Russian Earl Grey

Tea has been consumed in Russia for centuries. The drink was first introduced to the country during the Tsarist era in 1618. The Chinese ambassador to Moscow at the time presented Tsar Michael Fedorovich with several chests of tea as a gift. Although the Tsar accepted the gift with legendary Russian grace, the tea was not at first very well received. The Tsar and the people of his court were accustomed to drinking warm fruit and herbal beverages, and found that the new beverage was slightly bitter. According to Russian folklore, it was one of Tsar Michael's chefs who struck upon the idea of adding fruit and spice to the tea in order to enhance its flavor. Various blends were experimented with using combinations of ginger, salt, orange peel, rice, onions, and various herbs and spices. The most popular of these blends however were the more heavily sweetened versions based on citrus fruit.

As years wore on, tea consumed in this fashion spread throughout Russia, and Samavors, a unique and traditional Russian tea pot became ubiquitous throughout the continent. To this day, Russians are among the highest per capita tea drinkers in the world and enjoy the drink at all times of the day.

In honor of Tsar Michael, (and his kitchen staff!), our Master blender developed this fantastic Russian Earl Grey. In keeping with Russian tradition we've added sweet orange peel and a mellowing herb - all natural lemongrass, in addition to the tart character of bergamot, (the citrus fruit used to flavor all Earl Greys). You will find this tea to be at once sweet, and exceptionally soothing. Add a splash of milk to really bring out the citrus overtones of this blend - or, add some sugar and sweeten it up Russian style! Either way, this is one tea you'll want to savor all day long.

Hot tea brewing method: Bring freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 teaspoon of tea for each cup into the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the teapot. Cover and let steep for 3-7 minutes according to taste (the longer the steeping time the stronger the tea). Even though milk and a dash of sugar help enhance the flavor character on this tea, it is perfectly acceptable to consume this tea ‘straight-up’

Iced tea brewing method: (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 6 teaspoons of tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. [A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to double the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water]. Please note that this tea may tend to go cloudy or ‘milky’ when poured over ice; a perfectly normal characteristic of some high quality black teas and nothing to worry about!