Steven Smith Teamaker Lord Bergamot Earl Grey Tea

This isn't your typical Earl Grey. Lord Bergamot features a complex blend of Ceylon and lapsang souchong black teas with bergamot, plus unexpected additions like lavender, rose petals, and vanilla notes. Several reviewers describe flavors reminiscent of crème brûlée and a subtle smokiness. It's full leaf tea in quality sachets, which means you're getting premium whole leaves rather than the dust found in most tea bags. The result is a smooth, sophisticated tea that doesn't turn bitter even if you oversteep it.

Yes, reviewers specifically mention it works beautifully both ways. The robust flavor profile holds up well when iced, while the smooth character with light tannins makes it perfect for hot brewing. Because it doesn't get bitter easily, you have flexibility in how you prepare it—whether you're making a traditional hot cup or cold brewing for iced tea.

Absolutely. The sachets make this incredibly beginner-friendly. You don't need any special equipment or knowledge about loose leaf brewing. Reviewers note it's very forgiving—it doesn't get bitter even if you steep it longer than recommended. The flavor is consistent from bag to bag, and the preparation is as simple as using any tea bag. Yet the quality is high enough that experienced tea drinkers compare it favorably to luxury French tea brands.

Expect a medium-intensity tea with prominent bergamot and subtle floral notes from the lavender and rose petals. Many reviewers describe it as smooth and aromatic with hints of vanilla and even crème brûlée. There's a slight smokiness from the lapsang souchong. The bergamot is definitely present but not overwhelming for most people—though a few reviewers found the lavender a bit too forward for their Earl Grey expectations. Overall, it's described as flavorful and soothing without being harsh or overly tannic.

The main concern from reviews is delivery-related: some customers received boxes with damaged packaging or a few defective sachets (unsealed or with strings stuck inside). The tea itself is consistently praised, but it's worth inspecting your box when it arrives. At around $9-10 for 15 sachets, some feel it's pricey, though most agree the quality justifies the cost. Also, if you're a purist looking for traditional Earl Grey flavor, the added lavender and floral notes might not match your expectations.

The aroma is one of the standout features. Multiple reviewers specifically praise the 'strong pleasant aroma' and describe it as highly aromatic. You'll notice the bergamot and floral notes as soon as you open the package, and the scent intensifies beautifully when brewing. If you enjoy teas with a pronounced fragrance, this delivers.