Yeah, I know this is a Steepsterite favorite, but I just don’t love it. Actually, I’m not sure how much I even really like it.
It is a pretty darn frou-frou cup of tea. I’m not against frou-frou or anything (hello, pink monkey) but it really seems like that is all this is. Predominately jasmine with a hint of rose, this isn’t very Earl Grey-y. In some ways it reminds me of Mariage Freres 1854 (another mild and jasmine-y EG) but in other ways… not so much. It doesn’t seem as full flavored as 1854; I think 1854 had a woodsier taste to it that gave it more depth, and depth is something I’m just not finding in this tea.
There is an astringency that has camped out on the tip of my tongue and refuses to leave. It is pretty much requiring that the next time I have this tea, there will be additives (which I have had it with before but was unable to give it my full attention). Though I am a little concerned about that though since this tea really doesn’t seem strong enough to hold up to creamer. I might end up with jasmine flavored hot milk.
As it cools, there are hints of Earl Grey, but it blends into the astringency at the end of the sip making this just taste a bit bitter. The EG does hint at a more solid tasting tea but it doesn’t save it from overall tasting like a weak third steep.
Eventually I suppose I’ll give this one another try to see if milk and possibly sugar saves this but I’m thinking that this one is just not a match for me.
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If you’re looking for unusual Earl Greys, I’ve got a Smoked Earl Grey from Tao of Tea that I could bear to part with a portion of! I just don’t drink it often enough to polish it off expediently, but it’s not a bad tea. Odd, but not bad.
Ha ha, I think it sounds delish :) I’m very into frou frou drinks though!
sophistre, Sounds interesting! Expect a PM! :)
Suzi, I’m not anti-frou frou but I do like my fluff teas to still be interesting and this one wasn’t for me. I much prefer MF’s 1854 but I think it was a special edition kind of thing so boo.
Have you tried it at 195? Might help with that astringency you’re getting. That might make the depth issue worse, tho… But I agree – it is HIGH in frou (which is what I love about it). You’ve sure got me curious about MF 1854 tho! :) :) :)
MF 1854 was really tasty! Frou frou but with depth! I think it was a special edition thing though? Because I can’t find it anywhere. :( I’ll give this one a shot at a lower temp and see what happens!
If you’re looking for unusual Earl Greys, I’ve got a Smoked Earl Grey from Tao of Tea that I could bear to part with a portion of! I just don’t drink it often enough to polish it off expediently, but it’s not a bad tea. Odd, but not bad.
Ha ha, I think it sounds delish :) I’m very into frou frou drinks though!
sophistre, Sounds interesting! Expect a PM! :)
Suzi, I’m not anti-frou frou but I do like my fluff teas to still be interesting and this one wasn’t for me. I much prefer MF’s 1854 but I think it was a special edition kind of thing so boo.
Have you tried it at 195? Might help with that astringency you’re getting. That might make the depth issue worse, tho… But I agree – it is HIGH in frou (which is what I love about it). You’ve sure got me curious about MF 1854 tho! :) :) :)
MF 1854 was really tasty! Frou frou but with depth! I think it was a special edition thing though? Because I can’t find it anywhere. :( I’ll give this one a shot at a lower temp and see what happens!