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Darvilles of Windsor Earl Grey

Take 5: Earl Grey teabags

Janice Leung

Combining black tea and essence from the rind of the bergamot orange, it is named after the second Earl Grey, a 19th-century British prime minister. Janice Leung bags some of the best. (Teabags were infused for two minutes.)

This fine, dark powder quickly brews a strong, heavily tannic tea. The aroma is intense, as is the flavour. There doesn't seem to be much of a citrus tone, aside from a little acidity at the end. The stringless bag has to be fished out of the cup.

HK$43.50 for 50, Oliver's Delicatessen, 2/F Prince's Building, Central

These relatively pale tea leaves are unevenly sized, unlike the uniform contents of the other varieties we tried. Similarly, the hue of the brewed tea is on the lighter side. The flavour has obvious bergamot notes and acidity.

HK$33.60 for 50, ParknShop and Wellcome, citywide

The finished brew is extremely dark, with a bright, reddish tinge, reminiscent of maple syrup. The leaves are very dark and fine. It tastes and smells intensely of citrus peel; on the palate, it seems to have an almost sweet herbal flavour.

HK$39.90 for 50, ThreeSixty, 3/F Landmark, Central

The teabags have a slight yellowish stain, presumably from the bergamot oil. Once brewed the flavours and aromas of the fruit were completely lost, leaving a rather dark tea that was extremely bitter and tannic. Another stringless sample that is hard to take out of the cup.

HK$32 for 50, Marks & Spencer, citywide

With the largest leaves out of those tested, this tea was the lightest in colour and flavour. There was a slight hint of bergamot and the taste of tea was balanced and not too strong. It makes a soothing cuppa.

HK$95 for 20, Oliver's Delicatessen, 2/F Prince's Building, Central

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