Harney & Sons Earl Grey Imperial Tea

This Earl Grey Imperial has an exceptionally strong, aromatic bergamot profile that really stands out. Reviewers consistently mention the 'bold bergamot punch' and how fragrant it is even before brewing. The flavor comes through beautifully with citrus notes of orange and lemon, plus subtle floral undertones. If you're an Earl Grey enthusiast who loves that distinctive bergamot character, this delivers in spades. Fair warning though - if you prefer a lighter, more subtle Earl Grey, this might be too intense for your taste.

Absolutely. These are silk or mesh pyramid sachets filled with full loose leaf tea, not the dust or fannings you'd find in standard tea bags. This makes a real difference - the leaves have room to expand fully during steeping, which releases more flavor and aroma. Even self-described 'tea snobs' appreciate the quality here. You get the convenience of a sachet with the taste quality of loose leaf tea.

It's quite forgiving, which makes it great for both beginners and busy mornings. Multiple reviewers mention they can steep it for a full pot without getting bitterness, and the included instructions are clear and easy to follow. The smooth, non-bitter character means you don't need to stress about exact steep times. That said, the tea has enough nuance that experienced tea drinkers will still appreciate the refined flavor.

This is a legitimate concern. Several reviewers mentioned receiving dented tins, which is disappointing given how beautiful the decorative Historic Royal Palaces Collection tins are. The good news is the tea inside is usually fine - it's just the presentation that suffers. Some buyers also noted stickers on the lid that are hard to remove. If the tin's appearance matters to you for gifting or display, you might want to check it immediately upon arrival so you can request a replacement if needed.

This holds its own against high-end competitors. The full leaf quality in convenient sachets is a big plus - you get luxury tea without the fuss of loose leaf brewing. The strong bergamot flavor is distinctive and consistent (about 75% of reviewers noted the same flavor characteristics). Some find it superior to brands like Twinings or even comparable to specialty tea shops, while others feel brands like Fortnum & Mason edge it out slightly. At this price point with 30 sachets, it's excellent value for a premium Earl Grey.

Most customers receive fresh product, but there have been occasional quality control issues worth knowing about. A few reviewers received tins with tea near expiration dates or wrong tea varieties in the sachets. Some also mentioned inconsistent sachet filling. These seem to be isolated incidents rather than widespread problems, but it's worth checking your tin when it arrives. If you notice any issues, Harney & Sons' customer service should be able to help with a replacement.