Have you ever wondered how a classic Earl Grey can feel both familiar and surprisingly new with just one cup?
Product Overview
We found the Supreme Earl Grey Tea Loose Leaf – Natural Blend of Sri Lankan Black Tea, Bergamot Extract & Blue Cornflowers – Rich Citrusy & Floral Notes by The Tea Makers of London – 125g Caddy to be a confident take on a well-loved classic. The blend promises a robust Ceylon black tea base, balanced bergamot notes and a visual flourish of blue cornflowers, and we wanted to test how all of that comes together in practice.
What the product claims
The Tea Makers of London present this as a morning-ready black tea with citrusy and floral highlights. It’s marketed as single-origin Sri Lankan (Ceylon) loose leaf tea infused with natural bergamot essential oil and blue cornflowers for aroma and appearance. We appreciate clarity in claims because it sets expectations we can test against.
Supreme Earl Grey Tea Loose Leaf - Natural Blend of Sri Lankan Black Tea, Bergamot Extract & Blue Cornflowers - Rich Citrusy & Floral Notes by The Tea Makers of London - 125g Caddy
First impressions and packaging
Our first contact with the 125g caddy was positive: it feels sturdy and premium enough for a gift but practical for daily use. The caddy protects the leaves from light and air, which are the main enemies of loose tea freshness.
Unboxing experience
Opening the caddy reveals loose, whole-ish leaves with a scattering of blue cornflower petals. The presentation is attractive without being fussy. We liked that the packaging felt recyclable and compact for storage.
Aroma and appearance
Aromatically, this Supreme Earl Grey greets us with a clear bergamot presence and a dry, toasty Ceylon backbone. Visually, the black teas are dark and twisted with bright blue petals dispersed through the blend, which adds a pleasing contrast and signals the floral component.
Dry leaf notes
When we sniff the dry leaves, the bergamot is immediate and citrus-forward, but not synthetic. The tea base offers subtle malt and a hint of citrus zest. The cornflowers lend a faint floral sweetness even before brewing.
Brewing and infusion
We followed the manufacturer’s recommended method — 3–4 grams (about 1–2 teaspoons) per 200 ml, water not exceeding 100°C, steep 3–5 minutes — and tested different steep times and measures to gauge versatility. This tea is forgiving and works well across a typical strength range.
Recommended brewing steps
We suggest starting with 3 grams per 200 ml at around 95–100°C for 3 minutes for a lighter cup, and extending to 4 grams and 4–5 minutes for a stronger, more robust infusion. Strain the leaves and serve straight or with milk and sweetener if preferred.
Taste and mouthfeel
On first sip, the bergamot provides a bright citrus lift that sits on top of a warm, malty Ceylon base. There’s a gentle floral thread from the cornflowers, which softens the citrus edge and contributes to a balanced finish. The mouthfeel is brisk and lively — very suitable for mornings when we need a clear-headed jolt.
Flavour profile breakdown
We noticed three main layers: the brisk Ceylon backbone, the zesty bergamot top note, and the subtle floral undertone. These layers remain distinct yet well-integrated, which is a sign of thoughtful blending.
Strength and balance
This Earl Grey sits in the medium-to-strong band among black teas. It’s bright and brisk rather than heavy and astringent, meaning it can be enjoyed plain or with a splash of milk without losing its character. We felt the balance was skilful: neither the bergamot nor the tea base overwhelmed the other.
How it behaves with milk and sweeteners
The tea tolerates a dash of milk fairly well, which softens the citrus while bringing forward the malty notes. A little honey or caster sugar complements the bergamot’s sweetness, but we often prefer it unsweetened to savour the natural interplay of flavours.
Visual and sensory appeal in the cup
The brewed liquor pours a warm golden-amber and offers a lively aroma that carries across the table. The blue cornflowers, while not adding colour to the brew, remain visually pleasing in the dry leaf and occasionally in an infuser.
Clarity and colour
We appreciated the clear infusion; there’s no muddiness. Colour intensity varies with steeping time and leaf quantity, as expected, and helps us judge strength by sight when brewing multiple pots.
Ingredient quality and sourcing
The Tea Makers of London emphasise a soil-to-cup approach, and the single-origin Sri Lankan (Ceylon) base feels authentic in taste. The inclusion of real bergamot essential oil rather than artificial flavouring is a quality marker we welcome.
Naturalness and additives
There are no artificial colours or flavours listed. The blue cornflowers are decorative and natural; the bergamot is provided as essential oil, which tends to yield a cleaner, more complex citrus aroma than synthetic alternatives.
Health aspects and functional claims
The product claims to help maintain digestive processes and improve cognitive function by incorporating black tea into daily routine. While we can’t treat medical conditions, black tea contains caffeine and polyphenols which are associated with alertness and some cognitive benefits. We find it a refreshing part of a morning routine when moderate caffeine is desirable.
Caffeine content and suitability
This is a caffeinated black tea, so we recommend it for mornings or early afternoons. If users are sensitive to caffeine, a smaller measure or shorter steep time will reduce stimulant effects.
Sustainability and ethical considerations
The Tea Makers of London mention minimising environmental impact and supporting tea workers’ livelihoods. We appreciate brands that address these issues and try to reflect them in purchasing choices.
Packaging and environmental impact
The 125g caddy is compact and appears recyclable. The brand’s soil-to-cup message suggests attention to sustainable practices, though we would like more transparency regarding certifications or direct farm partnerships.
Storage and shelf life
Like all quality loose leaf teas, this Supreme Earl Grey benefits from airtight, cool, dark storage. The caddy helps, but transferring to a sealed tin or keeping the original caddy in a cupboard will prolong freshness.
Best-before and usage guidance
Use within 12–18 months for peak flavour, and keep away from strong odours. We recommend using smaller batches if tea is infrequently consumed to avoid stale flavours.
Value for money
At 125g in a caddy, this product aims to be a premium everyday Earl Grey rather than an ultra-luxury item. We find the quality of ingredients — single-origin Ceylon leaves, real bergamot oil and cornflowers — justifies a mid-premium price point if compared with supermarket-brand Earl Greys.
Comparing cost-per-cup
Assuming 3–4 grams per cup, a 125g caddy yields roughly 30–40 cups. We believe the cost per cup is reasonable relative to similar branded loose leaf Earl Greys that use scenting and floral embellishments.
Packaging details and practicalities
The 125g caddy is compact and well-labelled, and it stores easily in a kitchen cabinet. The lid seals properly, so we felt confident that leaves would stay protected from air and moisture between uses.
Convenience for gifting and daily use
The presentation is gift-friendly without being overdone, and we find the caddy practical for everyday access. If you prefer pyramid teabags or tins with internal bags, the caddy still performs well for scoop-and-go brewing.
Comparisons with other Earl Grey teas
We tried the Supreme Earl Grey alongside a few other popular Earl Greys to understand where it sits on the spectrum. It’s brighter and more citrus-forward than some milkier Earl Greys, and less perfumed than blends that overuse bergamot.
How it differs from classic London-style Earl Greys
Some London-style Earl Greys use heavier flavouring or stronger, malty bases. Here, the Ceylon base gives a crisper, more uplifted profile that pairs particularly well with those who prefer a lighter finish and floral accents.
Pairing suggestions
This Supreme Earl Grey pairs well with a range of sweet and savoury items. We particularly enjoyed it with classic teatime fare and also with breakfast options where a bright, citrusy tea cuts through richness.
Food pairing ideas
- Scones and clotted cream — the bergamot lifts the creaminess.
- Almond biscuits — almond and bergamot make a pleasant combination.
- Smoked salmon on brown bread — the citrus helps refresh the palate.
- Light pastries and lemon tarts — amplify the tea’s citrus character.
Serving suggestions
This tea is adaptable: we like it strong in a mug first thing, but it also makes a refreshing iced tea and a lovely ingredient in tea-based cocktails or mocktails. We recommend experimenting with milk, honey, lemon, or even a splash of vanilla for a softer profile.
Iced Earl Grey recipe idea
Brew double-strength (6–8 g per 400 ml), cool, sweeten lightly if desired, and pour over ice with a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint. It’s revitalising on warm days.
Brewing experiments and variations
We tried some variations to understand limits and best practices. Shorter steeps produced a delicate, perfumed cup while longer steeps pushed the backbone and introduced more body.
Best balance for everyday drinking
For daily mornings we favoured 3.5 g per 200 ml at 95–100°C and 3.5–4 minutes. This gave us a clear aromatic lift with a satisfying mouthfeel, without excessive astringency.
Table: Quick Reference Breakdown
| Feature | Notes |
|---|---|
| Tea type | Ceylon (Sri Lankan) black tea |
| Flavouring | Natural bergamot essential oil |
| Decorative petal | Blue cornflowers |
| Pack size | 125g caddy |
| Serving suggestion | 3–4 g per 200 ml |
| Water temp | Up to 100°C (boiling) |
| Steep time | 3–5 minutes |
| Caffeine | Present (black tea) |
| Best for | Morning pick-me-up, afternoon uplift |
| Storage | Airtight, cool, dark location |
| Cups per caddy | ~30–40 (depending on measure) |
| Taste profile | Bright citrus (bergamot), malty base, subtle floral |
| Milk-friendly | Yes, in small amounts |
| Sweetener-friendly | Yes, complements honey or sugar |
| Sustainability claim | Soil-to-cup approach; limited transparency on certifications |
Pros and cons
We like to weigh the positives and negatives succinctly, so we can decide quickly whether a product fits our routine.
Pros
- Bright, authentic bergamot aroma that isn’t synthetic.
- Strong and brisk Ceylon base that wakes us up in the morning.
- Attractive presentation with blue cornflowers.
- Versatile: works plain, with milk, iced or in recipes.
- Good packaging that protects freshness.
Cons
- Not suitable for those seeking very low-caffeine tea.
- We would like clearer provenance or certification details on sustainability.
- If over-steeped, the tea can trend slightly astringent — a minor caveat for new brewers.
Who would enjoy this tea most?
This Supreme Earl Grey suits people who appreciate a classic Earl Grey with a crisp Ceylon backbone rather than a heavy, malty Assam-style base. It’s particularly good for those who drink tea for morning alertness and enjoy a balancing floral note.
Who might not prefer it
If you’re after a faintly delicate, near-herbal Earl Grey or a fully caffeine-free experience, this blend may be too lively. Also, if you dislike bergamot, this isn’t the right choice.
Brewing tips and troubleshooting
We found a few practical tips that help anyone get the best cup from the caddy without wasting leaves or getting an overly bitter brew.
Tips for a perfect cup
- Use freshly boiled water cooled for 30 seconds if you’re extra cautious; Ceylon thrives at near-boiling temperatures.
- Start with 3 grams and increase if you prefer stronger.
- Time the steep precisely; 3 minutes gives brightness while 5 minutes increases body.
- If the bergamot seems too strong, shorten the steep rather than adding milk immediately.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
We collected and answered common questions about this product to address likely buyer concerns.
Is this tea suitable for milk?
Yes — a small amount of milk softens the citrus and enhances the malty base. We recommend a splash rather than a full pour to retain the bergamot lift.
Does it contain artificial flavours?
No. The bergamot is provided as essential oil, and the cornflowers are natural petals. We did not detect synthetic notes.
How many cups will 125g make?
Approximately 30–40 cups at 3–4 g per cup. Exact numbers depend on how strong we like to brew.
Is it fair trade or certified organic?
The Tea Makers of London mention sustainability practices and supporting workers, but certification details aren’t prominent. If certifications are essential to us, we should check product labelling or contact the brand for specifics.
Storage recommendations
To keep flavour stable, we recommend storing the caddy in a cool, dark spot and avoiding microwaves or oven-top cupboards near hot appliances. If we buy larger quantities, transferring to smaller airtight tins helps avoid prolonged exposure to air.
How to judge freshness
Smell the dry leaves: a lively bergamot aroma and fresh leaf scent indicate freshness. Dull or flat aromatic notes suggest the tea has aged and lost complexity.
Recipe ideas and creative uses
Beyond a straightforward cup, this tea works well in culinary applications where bergamot’s citrus edge adds interest.
Earl Grey shortbread
Infuse warm butter with crushed leaves (strained), then use the butter in shortbread dough. The bergamot lifts the buttery sweetness, producing a refined biscuit.
Tea syrup for cocktails
Brew a concentrated tea, add sugar to taste and simmer briefly to make a syrup. It complements gin, prosecco and mocktail mixers very well.
Final verdict
We find the Supreme Earl Grey Tea Loose Leaf – Natural Blend of Sri Lankan Black Tea, Bergamot Extract & Blue Cornflowers – Rich Citrusy & Floral Notes by The Tea Makers of London – 125g Caddy to be a dependable, high-quality Earl Grey that honours tradition while offering a fresh, lively expression of bergamot and Ceylon tea. It’s versatile, attractive, and capable of becoming our daily go-to for mornings or an enlivening afternoon cup.
Would we buy it again?
Yes — it fits our needs for a bright, reliable Earl Grey. The balance of bergamot and Ceylon character, combined with clean ingredients and pleasant packaging, makes it a strong contender for our regular rotation.
Additional observations and notes
We recommend this blend for both Earl Grey newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts who enjoy a cleaner, citrus-forward profile. For those who prefer intensely bold, malty teas, pairing with a heartier black tea might be better, but for most of us seeking a lively, uplifting cup, this blend delivers.
Final brewing reminder
Start with 3–4 g, 200 ml water at near-boiling, and steep 3–5 minutes. Taste and adjust to preference. Small adjustments can significantly affect the end result, and we encourage a little experimentation to find your perfect cup.
If you’d like, we can compare this Supreme Earl Grey with another specific Earl Grey you’re considering, or provide a shopping checklist to find similar blends.
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