When I think of Saint Patrick’s Day, two thoughts come to mind. An ode to my Irish and Scottish heritage, and my travels to old country, and the turning of the page from winter towards spring and warmer and longer days.
With spring slowly beginning to make its gentler presence known, I often conjure up yearning for floral and fruity beverages and foods. Bewley’s of Dublin provides exactly that with their selection of fine teas. One of my favorites in their line up in the Earl Grey, though I also would recommend their Irish Breakfast, Irish Afternoon and green tea offerings. Irish blends tend to be a bit more bold and malty than their English counterparts, and Bewley’s is no exception.
Earl Grey often offers the rich and bold black tea flavors with a more refreshing citrus palate due to the bergamot. It is a good way to transition out of the darker teas and coffees that help one through the cold dark winter mornings. Despite being a full bodied tea, Bewley’s Earl Grey is a well balanced and delicate with a truly elegant infusion of bergamot orange and even a little lavender in the finish, while retaining a boldly malt character throughout the blend.
Earl Greys have, what I consider, a more pleasant aroma than their breakfast tea and other black tea counterparts due to the orange peels and touch of lavender added to the blend. For steeping, this full bodied tea offers a few ptis. I generally ejyed a near boil and a 3-5 minute steeping process, but the bold character does allow for a good flavor even with less time. The tea is very good as is, but it can be enhanced with a drop of milk or a twist of lemon and honey. It would also be a good London Fog Latte based earl grey, or in this case a Dublin Fog.
It is a one of my favorite teas, which is saying a lot. There is even a third party endorsement from my mustached parakeet, Charlie
I was fortunate enough to visit a Bewley’s café near the City Centre of Dublin a few times and enjoy these teas and pastries in a proper Dublin aesthetic. It is the perfect environment for the more casual cuppa tea or coffee, while still offering an afternoon tea experience. For those who cannot make the trip to Dublin, fear not! Bewley’s is readily available in North America at many Irish and British grocers, cafes and purveyors of fine imported teas. They also offer a large selection of teas online and through other e-commerce vendors.
Slainte, cairde and have a blessed Saint Patrick’s Day.