In my quest to discover the best Earl Grey tea in the world, I immersed myself in a delightful tea tasting journey. With each fragrant sip, I explored a myriad of blends, meticulously evaluating their flavors, aromas, and overall tea experience.
As a passionate tea enthusiast, I present an objective review of the top contenders vying for the coveted title of the finest Earl Grey tea this year.
| Adagio Teas: Earl Grey Lavender – Best earl grey tea brand | Check Price | Quick review |
| Art Of Tea: Earl Grey Crème – Best earl grey creme tea | Check Price | Quick review |
| Bigelow: Earl Grey – Finest earl grey tea | Check Price | Quick review |
| Harney & Sons: Earl Grey Supreme – Most expensive earl grey tea | Check Price | Quick review |
| Numi: Aged Earl Grey – Best loose leaf earl grey tea | Check Price | Quick review |
| Stash Tea: Double Bergamot Earl Grey | Check Price | Quick review |
| Tazo: Earl Grey – Best quality earl grey tea | Check Price | Quick review |
| Teavana: Earl Grey Crème | Check Price | Quick review |
| Twinings: Earl Grey – Best earl grey tea bags | Check Price | Quick review |
| Vahdam Teas: Earl Grey | Check Price | Quick review |
| The Republic Of Tea: Earl Grey | Check Price | Quick review |
The Testing Criteria
In March, I embarked on a quest to find the best Earl Grey teas from various brands. I didn’t limit myself to the classic blend, welcoming those with a twist, such as a hint of lavender. One afternoon, I meticulously brewed each tea, using water just under boiling and steeping for five minutes, my preferred duration for a robust flavor.
Key factors guided my evaluation: balancing the tart citrus and floral sweetness, a bold and smooth black tea flavor, and a pleasant fragrance. This journey was a personal endeavor and a deep dive into the world of tea, its brewing techniques, and the nuances of Earl Grey.
Best earl gray tea – Best tasting earl grey tea
Adagio Teas: Earl Grey Lavender – Best earl grey tea brand
I remember sipping on Adagio’s Earl Grey Lavender for the first time at a local café in my neighborhood.
The aroma instantly hit me – a blend of citrusy bergamot and soothing lavender. The taste was a delightful surprise. The characteristic boldness of Earl Grey was there, but the lavender added a soft, floral twist that created a beautifully balanced cup of tea.
But what is in Earl Grey tea? The caffeine level was right, too, giving me a gentle pick-me-up without any jitteriness. As for the packaging, it’s eco-friendly, which is a huge plus in my book. If you’re an Earl Grey fan looking to try something different, I highly recommend this blend.
- I Like: The interesting blend of Earl Grey with a lavender twist, gentle caffeine kick, and eco-friendly packaging.
- I don’t like: The lavender flavor might not suit traditional Earl Grey lovers who prefer the classic taste.
Art Of Tea: Earl Grey Crème – Best earl grey creme tea
There was one specific afternoon at work when I felt very exhausted. I made the decision to try the Earl Grey Crème from Art of Tea. I’ll tell you, it was like getting a warm hug in a cup.
The creamy, vanilla undertones enhanced the distinct Earl Grey flavor. It was smooth, luxurious, and surprisingly calming. The tea leaves were of excellent quality, and the packaging was visually appealing too. I’ve since made it a staple in my office drawer. This tea is a perfect companion when you need a little ‘me-time’ during a hectic workday.
- I Like:: The creamy, vanilla undertones that add a luxurious touch to the Earl Grey flavor, and the high-quality tea leaves.
- I don’t like: Some might find the vanilla flavoring too sweet or overpowering.
Bigelow: Earl Grey – Finest earl grey tea
I recall a rainy afternoon when I was tucked in at home, and I brewed a pot of Bigelow’s Earl Grey. This classic is classic, with robust black tea and a refreshing scent. I enjoyed its strong, yet not overpowering, flavor. The tea was uplifting, and the warmth soothed the chill of the rain outside. The tea bags are individually sealed for freshness, and I found that to be a thoughtful touch. For those seeking a traditional Earl Grey experience, this tea doesn’t disappoint.
- I Like: The classic Earl Grey flavor that’s not too overpowering and the individually sealed tea bags for freshness.
- I don’t like: Lacks other brands’ complexity or unique flavor twists.
Harney & Sons: Earl Grey Supreme – Most expensive earl grey tea
First tried Harney & Sons’ Earl Grey Supreme while visiting a friend’s house. It was served in the traditional British style, with a dash of milk and a biscuit on the side.
The tea was a revelation – it had a rich, full-bodied flavor with a delightful hint of lemony bergamot.
What impressed me were the additional notes of black currant and vanilla, giving the blend an extra layer of complexity. The tin packaging was elegant, and the tea leaves were of superior grade. For a sophisticated Earl Grey experience, this is a tea to try.
- I Like: The rich, full-bodied flavor with layers of complexity from the black currant, vanilla notes, and high-grade tea leaves.
- I don’t like: It’s a bit more expensive than other brands, which might be a consideration for some.
Numi: Aged Earl Grey – Best loose leaf earl grey tea
I first tasted Numi’s Aged Earl Grey during my vacation at a charming little tea shop. The robust flavor of the aged Assam black tea, combined with the real Italian Bergamot, made for an enticingly rich and smooth experience. The flavor was deep and complex, with a pleasingly bitter edge that made each sip an adventure. This tea is USDA organic and Fair Trade Certified, which aligns with my conscious consumer values. Numi’s Aged Earl Grey is a great choice if you’re an adventurous tea drinker who values ethical sourcing.
- I Like: The deep and complex flavor of the aged Assam black tea, real Italian Bergamot, and the brand’s commitment to organic and Fair Trade practices.
- I don’t like: The robust flavor might be intense for those who prefer a milder Earl Grey.
Stash Tea: Double Bergamot Earl Grey
At a friend’s brunch, I first tasted Stash Tea’s Double Bergamot Earl Grey. The tea’s double portion of bergamot created a daring experience, delivering a potent citrusy flavor that I found incredibly thrilling. This tea isn’t for the faint-hearted and is too intense for those who prefer their Earl Grey on the milder side.
- I Like: Bold, strong citrusy flavor from the double dose of bergamot.
- I don’t like: The intense flavor might be too strong for those who prefer a milder Earl Grey.
Tazo: Earl Grey – Best quality earl grey tea
I remember enjoying Tazo’s Earl Grey tea one relaxed Sunday afternoon at my residence. This timeless combination offers an ideal harmony between black tea and bergamot flavor. It’s a reliable choice when you want a comforting, familiar brew. However, this might not be the tea for you if you want a unique twist or a more complex flavor profile.
- I Like: Classic, balanced blend of black tea and bergamot, comforting and familiar.
- I don’t like: It lacks unique twists or complexity in flavor compared to other brands.
Teavana: Earl Grey Crème
During a visit to a local tea house, I had the pleasure of enjoying Teavana’s Earl Grey Crème, which offered a wonderfully indulgent experience with its blend of Earl Grey and hints of vanilla and lavender.
The tea was smooth, creamy, and aromatic, making each sip a delight. However, the crème flavor might be too sweet for those who prefer a straightforward, classic Earl Grey.
- I Like: Unique blend of Earl Grey with vanilla and lavender, creamy and aromatic.
- I don’t like: Crème flavor might be too sweet for those who prefer a straightforward, classic Earl Grey.
Twinings: Earl Grey – Best earl grey tea bags
It was a cold winter’s evening when I first savored a cup of Twinings’ Earl Grey. The aroma wafting from the cup was delightfully citrusy, with the signature note leaving a welcoming invitation.
As I took my first sip, the robustness of the black tea base became evident, offering warmth and comfort. Its vibrant bergamot overtones danced on my palate, creating a symphony of classic and refreshing flavors.
But this might seem too traditional for those who love a unique twist in their Earl Grey. Still, the charm of this classic blend is undeniable.
- I Like: The comforting robustness of the black tea base, the vibrant overtones, and the classic, refreshing experience.
- I don’t like: The blend might seem too traditional for those looking for a unique twist in their Earl Grey.
Vahdam Teas: Earl Grey
An afternoon tea session at my local tea shop introduced me to the robust flavor of Vahdam’s Earl Grey. The rich, malty taste of the tea was beautifully complemented by the citrusy bergamot, creating a rich experience. Each sip was a testament to Vahdam’s commitment to using fresh, high-quality tea leaves. This is a tea for those who love their Earl Grey to be strong and full of character. But be warned, if you lean towards a milder Earl Grey, this may be too intense for your palate.
- I Like: The rich, malty taste is beautifully complemented by the citrusy bergamot and the full-bodied, robust flavor.
- I don’t like: The intensity of the tea might be too much for those who prefer a milder Earl Grey.
The Republic Of Tea: Earl Grey
In the park, I can still recall a day filled with sunshine, where I sat amidst a spread-out picnic. Holding onto a cup of The Republic Of Tea’s Earl Grey, I was greeted by its unique and rejuvenating essence.
The solid black tea base and the generous bergamot dash created a tea perfect for the outdoors. It was a companion that added to the joy of a day under the clear blue sky.
However, a minor inconvenience was the fragility of the tea bags – they tended to tear easily, which could be a drawback for some. Despite that, the flavorful experience more than made up for it.
- I Like: The distinctive character of the tea, the solid black tea base, the generous dash of bergamot, and the refreshing and uplifting experience.
- I don’t like: The tea bags are fragile and can tear easily, which might be a drawback for some.
The bottom line
Navigating the world of Earl Grey tea can be a delightful journey, and I hope this guide to the best Earl Grey Tea of 2023 has been a helpful companion.
Remember, the perfect blend is out there waiting for you to discover it! If you found this guide useful, do share it with your fellow tea lovers. And if you’re ready to brew your next cup, consider supporting us by purchasing through our Amazon links.
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FAQs
What makes a good Earl Grey tea?
A good Earl Grey tea health benefits combine high-quality black tea leaves with the distinct citrusy flavor of bergamot, striking a perfect balance.
Why is it called Earl Grey tea?
The Earl Grey tea recipe is named after the 19th-century British Prime Minister Earl Grey, attributed to the original recipe.
Is there a decaffeinated version of Earl Grey tea?
Yes, many tea brands offer decaffeinated Earl Grey for those looking to reduce their caffeine intake. But if you wonder how much caffeine in Earl Grey tea in other brands? The exact answer is 40-120mg for a cup of tea.
I’m Shanna, creator of Spiritea Drinks. I’m all about teaching people to grow their own food, tea, cook what they harvest, and eat with the seasons.