Twinings Earl Grey Black Tea

The bergamot here is pleasantly balanced—not too strong, not too subtle. Reviewers appreciate that it has a citrus-y bergamot note with hints of lemon and lavender, but it won't overpower the tea itself. If you've tried Earl Greys that taste like perfume, this one takes a more refined approach with what some describe as a 'crisp lemon-lavender twist' that's refreshing without being aggressive.

The foil wrapping genuinely preserves freshness, which multiple reviewers specifically mention as a strength—especially important with a 100-count box that might take months to finish. That said, it does create more waste, so if environmental impact is a priority, you might prefer a smaller box or loose leaf option. The trade-off is between maximum freshness and minimal packaging.

Absolutely. This is actually a great starter Earl Grey because it's not bitter or astringent, even if you accidentally steep it a bit too long. Reviewers note it's forgiving with steep times, and the tea bags make it foolproof—no special equipment needed. The subtle bergamot flavor is approachable rather than intimidating, so it's a solid entry point if you're exploring flavored black teas.

Honestly, yes, this is worth noting. Some reviewers mention receiving batches that were weak or flavorless, and a few encountered manufacturing issues like torn bags or loose tea. It doesn't seem to be the majority experience, but it happens often enough that it's worth knowing. If you get a disappointing batch, Twinings customer service is generally responsive about replacements.

Definitely—the product is specifically marketed as good hot or iced, and the bright floral aroma and citrus notes actually shine when chilled. The moderate flavor strength holds up well to ice dilution, and that bergamot-citrus profile is naturally refreshing cold. Some tea enthusiasts even mention using it creatively in cooking, so it's a versatile option beyond just your morning cup.

This sits comfortably in the middle tier—it's a step up from basic supermarket tea bags but won't match high-end loose leaf in complexity. Reviewers who know their tea describe it as having 'refined complexity' for a bagged tea, and it responds well to brewing adjustments (try a 5-minute steep versus 3 minutes). If you want convenience without sacrificing too much quality, this hits that sweet spot. If you're chasing the absolute best Earl Grey experience, you'd want to explore premium loose leaf options.