Buckingham Palace Garden Party Tea

This is a bold, complex blend that doesn't hold back on flavor. You'll get jasmine and bergamot floral notes upfront, with a malty, earthy black tea base underneath. Reviewers describe it as 'one of the most flavorful British teas' they've tried—but that bold character means it can turn bitter and astringent if you're not careful with steeping time. The jasmine is quite forward, so if you prefer subtle teas, this might be too assertive for your taste.

This tea definitely requires a lighter touch than standard black teas. Several reviewers found that standard steeping times (4-5 minutes) made it overwhelmingly bitter. Start with just 2-3 minutes for your first cup and adjust from there. The combination of bold Assam and strong jasmine means it extracts quickly. If it's still too astringent, you can add a touch of honey or sugar to balance the flavors.

Probably not as your first loose leaf tea. One reviewer wisely suggested that 'if one is used to drinking popular brand tea bags, best to sample this brew first.' The flavor profile is quite sophisticated and the brewing requires some finesse. However, if you're moving beyond grocery store tea bags and want to experience what a complex, bold blend can offer, this could be an exciting step up—just be prepared for a learning curve with the steeping time.

For some drinkers, yes. Multiple reviewers mentioned that the jasmine dominates the cup, with one saying it 'tastes more like the garden than tea.' The blend includes Fujian jasmine along with Ceylon Earl Grey, Assam, and Kenyan teas, but that jasmine definitely takes center stage. If you love floral teas and strong jasmine flavor, you'll probably adore this. If you prefer your Earl Grey bergamot to shine through, the jasmine might feel jarring.

It's named after the Queen's annual garden party—a formal, elegant occasion. The tea is designed to capture that sophisticated atmosphere with its complex blend of premium teas from Ceylon, Assam, Kenya, and Fujian. It's meant to be an elevated afternoon tea experience. The pure ingredients (no fillers) and the ceremonial nature of brewing it properly definitely appeal to tea enthusiasts who appreciate the ritual as much as the cup itself.

Several reviewers specifically mentioned the good value for the price, especially considering you're getting a complex blend of premium teas from multiple regions. The tin contains loose leaf tea (though some reviewers noted the leaves are somewhat granulated with some dust), which gives you more cups per ounce than tea bags. Just keep in mind you might go through some tea while you're dialing in your perfect steeping time.