Thread: Calling all tea drinkers

I'm looking for a good Earl Grey. I've tried Bencheley, Twinnings and a couple of other smaller brand names.

Also, if anyone cares to suggest something different than Earl Grey, I'm open so long as it's not a fruity tea.

Hi Steve,
I usually prefer to make Earl Grey in looseleaf and I buy that kind of tea from Grace Tea Company out of New York.
I asked a similar question over in badger and blade, and I picked up some Keemum, Russian Caravan, and Lapsang Souchong based on recommendations over there.
They're all darker tasting than Earl Grey, with the Keemum tasting almost wine like, and the Russian Caravan having slightly fruit overtones. The Lapsang Souchong tea tastes like smoke, but it's certainly delicious.

Originally Posted by Howard Newell

Hi Steve,
I usually prefer to make Earl Grey in looseleaf and I buy that kind of tea from Grace Tea Company out of New York.
I asked a similar question over in badger and blade, and I picked up some Keemum, Russian Caravan, and Lapsang Souchong based on recommendations over there.
They're all darker tasting than Earl Grey, with the Keemum tasting almost wine like, and the Russian Caravan having slightly fruit overtones. The Lapsang Souchong tea tastes like smoke, but it's certainly delicious.

Many thanks, Howard. Did you get all those teas from Grace Tea Company? How did you order them, through a website or catalog or some other way?

You can find their website at www.gracetea.com and you'll find that loose tea is usually a higher quality than bagged tea. I was able to find the tea at my local Southern Season in North Carolina, but I think checking out Whole Foods would be worth your while. They might have the same types of teas.

Originally Posted by Howard Newell

You can find their website at www.gracetea.com and you'll find that loose tea is usually a higher quality than bagged tea. I was able to find the tea at my local Southern Season in North Carolina, but I think checking out Whole Foods would be worth your while. They might have the same types of teas.

Great. I think I have a Whole Foods store near my office.

I find the Earl Grey too aromatic for my taste and generally prefer a nice Darjeeling and Twinnings is a solid brand all round.

X

I have an asian wife and as a result have been exposed to new things.
Like ginger tea and different types of green tea.

I would recommend you go try to find a Chinese grocery store near you and look at what they have to offer.

My favorites are Goldwily instant ginger and I can't remember the brand but there was some green tea "with rice taste" that was the best tea I've ever had.

I like Earl Grey too, even more when you use heavy cream instead of milk.

Originally Posted by xman

I find the Earl Grey too aromatic for my taste and generally prefer a nice Darjeeling and Twinnings is a solid brand all round.

X

Of all the brands of Earl Grey to be found in my local market, the Twinnings is my favorite, but it's always fun to try something different. I also find that many people don't like Earl Grey, maybe for the same reason as you, X.

I've tried Darjeeling, English Breakfast, herbals, fruity, green and then old standard Red Rose. For some reason, the EG is most suited to my palette, though I like to try new teas. Which is kind of funny for a die hard coffee drinker.

Originally Posted by gratewhitehuntr

I have an asian wife and as a result have been exposed to new things.
Like ginger tea and different types of green tea.

I would recommend you go try to find a Chinese grocery store near you and look at what they have to offer.

My favorites are Goldwily instant ginger and I can't remember the brand but there was some green tea "with rice taste" that was the best tea I've ever had.

I like Earl Grey too, even more when you use heavy cream instead of milk.

Hmm, ginger tea sounds interesting. When I was in Japan, I got used to fresh strips of ginger on a nice meat and rice dish or to cleanse the palette while eating. Regular green tea never did anything for me, though.

I agree with the cream/milk idea. I can take tea with with or without but I prefer with cream.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Originally Posted by steve

Of all the brands of Earl Grey to be found in my local market, the Twinnings is my favorite, but it's always fun to try something different. I also find that many people don't like Earl Grey, maybe for the same reason as you, X.

And to each his own.

I sust filded the question to my wife who likes a good Earl Grey and she gave me a list of her faves. Are you ready?
In Ontario she likes The Tea Emporium, in BC, The Tea Room. You can get a Tazo Earl Grey almost anywhere and if you're in London, Drury of London is also on her list.

X