I am on the search for my perfect Earl Grey, but I’m not quite sure what defines that yet! I’ve enjoyed Earl Grey tea bags (Twining’s, Stash) with no care as to steeping time or anything, yet many of the loose leaf Earl Grey’s I’ve tried have been too bitter for me, and lacking the “right” flavor. I’m not sure if the bitterness I’m tasting is from the tea or the bergamot, but somethings amiss.
Anyway, the first time I brewed this Earl Grey I found it bitter (too long steeping); this time, at three minutes, I enjoy it more, but still a lingering bitterness dampens my enjoyment. The citrusy notes of the bergamot come through nicely. Perhaps I’ll drop it to two minutes next time.
Preparation
Boiling
3 min, 0 sec
Try the water slightly off the boil. I use 200 degree water for this one, and I’m absolutely crazy for it! :)
Thanks for the tip! I’m definitely tweaking my brewing parameters for this one because I’m pretty sure I’ll love it if I get it right!