Steven Smith Teamaker Lord Bergamot Earl Grey Tea

This is a premium full-leaf Earl Grey that uses high-quality Ceylon and lapsang souchong leaves in roomy sachets—not the dusty fannings you'd find in typical tea bags. The bergamot level is balanced and sophisticated rather than overpowering, with reviewers noting subtle vanilla and crème brûlée notes that add complexity. It's the kind of tea that works beautifully whether you're a beginner who wants something forgiving or an enthusiast looking for nuanced flavor comparable to luxury French tea brands.

One of the standout qualities is how forgiving this tea is during brewing. Unlike many black teas that turn bitter if you steep them a minute too long, Lord Bergamot stays smooth and balanced. Multiple reviewers specifically mention that it 'doesn't get bitter' even with extended steeping. That said, one person did note it can turn bitter at very high temperatures, so using water just off the boil (around 200°F) rather than full rolling boil works best.

The bergamot is definitely present and pleasant, but it's not going to slap you in the face with citrus. Reviewers describe it as well-balanced and aromatic rather than intensely bergamot-forward. If you're looking for a subtle, sophisticated Earl Grey with bergamot as part of a complex flavor profile (alongside those vanilla and caramel notes), this delivers beautifully. If you want an extremely bold, bergamot-dominant Earl Grey, a couple reviewers mentioned it might be lighter than expected.

At around $9-10 for 15 sachets, it's definitely a premium product—about 60-65 cents per cup. Several reviewers acknowledged the price but felt the quality justified it, comparing it favorably to high-end French tea brands. You're paying for full-leaf tea, biodegradable sachets, and consistently excellent flavor whether brewed hot or iced. If you drink tea daily, it might be a splurge, but if you're looking for a special occasion Earl Grey or want to treat yourself to cafe-quality tea at home, most buyers found it worth the investment.

It works beautifully both ways! Several reviewers specifically mentioned enjoying it iced, and the smooth, non-bitter character makes it ideal for cold brewing or chilling after hot steeping. The bergamot and subtle vanilla notes come through nicely when served cold, making it a versatile choice for year-round drinking.

A few reviewers reported packaging damage during shipping—crushed boxes or torn sachets—so you might want to inspect your order when it arrives. There were also a couple mentions of the tea bag strings getting stuck or occasionally ripping the sachets when removing them. These seem to be occasional quality control issues rather than widespread problems, but they're worth being aware of, especially given the premium price point.