My first experience with Ocean of Tea. I am no stranger to Earl Grey. I know what I like, what I’ll tolerate, and what I won’t. If you are going to call your tea Earl Grey it better not have anything but black tea and bergamot. That is cause for immediate dismissal (I don’t mind additional flavors but don’t call it Earl Grey because its not). This one passes the first hurdle.
I also cannot stand a wimpy Earl Grey. It is Earl Grey – give me bergamot! I don’t want faint traces of it. Don’t make me search. This one has a bright lemony citrus scent when dry and even more potent in the wet leaf aroma. I could sniff it all day and never grow tired.
On the other hand don’t overwhelm me, or give me a weak base, I want to taste tea. I like Twinings Earl Grey but find its base to lack presence. Admittedly my tastes run towards a Ceylon base that fights back. This one is more refined. It has depth without the rough edges. I can definitely taste the base without it moving to the forefront.
Earl Grey Premium has enough bite to be satisfying while remaining very well balanced. The bergamot is the primary note but is not overwhelming. The bergamot is very natural and pleasant. I can’t think of anything to complain about with this tea except my cup is empty.
Amen, Brother! You are preaching to the Earl Grey Choir!
Thanks for the review!