Earl Grey vs. Earl Grey

I'm comparing teas this afternoon.  Earl vs. Earl, dukin' it out.  Ever since I discovered Lady Grey, I've wanted to go back and rediscover the Earl.

Maybe this isn't a fair comparison.  In one corner we have fresh, loose leaf Earl Grey from Jing Tea.  On the other, a box of Private Selection Earl Grey tea in bags, newly bought, but of questionable freshness. I'm afraid one is quite the heavy weight, and the other is a sickly toad. 

Actually, comparing the two teas in color, the PS is stronger.  I steeped them for the same amount of time, and the PS tea is notably darker.  But I suspect that has to do with something I read on the Bigelow tea blog, about how some companies use tea dust in their tea bags, which makes the tea "color" more quickly:

Tea dust is the smallest size tea leaf possible; however, the problem with tea dust is that although it provides quick color into the cup, it has no real tea flavor. It also happens to be an inexpensive tea to purchase.

So, the important thing here is the flavor, and there's no contest, none at all. In both smell and taste, the Jing tea is better. The citrus is amazing, very light, but full. And there's a spice I can't identify that jumps out in the tea leaves, but sits back and blends in in the steeped tea. Altogether a wonderful taste, and great afternoon tea.

The PS tea is bitter at this strength.  It might be tolerable if I hadn't steeped it as long as the Jing.  I did have the same experience with the Lady Grey that I bought... it needed a very short steeping time or it became bitter.  I guess now I'll have to find some fresher / loose leaf Lady Grey and run some tests on that as well. 

Hmm, ladies in the ring, dukin' it out.  With lace gloves?  Heh.

Comments

[Lintang]

Yes, i love tea very much!

[riki]

Good shot from tea. I choose interesting blog for my new tea website.R. Thanx for look

[Steph]

Thank you for pointing out the concerns around tea dust! There are some pretty awful tea bags out there. And, some good ones, too!

[Risa]

I adore Earl Grey, it is my favorite. But have you tried Cream Earl Grey? I get mine from Metro Tea, it is wonderful and I get lots of compliments on it when I serve it!

[Pamela]

I have just started drinking Bigelow Green Tea/Earl Grey blend because I don't like green tea on its own.
Must say I like this blend and Earl Grey certainly comes through.

[Cin]

Mmmmmmm, Earl Grey.

When it's fresh it's so good, but when it's tired and 'dusty' it's nigh undrinkable. I think my last EG experience was of the undrinkable type, but maybe it's time to try again.

Forgive my ignorance, but can you tell me more about the Lady Grey blend? I don't think I've ever tried it...

[Kristi]

Our favorite Earl is White Tip Earl Grey from The Tea Table. It is balanced very nicely and doesn't get bitter when accidentally oversteeped.

[Chris]

A friend of ours from England introduced us to this tea. I could sit and smell the teabag for hours!
He likes to purchase the Bergamot oil and make his own. He's been having some trouble finding a place that sells smaller amounts, any suggestions?
Also I love the Bigelow tea - the flavor and smell is wonderful!
Thanks for sharing. I love your site!