A delicate and balanced Earl Grey (Tesco Finest Earl Grey Tea)

Member Name: k4ssie

Product:	Tesco Finest Earl Grey Tea
Date:	09/06/09 (29 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great flavour

Disadvantages: None

Earl Grey tea started out as an occasional treat in my house, then a bit less occasional, and now it's all I drink.

Having previously tried all the commonly available brands (Twinings, Clipper etc), I have stuck with the Tesco Finest version as being the most enjoyable version of the flavour i've tried.

Earl Grey is given its distinctive scented nature by adding Bergamot oil to fine black tea. Bergamot is used in aromatherapy as a slightly relaxing and "head clearing" oil - which is why this tea is so great in the mornings - and also has some citrussy characteristics, hence why many people drink this tea with a slice of lemon rather than adding milk. Personally i have mine with just a dash of milk, as i find that it "rounds out" the flavour of the tea without clashing with the bergamot. The actual tea leaves used are more delicate in flavour than those in, say, PG Tips, which i find means less of that mouth-clogging, tannin-y taste which i dislike in cheaper tea.

~ Why is this Earl Grey different? ~

In some other brands i've tried, the bergamot flavour can be overwhelming and even quite harsh, so that the brew is pungent rather than scented. Tecos have got it spot on with this one - the scent and flavour is delicate and still distinctly Earl Grey, but without the taste equivalent of bashing you over the head.

It is also slightly cheaper than the other brands in Tesco - about £1.50 for 50 bags - but not a huge difference, and really if you're looking to save every penny you'd probably just stick to normal tea. The flavour is definitely the main reason to buy this, and i'd go for this in preference to Twinings even if it cost more.

Summary: Every Earl Grey lover should give these a try!