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This morning was a busy one…I was under a lot of stress and had to run around for several hours.

When I got home, the only thing in my mind was…TEA!

If you’re like me, you try to match the right tea for the right moment. Sometimes it takes me forever to decide. Not today. I wanted comfort, and I knew exactly that good old Earl would take care of me.

I say “Good old Earl” but thats not accurate. This Earl is the next generation.

Yes people, TNG Earl!

What makes it so special? Well, first let’s talk about the base tea found in earl grey teas in general. There isn’t much to talk about, right? What I’ve noticed is no one seems to really care…cause…bergamot. What I mean is, if you’re like me, when you need a bergamot fix, you’re not looking for some fancy black tea…you only care for the bergamot cause you know it pretty much overwhelms any kind of base anyways. So why bother right? That’s the impression I get from what’s available on the market. We get some generic black tea and what makes or breaks it is the quality of the bergamot. What I want is an earl grey that will provide a good balance of the bergamot flavor. I don’t want that overly parfumy and soapy taste they sometimes have. Luckily, I found a few brands that made me very happy over the years and just stuck to them.

When I saw Earl Gold, I said…really Brenden? You’re gonna “waste” some snaily yums on bergamot?

And then I tasted it…and said…damn it Brenden, must you succeed at everything?

Apparently, the answer to that is yes!! He truly is a master blender.

I already love Golden Snail a great deal on its own. But I was so sure everything I love about it would vanish under the oppressive bergamot. Turns out they both complement each other perfectly!

Malt, caramel, chocolate and bread? Please meet citrus and candied orange peel.

A very bright, sweet and warming cup of tea with a big kick.

It is suggested to drink it gonfu so I did try. Surprisingly, the bergamot oil doesn’t rinse off on first steep, it actually stays present through the whole session.

But I must admit, my personal brewing preference for earl grey tea will remain mug style. I just want a huge big fat mug of it and hold it and slurp it slowly while I read a good book. That’s what this tea is to me…a hugger :-)

I’m so happy I’ve got four ounces in the cupboard. It will definitely be one of my favorite comfort teas of the winter!

P.S. When you get this tea at home (cause I know you will, you MUST) please don’t skip the “inhaling protocol”. Beleive me, your nostrils will thank you.