Russian earl grey

Met up with Roswell Strange at a tea room and decided to have a cup of this one. The description on the menu was something like lemon and orange flavours. It intrigued me as earl grey is basically orange flavoured (bergamot is a type of orange). I was expecting it to be a bit smokey because it was called Russian (thinking Russian Caravan), but it wasn’t. I would say it was a light to moderate strong Earl Grey. There was definitely a bit more lemon flavour, very distinctly lemon grass. I think the base was a Ceylon, but unsure. The tea came in a tea pot, it was loose tea in the water. So it did get a bit astringent once I got towards the end of the pot. I did get a refill of hot water into the pot. The second steep was definitely a lot lighter and thinner than the first steep, but I was expecting that. Not a too bad Earl Grey. It was great for our little get together. Its always fun meeting fellow steepsters in person.

It’s like getting punched in the mouth by a Russian, but in a good way. It reminds me a bit of Lady Grey, only a lot stronger. I think I can taste grapefruit in this tea but not quite sure… I like this tea, when I want a really powerful Earl Grey this is a good one to choose. When I want it a little more mellow I mix it with EG cream or Dorian Grey. Sometimes I add milk but usually just sugar.

I really like this as a change to my usual earl. the orange does not overpower the bergamont in my opinion. a good change of pace.