Dec 05
Stephen’s Teaview Snapshot
 | "Nicely-blended... a fine tea for Earl Grey lovers who prefer to taste the tea before the bergamot, and not the other way around. Too expensive for us Americans, alas..."
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This was another tea gifted to me by my darling wife upon her return from holiday in the UK. I'll admit, the idea of a Harrod's-branded tea wasn't all that pleasing to me... for those who don't know, Harrod's is the uber-expensive department store that caters mostly to the upper-scale shopping crowd and American tourists who just have to buy something with the name "Harrod's" on it. So I was expecting, at best, a medium-grade tea that was hastily thrown together as a "tourist grab".Wrong once again!
This is an excellent Earl Grey, with an excellent blend of smoky tea and bergamot flavoring. It definitely leans more to the muted end of the spectrum, and as such would appeal greatly to those Earl Grey lovers who really want to taste the tea before the bergamot and not the other way around. For me its spot on and works wonderfully as an everyday Earl Grey.
Unless of course, you're an American, in which case its quite impractical. The tea itself is relatively affordable (about 15 bucks for a decent-sized tin), but the shipping fees from the UK to the US are prohibitively high from Harrod's online store... about $40US just for shipping! I don't see anyone else who carries it unfortunately. So, I'll be dipping into my tin sparingly until my next trip to London. :)
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Stephen Teaviews.com Reviewer » Read more about this reviewer on Stephen's profile page. » Find a list of recent posts by Stephen. |
March 1st, 2008 at 8:13 am
It was a gift from my son and daughter-in-law on their return from overseas. I have never tasted tea so sublime! My son thought I was being fascetious (?sp) because I was raving about it endlessly. He thought I really wanted an expensive handbag.
Unfortunately I live in Australia and it seems that Harrod’s is the only outlet for this incredible Earl Grey blend 42 Twinings. I can’t afford the shipping price so I will have to go without.
My Rating:
10/10
July 21st, 2008 at 9:43 am
I’m enjoying Harrods teas greatly too – but I wonder if it’s because they are much stronger than others. Even the tea bags look bigger. Thoughts?
September 6th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
I’ve always been a tea drinker, but was never picky about the kind of tea. That all changed when my husband brought this tea home with him from a trip to the UK. For me, this blend has the perfect balance of flavors and is unmatched by any other.
I’d even be willing to pay the shipping, but thankfully dh travels to London regularly.
January 19th, 2009 at 10:05 pm
Help !!! I LOVE Harrods Earl Grey and cannot get it unless someone brings it back to the USA. What is the next closest tea that would taste almost like it that I can buy in the states? Thank you, Frances McDowell
My Rating:
10/10
March 1st, 2009 at 1:56 pm
I am finally running out of my Harrods Blend 42 Earl Gret Blend/Melange Early Grey, and I googled it this morning to find Stephen’s review. You see I am “addicted” to th smell and taste of Earl Grey tea…and this is the BEST tea I have ever smelled or tasted, with its sublime but fragrant flavor with a touch of fruity flavors, and I have sparingly used it. Can you believe I have stretched this tin for almost 10 years! I sometimes just open the lid and smell the aromas. Yumm! No Earl Grey “tea bag” even comes close. I guess I need to head to London to replenish my supply. Only this time I will buy several tins. Some Brit-gift-shop in the USA is missing a chance here.
My Rating:
10/10
March 28th, 2009 at 10:30 am
I’m sorry to disagree–perhaps I’ve been spoiled by better Earl Greys. I didn’t find it smoky or strong enough, despite various experiments with steeping times & water temperature. I have found even bagged Earl Grey that tastes better than Harrods #42. I’m not even all that wild about the tin: The raised lid makes it difficult to stack. The tea itself is acceptable if I’m not absolutely craving Earl Grey. But when I want the bergamot aroma and the mild smoky taste, this is not the can I open.
My Rating:
4/10
May 7th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
I give their loose leaf Earl Grey a 9 or 10 out of 10, but the pre-bagged version gets at most a 6. I was shocked by the difference in quality and taste between the two. If you have the opportunity I highly recommend the loose version.
My Rating:
9/10
September 12th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
The best earl grey tea I had so far!!!
My Rating:
10/10