Earl Grey Lavender

Last week was beautifully spring-like, prompting me to start reaching for a lot of floral flavors… but out here in Idaho we all knew it was our typical “false spring” and it’d likely be snowing again next week. And here we are in “next week” and it’s snowing. Thankfully a lavender Earl Grey seems to suit the colder and wetter weather, too.

This is a pretty potent Earl Grey. The bergamot is fairly strong and pungent, bordering on even a little sour. The lavender is present and leaves a bit of a floral aftertaste, but it is strong-armed a bit by the strength of the bergamot, which really dominates the cup. I used to only be able to tolerate a lighter hand with bergamot, but over time I’ve come to appreciate the more in-your-face ones, too. I can still enjoy this as a plain cup, but I personally prefer to use an Earl Grey like this to make London Fogs… the addition of sweet vanilla almond milk doesn’t hide the bergamot like I’ve found in lighter Earl Greys, so it is still delightfully citrusy while being sweeter and creamy. I also really liked this with a spoon of honey, which really brightened up the lavender, leaving sweet floral notes in the aftertaste.

A nice choice if you like your Earl Grey to pack a punch and aren’t averse to some floral undertones. Those that prefer a more gentle hand would be happier with a different blend.