Paid HK$188 (roughly GBP16, USD25) for 125g.
I bought this tea solely because of the company’s name and its story in history, knowing I might be disappointed. I was, very disappointed.
There was an unusual flavour in this tea that almost totally overpowered the bergamot flavour. I was not sure if that was because of the neroli they put in this tea.
Unlike Twinings’ classic Earl Grey, EIC’s could be easily burnt. The tea had this bitter aftertaste when I made with boiling water or when steeped for too long. I had to make a fresh pot with hot water 3min off boiler and steeped for only 3 minutes.
The bergamot flavour was totally gone at second steep.
I have to take this tea with milk, can’t finish a cup plain black.
Edit: The other day, after making a pot of tea, I looked closely at the tea leaves after the brew. I had to admit that EIC used higher grade tea leaves. The leaves were quite very big. But I still don’t like the flavors of this tea.
Note: I always make my tea in teapot. I put in 240ml water at first steep, another 240ml second steep.
Flavors: Alcohol, Autumn Leaf Pile, Biting, Bitter, Brown Toast, Burnt Sugar, Citrus Zest, Dark Wood, Earth, Fireplace, Heavy, Scotch, Smoked, Tannic, Toasty
