Harney & Sons Earl Grey Imperial Tea

This is definitely a bergamot-forward Earl Grey. The bergamot aroma and flavor are notably strong—about a dozen reviewers specifically call it out as bold and pronounced. You get those bright citrus notes of orange and lemon alongside the floral character. If you prefer a subtle Earl Grey, this might be too much, but if you love that classic bergamot punch, this delivers exactly what you're looking for.

This is honestly a bit of a gamble. Several buyers report their tins arrived dented from shipping, which is disappointing given the beautiful decorative design. If you're buying this primarily for the collectible Historic Royal Palaces tin, you might want to reach out to the seller about packaging. The tea inside is typically fine, but the tin itself sometimes takes a beating in transit.

Yes, it's quite forgiving. Reviewers consistently mention it stays smooth with minimal bitterness even if you steep it a bit too long. One sachet makes a full pot, and the brewing instructions are right on the tin. The full leaf tea in those premium silk sachets means the leaves can expand properly without you needing to fuss with loose leaf equipment. It's a solid choice if you want quality tea without the learning curve.

Unfortunately, yes. A few buyers have reported receiving the wrong tea bags in their tin, overfilled sachets that split open, or tins that were short-filled. Some also mentioned receiving product with close expiration dates or tea that tasted stale. These seem to be occasional issues rather than the norm, but it's worth checking your tin when it arrives and reaching out to the seller if something's off.

You're getting a bold, aromatic experience. The bergamot leads with bright citrus notes—orange and lemon—alongside a floral character that some describe as light and homey. The black tea base has a slightly smoky quality and can taste a touch acidic to some palates, but it's generally smooth and balanced. The overall profile is citrusy and floral without being bitter. If you've had weak or overly subtle Earl Greys before, this one actually tastes like something.

With 30 sachets in the tin, you're getting a decent quantity for a premium tea. Each sachet makes a full pot, so if you're not drinking alone, that stretches even further. The full leaf quality and silk sachets put this well above grocery store tea bags. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on how much that strong bergamot character matters to you and whether you value the collectible tin, but most reviewers feel they're getting what they paid for.