Earl Grey Triple Bergamot -- Todd & Holland, Forest Park

Earl Grey Triple Bergamot -- Todd & Holland, Forest Park

I drank Earl Grey tea throughout college, and in those days, I believe even Twinings used real bergamot oil, an essence with allegedly medicinal properties extracted from the peel of citrus-like fruit of trees found around Bergamo, Italy.

Bergamot oil is what makes Earl Grey; unfortunately, most Earl Grey teas now use artificial bergamot flavoring which is quite transparently not the real thing.

According to Harold McGee, this use of artificial flavoring is probably due to economics (actual bergamot oil is relatively costly) and the spoilage factor (oil can go rancid, and most regular teas are subject to a very long shelf-life).

According to Bill Todd, the use of such water-soluble flavorings is additionally undesirable because they can support increased microbial growth.

I've tried T&H's Earl of Oolong and Earl Grey Double Bergamot, and they were fine, but today I was in the mood for a more powerful punch of real bergamot oil, so I got a pouch of Earl Grey Triple Bergamot. Slightly acidic tongue feel, perfumed and floral with licorice notes, this is the flavor I longed for, the real taste of bergamot oil. Although I usually don't put sugar into my tea, I found that a little sweetness brings out and complements the flowery flavor of this tea.

I blew through a pot in minutes. It's good stuff.

Todd & Holland
7311 West Madison Street
Forest Park, IL 60130
708-488-1136
[email protected]

David,

how much does the triple bergamot go for? My mom's a big fan of the earl, and I might stop by and pick some up for her

Hey Zim,

It's something like $7.40 for a .05 lb pouch. Not cheap, but probably the equivalent of 5 pots, or 20 cups (depending upon how you brew and cup it), so each cup is less costly and much more satisfying than a can of soda.

Hammond