Thanks so much, Angry Tea Room! I’ve been looking for a new favorite Earl and this might be the one. The black tea is plenty brisk and dark — I probably didn’t need to use a teaspoon and a half and I’m glad I didn’t steep this one too long or too hot. I love a murky dark black tea base for an Earl. It’s got that right. And the bergamot has to be perfect. This one might not be perfect perfect (I’m picky) but it is VERY close. The bergamot is very strong. I was sipping this outside and the fragrance was just wisping over to me. That hardly ever happens with any tea. The bergamot seems many layered, which is my favorite type: there is a floral to it but also something like a lemon myrtle flavor. The orange peels in the blend add a layer of citrus too. The second steep maintains that strong flavor. This could easily be my new favorite strong Earl!
Steep #1 // 1 1/2 teaspoons for a full mug// 10 minutes after boiling // 2 1/2 minute steep
Steep #2 // just boiled // 4 minute steep