Tea Review: Stash EG

Thirsty Thursday #26

Stash Earl Grey (thé noir earl grey)

Hi! Guess what? Today it's really Tea Time with Melody Q! (giggles)

(nudges leg) Oh, and Coco too! We're going to look at Stash tea's Earl Grey.

The box contains 20 tea bags individually wrapped in foil pouches. On the back you find ingredients and brewing instructions as well as the company information.

If you are a long time follower, you know my favorite tea blend in Earl Grey. It has a lovely citrus-y, smokey aroma. When I opened this pouch the aroma wasn't quite right. The citrus seemed off.

We've added the hot water and set the timer for 4 minutes. I'm hoping for the best.

[Timer beeps]
Done! Look at that wonderful color. Dark amber.

Let's take a whiff. (inhales deeply) 

Well, it smells okay, but it's still not right. Reminds me of the smell of over ripe oranges on the verge of spoiling.

We've transferred the tea to a mug. Still looks awesome! I'll be using the smaller cup in the background.

(sips) 

The tea plain or without anything in it is okay. The bergamot is more flowery than citrus-y. I'm on the fence. I wonder how it is with sugar.
(sips) 

I added plain table or white sugar. The sweetness of the sugar meshes well with all the notes. That bergamot though...let's add milk.
(sips) 

Ah, creamy, slightly sweet. The warmth. But the bergamot again! It's just not what I'm used to. It's too, I don't know. I don't want to say too flowery because I like the Earl Greys with lavender in them...hold on. 
[Leaves room, Coco at heels]
Woof!
[Keys clacking] A-HA! UGH!
Woof!
[Returns]
There are two types of bergamot!! 

The plant - also called Bee Balm which is prevalent in America - AND the fruit - also called sour or Seville Orange! I was hoping since Stash is located in Oregon they used the leaves of the plant in their Earl Grey blend. But reading their website shows they do use the fruit. I think they let the fruit get a bit too old before extracting the oil and the word I'm looking for is perfume-y. 

So here you have a review without stellar marks. Actually, we've been drinking this one all month trying to see if it would get better. This was our last Stash Earl Grey tea bag. While we don't plan to get the Earl Grey again, Stash has other flavors we enjoy more. Our local grocery store has several; yours may too.

Have you ever had a tea or beverage you thought you'd love and then didn't? What was is it? Please share your memory with us.

Best wishes,

Note: Tea Time with Melody Q is not affiliated with American Girl or Stash tea. The featured tea was purchased from our local grocery for our collection. The review is unsolicited and composed of our own observations, thoughts, and words. All links are provided for educational and informative purposes. Not purchase is required or suggested to enjoy the post.