 | "The bergamot does not accent the tea very well. The black tea itself is fine to drink, nothing spectacular, but acceptable."
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This tea, amongst a few other flavors by Harney & Sons, was created for the Historic Royal Palaces of England. This explains the name “imperial” in the title.
This tea was indeed delicious. I enjoyed it tremendously as I do most Earl Greys. The only problem is that I don’t find it as worthwhile as some of the others I’ve tried.
First and foremost, when hot the aroma is not at all like bergamot, the fruit that gives Earl Grey its flavor. It smells more earthy and smoky like a regular deep black tea. I expected a very strong black tea taste with a bergamot aftertaste.
I was not too far off the mark, though the black tea isn’t nearly as strong as it smells. The bergamot does not accent the tea very well. It almost seems like an afterthought. The black tea itself is fine to drink, nothing spectacular, but acceptable. I’d compare it to a brand of tea you’d buy on sale at a grocery store that you’d drink mindlessly. It does not lend itself to be relished. This tea is what I would call an on-the-go, gulp-it-down, instant-caffeine-kick blend. Especially since it is only offered in teabags. Bigelow Earl Grey already holds a spot in my cupboard for a quick and delicious on the go bergamot tea, plus it is actually more flavorful.
It just seems like a far cry from the Earl Greys I have savored, the perfect blend of tea and bergamot with a sunny and refreshing burst. This one is run of the mill but definitely drinkable. Probably not a repurchase for me, though, due to the fact that I still rate Rishi Tea’s Earl Grey Supreme as my standard for all others. This one falls short. Therefore, I am giving this a mediocre rating, a six. You could do worse.
— To purchase Harney & Sons Earl Grey Imperial, 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.
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Shelly Teaviews.com Reviewer » Read more about this reviewer on Shelly's profile page. » Find a list of recent posts by Shelly. |
July 8th, 2008 at 11:32 am
[…] Review: Harney & Sons Earl Grey Imperial It smells more earthy and smoky like a regular deep black tea. I expected a very strong black tea taste with a bergamot aftertaste. […]
July 8th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
I don’t think Harney & Sons Earl Grey is created to supply the royal family since Harney is not well known in UK and is not a Royal Warrant holder. The royal family in England get most of their tea supplies from two tea merchants which are Darvilles of Windsor and Twinings.
July 11th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
Hmm…you’d better check the website. It was indeed created for the Historic Royal Palaces of England. I don’t know much about England, and I do apologize for that, but I think the key word here is HISTORIC.