Review: Twinings Earl Grey

Jan 30

Review: Twinings Earl Grey

James’s Teaview Snapshot

"My first Earl Grey experience and one I have no trouble recommending."

James’s Teaview:	7/10
Other Teaviews:	Stephen gave it 8/10
Your Reviews:	Add your review »

Earl Grey is a tea that I have wanted to try for a while. It is probably the most famous of teas, and has a robust, classy image. Stephen picked up on my interest in exploring Earl Grey teas and sent a few for me to review. He suggested that I start with Twinings because he feels it is a good ‘baseline’ for comparison. This should not surprise you if you have read his reviews on Earl Grey; Twinings in particular. So, this morning I decided I would jump in and try Earl Grey

Earl Grey leaves have a distinctive odor that is probably very familiar to tea drinkers, but would be hard to describe to others. The odor comes from the bergamot and it is unique. Twinings has a very nice smell, with the clear aroma of bergamot. The aroma of the brewed tea continues this strong – but not overpowering – smell of bergamot. Pouring it into my cup, Twinings Earl Grey had a dark, robust look. I want a strong tea in the morning, and this was clearly not going to disappoint in that respect. But strong is only one part of the experience; I also want good tastes. Drinking this Earl Gray is like drinking a ‘thicker’ drink. The bergamot seems to have a milky or oily quality that feels like it ties the tea together, giving it a less ‘watery’ taste that some other teas. This makes it very smooth to drink. There are hints of several flavors including an earthy bitterness and a slight sweetness.

With some teas, I have noticed a bitterness or flavor left on different parts of the tongue that sometimes cause the taste to linger. There really is not much aftertaste with Twinings Earl Gray. It is not bitter and leaves almost nothing on the tongue. There is just a sensation in the mouth that Earl Grey has been there, then almost nothing.

I like this tea and am excited about trying more brands of Earl Grey. However, it is probably not a good one for someone’s introduction to teas. It has a distinctive taste that you either like or don’t like. I’m glad that I have gone through several other teas before trying this one, I think it makes me appreciate it more. However, this is not my favorite tea. Maybe I will acquire a love for Earl Grey – many tea drinkers seem to – but for now, it is not one I could drink on a regular basis. Still, this is a very good tea and one that I have no trouble recommending, as long you’ve been drinking tea for a while.

— To purchase Twinings Earl Grey, or for more specific information on ingredients or the story behind this particular blend, click here to go directly to the manufacturer's web site.