There is no better way to spend the end of a hectic week than to enjoy a whole day void of distractions, noise – including radio and television, and drama – the kids are out doing their own thing. As we speak, I am looking out my kitchen window into the backyard watching the leaves skip across the hard cold grass. While periodically peering around the island at the dogs sleeping peacefully on the floor. I chatted with my husband on the phone as he drove to to my stepson’s basketball game and later laughed with my sister who called from her home in Mississippi. What an awesome moment in time to enjoy a hot, soothing, cup of tea. Today’s choice… Organic Earl Grey Supreme.
Composition: Organic Fair Trade Certified™ black tea leaves (Keemun and Yunnan blend) and 100% natural essential bergamot oil. Keemun and Yunnan (also known as Dian hong) are Chinese Black Teas. Yunnan’s key distinction from other black teas comes from its fine leaf buds or “golden tips”. Though blended with bergamot, I truly appreciate a tea with no artificial flavors.
Dry Visual: Very dark almost black and twisted tea leaves. The tea appears to be a mix of broken leaves, a few stems, and even a few buds (characteristic Yunnan). Thanks Rishi Tea for the picture.
Dry Aroma: A robust citrus aroma reminiscent of lemon or lime zest.
Flavor: Let me start by saying that Organic Earl Grey Supreme is the best Earl Grey I think I have tasted. The black tea is very smooth without a hint of bitterness. Immediately, I was reminded of Dawn, an unflavored black tea I recently discovered and fell in tea love. Organic Earl Grey Supreme is blended extremely well – the bergamot adds wonderful complexity. While its natural citrus flavor is dominant, it is followed by the subtle, slightly malty taste of black tea. The finish is slightly floral.
Organic Earl Grey Supreme is surprisingly full-bodied. Though robust, it is easily enjoyed without sweetener. I believe the bergamot in conjunction with the natural character of the black tea adds a definite sweetness. However, if you decide on sweetener, only a little is required and I personally would never add milk or cream. Organic Earl Grey Supreme is delicious!
Liquor: A cross between a rich golden and reddish brown hue.
Brewing: It is recommended that 1 teaspoon of Organic Earl Grey Supreme is steeped for 4 minutes in boiling water. I steeped for the recommended time.
Manufacturer: Rishi Tea
Caffeine: Yes
Bergamot has a splendid way of transforming black tea from ordinary to extraordinary. And when paired with a quality black tea you end up with Organic Earl Grey Supreme. If you have had the opportunity to enjoy a cup, please stop by and share your experience. Until then… Happy Tea Drinking!
This tea sets the Earl Grey Standard if you ask me. I have asked Rishi to start selling that delish tea base by itself.
Laura,
I agree! I have several teas from Rishi and I started drinking all of the others first , because Organic Earl Grey Supreme is a black tea. My first cup, I was at work in a meeting. Literally I had to stop and pause – it was fantastic! Thank goodness it was just me an one other person, because I think I declared 3 or 4 times that it was the best Earl Grey I had ever had! Honestly, I drank a cup every day for an entire week before I wrote the review. I love it!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
I love Earl Grey. Brilliant stuff, especially in the morning. But a while ago I found that a packet of Earl Grey I’d had for a while totally lost the bergamot flavour. Very, very disappointing.
I’ll have to try Rishi’s Organic Earl Grey. Sounds great!
Eric,
How disappointing! Earl Grey is not Earl Grey without the taste of bergamot! Thanks for visiting and commenting.