I have had this in my cupboard for a while and completely forgot about it. Shame on me! I guess I just tend to ignore my bagged teas and go straight for the loose-leaf. (I’m such a snob). I am glad I re-discovered this though, because it is unexpectedly good. I don’t care for the plastic-y pyramid bags, but that’s not a problem. I just rip them open and pour the leaves into my infuser and bingo! loose-leaf! This also gives me a chance to inspect the leaves, and these appeared to be in good shape, not shredded up in teensy weensy pieces. Once steeped, my infuser is filled with nice full sencha leaves, and the liquor is fresh bright green. Okay, I’ll admit I’m impressed. So far so good.
The resulting tea is delicious! I thought it would be difficult to achieve a good balance with the bergamot and green tea leaves, but this company manages to pull off the blend very well. The Earl Grey bergamot flavor is perfect: citrusy and light, and the assertive yet sweet sencha comes through nicely. It is a good sencha base, definitely holding its own to the bergamot but at the same time working harmoniously with it. Both flavors are impeccably balanced. I’d say this is a wonderful breakfast or brunch tea, when you want a green with a little more oomf to it but that’s still smooth enough to ease you into the day. Or, I could see this also being that perfect rainy afternoon tea, when it seems a little too late for a brisk, classic black EG and you want something just a bit lighter (but that will still provide you with a snap-out-of-it alertness). This tea will no longer remain lonely and neglected on my shelf. I think it is deserving of loose-leaf status now. :-)
