Red Rose

A decent black tea, somewhat weaker in flavor relative to similarly marketed brands (e.g. Barry’s Gold Blend, PG Tips). Something of a spice character, maybe nutmeg, clove? can’t quite place it — very floral relative to the competition as well. Decent for an afternoon cup maybe with a snack, but won’t really stand up to food.

It’s the Ritz cracker of teas: basic and just the way you remembered it if your grandma drank this brand. I snagged six ounces of loose tea from their website for cheaper than a box of Ritz. It’s not a bold tea…not complex…it almost has no aroma. A cup of Red Rose is not a key to the gates of the imagination which allow our spirits to soar across the globe to the foothills of the Himalayas or ancient Chinese farmlands. But…a cup will take some of us back to Sunday afternoons on a shrinkwrapped couch, enjoying tea with plenty of milk and sugar with Lorna Doones, while we wait for our favorite shows to come on the telly.

This is the tea my great-aunt from England often drank. When my palate has grown weary of all manner of tea-trickery, I will reach for a bag of Red Rose. A cup will take me back to my childhood as it’s very likely the first tea I ever had. It’s surprisingly a nice, very drinkable tea all these years later.

Good solid standby.

Normal Red Rose is good, although it seems it’s not for everyone. However Canadian Breakfast is much more flavorful than the original, less bitter and has more going on taste wise. It’s quickly becoming my go to tea in the morning.

One of my coworkers is extremely pregnant, so the office threw her a surprise tea party themed baby shower. Lots of yummy food, adorable decorations, a few tears. And, of course, tea. Good old Red Rose. Tastes like grandma’s house and childhood.

I keep meaning to post more on here, but it hasn’t really taken shape. I periodically enjoy reading peoples reviews but rarely contribute. I still drink a lot of tea. But it’s been a busy year. Right off the bat, I had a daughter born. Then I started a new job as a mail carrier in March and usually work over 65 hours a week. My tea before and after work(often late) are my most relaxing parts of the day. I have some interesting teas on the way in the coming days, but in the meantime decided to write this one. I have often had a box of this on hand. I’m always looking for what can be considered the perfect ‘everyday’ cup of tea. Usually in a teabag, not hard to make, and completely satisfying.

Well, this tea isn’t it. (I’d really say right now that honor would likely go to Punjana). But it is a good basic black tea that’s nice to have on hand. I’m having the American version of this, but keep wanting to try the Canadian as I’ve read it’s much better. As it is, it’s a good cup for what it is. Inexpensive, dependable, but doesn’t really hold up to milk in it. I’d either have it straight or with a little honey. Good for sipping on a rainy day or when you’re not feeling great. The Wade Whimsy’s, the porcelain figurines that come in them, are really better than the actual tea. I think they’re moving those to online only though. What a shame. I really need to try that Canadian Red Rose soon…

Tastes just as strong as the full caffeine variety.

Malty, with a hint of milk flavour. This is a fantastic bagged orange pekoe and better than several loose leaf varieties I have tried. I enjoy mine with a touch of honey and a splash of milk. It makes a good every day tea.

Malty, with a hint of milk flavour. This is a fantastic bagged orange pekoe and better than several loose leaf varieties I have tried. I enjoy mine with a touch of honey and a splash of milk. It makes a good every day tea.

I’m craving more of my Mighty Leaf Pride of the Port with milk… but alas, I am at work, so this inexpensive bagged EG will have to hold me over for now. I have a cup of black tea, like, every two hours while I’m at work. My mug has become a security blanket of sorts.

The base of this one is very low-quality— not surprising. I like my EGs with a smooth, non-astringent, Chinese black base, and I’m 90% sure this one is just a run- of- the- mill Ceylon orange pekoe.

Bagged EG tastes very different than loose EG. I actually usually prefer the way that bagged EGs taste because I think they use stronger concentrations of bergamot oil in the bagged stuff, and I like the bergamot to be strong. Loose EG is much more delicate and has a more subtle, woody, sour-bitey flavor, at least in my experience.

Weirdly, this cheap bagged EG tastes very close to what Twinings [loose] EG tastes like— notes of sour cherry and lemon, and less bergamot-y and perfume— but it’s much weaker than Twinings. Like a faint echo of it.

Very boring. Better than Lipton’s appalling attempt on an EG, but nothing to write home about. I like my EG to have a mild, smooth black base, and this one is astringent, which I find takes away from the bergamot oil. EG should be confectionlike and delightful, and this blend tastes like an English breakfast with a twist of something faintly citrus-y. A similar affect could be produced using a plain black Tetley teabag and a lemon wedge.

I’m officially a snob, I suppose.

This reminds me a lot of Twinings’ Lady Grey. It tastes lemony and citrus-y, and I get hints of genuine cherry and burnt cocoa. But, like the other reviewers on here say, it’s not overly bergamot-y. It’s very drinkable and for $3 for a box of 40 bags, it’s basically an ideal work tea, but it’s not the best bagged EG I’ve ever tasted.

I’ve had this for many years of my life and it holds a special place in my heart. I am preferring different teas the older I get but this will always be a classic to me.