Grey teas, then this tea should be your standard.
Posted by Kathy at November 8, 2004 08:57 PM