Winter White Earl Grey (Harney & Sons)

My favorite Earl Grey yet is this Winter White Earl Grey from Harney & Sons. It’s a Mutan white tea based blend with oil of bergamot. I think you’ll find this tea as soothing as I do.

The leaves of this tea remind me more of a Darjeeling than those of a fluffy white tea. They’re a mixture of green, brown and white leaves with some stems in. The aroma is lighter and sweeter than most earl grey teas and reminds me of vanilla with some light floral tones.

When brewed the leaves produce an orange-red liquor which effuses an aroma primarily of bergamot. There’s a hint of a light spiciness as well.

On the palate I note smooth vanilla notes, though I don’t think there’s any actually in the tea. I alsorecapture the floral notes from the dry aroma. Of course, the bergamot is present throughout but not at all overbearing.

There’s only a slight astringency to this brew. Less than most any earl grey I’ve ever had. It’s quite refreshing and relaxing.

I recommend this Winter White Earl Grey to all fans of earl grey teas, fans of white teas and fans of lightly flavored teas.