Review: Revolution’s Earl Grey Lavender Black Tea

Part of My Floral / Fruity Extravaganza
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The Subject: Earl Grey Lavender Black Tea from Revolution.

Rating:

Water temperature: 212° F

Steeping time: 5 minutes

Tea type: Black

Scents, flavorings, etc.: Lavender, oil of bergamot

Aroma, dry: Lavender, oil of bergamot

Aroma in the cup, plain: Lavender, oil of bergamot

Taste, plain: Lavender, oil of bergamot

Aroma in the cup, enhanced: Lavender, oil of bergamot

Taste, enhanced: Lavender, oil of bergamot

2nd Infusion: Didn’t do

Chilled: Didn’t do

Comments:

Little Yellow Teapot here. Since this tea came in a sachet, I stepped aside and let my humans steep it directly in the tea mug. Why anyone would want to put good tea leaves in a sachet or teabag is beyond this little teapot’s understanding, such as it is.

Back to the review.

The tea steeps up to a reddish brown liquid that has a rich aroma, with the black tea scent coming through. However, the flavor is much more delicate, with a slight tang. If you like Earl Grey and lavender, give this tea a try. If you prefer to actually taste tea when you drink it, this one will disappoint. It does work fairly well with a bit of milk and sweetener, though.

Unfortunately, Revolution thinks that you need your tea leaves trapped in a sachet bag instead of letting them float free in the teapot. I can almost hear them calling “Hhheelllppp mmmeeee!” as they steep, since they swell up so much that they are very crowded in the sachet by the time the tea is done.  We absolutely had to deduct a half teapot just for this. The overstrong oil of bergamot and lavender totally block out both flavor and aroma of the black tea. To me, that says Revolution started with an inferior grade of tea. Hardly worth the price they charge, then. We deducted another half teapot here, too.

Overall, I’d rather have the Lavender Butterfly green tea from The English Tea Store.
(Review to be posted tomorrow.)

Disclaimer: This tea was provided by the company named. However, the rating of the tea and any opinions concerning it are always strictly objective.