Jun 27
Review: TeaGschwendner Earl Grey No. 69
Bergamot Tea, Black Tea, Earl Grey Tea, TeaGschwendner Add commentsJamie’s Teaview Snapshot
 | "The TeaGschwendner website notes that they've been liberal with the usage of a first rate oil, and I think you will agree with them, too. "
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These beautiful black medium length leaves boast a fabulously potent bergamot perfume. The citrus is grapefruit like and a deep inhalation of the dry leaf even hints a bit at big ripe blackberries and vanilla to me well in the rear of the scent. Even not knowing that Tea Gschwendner's curiously named Earl Grey #69 was a WTC winner this spring, the promise in the nose of this Earl Grey is enough to excite the sipper to be.I infused one tablespoon of tea for three minutes in 24 ounces of boiled water.
The taste of the tea is wet and full to start with a pleasingly dry aftertaste. The bergamot, while forward, is not overpowering or too perfume-y, especially given the potency of the scenting. The flavor shows off a bit with a pronounced fruitiness at the start and a bit of spiciness at the rear of each sip.
My sense was that this tea (and the drinker!) benefits from the use of a very fine bergamot oil. The TeaGschwendner website notes that they've been liberal with the usage of a first rate oil, and I think you will agree with them, too. This tea's taste has a complexity to it that I really enjoy, coupled with a refreshing quality. Sort of a heavier and more mellow taste than grapefruit, but with tendencies toward grapefruit and with a lingering spiciness to it that makes it something a bit unique even in the ubiquitous world of Earl Greys.
I also coaxed out an excellent second "bolstered" infusion by adding 1 teaspoon more to my 24 ounce pot and steeping a bit over 5 minutes. These cups were brisker and a bit spicier, without bite or bitterness. Very smooth and rounded with the bergamot coming across even more clearly.
Very nice! Lovely, in fact! And at $8.90 for just a hint over 3.5 ounces, this is a very reasonably priced tea, particularly given the company offering free shipping on all purchases over $35.00.
— To purchase TeaGschwendner Earl Grey No. 69, 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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