VAHDAM, Earl Grey Tea Leaves (50 Cups/3.52oz) Citrusy & Delicious Black Tea Blended With Pure Oil Of Bergamot | Unblended Single Origin Black Loose Leaf Tea | Vacuum Sealed Pack

I am a tea lover. I have traveled to China and had tea in various tea houses, including the big government run establishment in Beijing. I even ordered tea directly from China for many years - different types and flavors. I've been to and had tea from different parts of the world - Kenya and Sri Lanka included. My go to brand is Dilmah tea bags - they are perhaps the best for travel since the tea bags contain real loose-leaf tea and the flavor is superb. Not inexpensive though, they are shipped directly from Sri Lanka and that is the only problem if you run out of supply as I did recently.Which led me to this. In my desperate search for a suitable alternative to my favorite Dilmah, I tried many different ones I have at home - but nothing really was good enough. Then I thought I would make another attempt here on Amazon. My previous experience with tea, especially Darjeeling ordered here has not been good.I recall the best tea I have ever had was in person at the Makaibari Estate in Darjeeling and it was the First Flush they grow there. Since then I have tried to get it many times, but it has never been the same. Reading the reveiws here of different brands I was not very hopeful until I came across Vahdam.The key with all teas, especially First Flush is freshness. It cannot survive handling at various intermediaries. True to the promise, it came in a vacuum-sealed pack with a very convenient sealable bag with a peel-off label to use with it.The leaves do look fresh and are somewhat soft. The color of the brew is the typical bright and golden that you expect. The aroma is heavenly. For aficionados, First Flush when made from fresh leaves fills the room with its beautiful bouquet. The Vahdam product is not quite there, and that is again to be expected, no matter the source, once it is packed and stored, the tea does lose some of its aromatic qualities. It therefore has to be consumed as quickly as possible. My sample was probably harvested in March of 2023 and I am having it nine months later, so it is not going to be the same as fresh tea.The taste has that delicate, fruity, sweet quality with a long finish. I found notes of tulsi even, but that is part of its complex nature. This is not a tea to be had in a hurry. When brewed properly and served in delicate china, it is truly one of the gastronomic wonders of the world.All I can say is that this product is as close to perfection as you can get from something ordered online and received in two days. Harvested eight thousand miles away, the fact that I can savor its delightful flavor sitting here in New York is a marvel in itself.The packaging is very nice, with a note from the owner of the estate. He does mention the idea of giving back to the farmers and workers who produce these wonderful things and I do hope he lives up to his promise because the worker at a tea estate is the lowest participant in this chain and it is really a tedious and back-breaking job that she performs, in order to bring us a little bit of paradise.Now go and order some of this heavenly nectar.

This tea is sooo soothing and delicious! The tea leaves don't sneak through the tea ball at all like some loose teas. Loose tea is a staple for me now - no question about the content and easy to make. It will remain fresh and hold its flavor and effectiveness for a long time because it came vacuum sealed AND with a resealable additional bag that the vacuum bag fits right inside of. Quality tea and packaging. This manufacturer cares about its product.

Packaged fresh , you can taste the difference. Sooth , light , fragrant , beautiful golden color . Even the packaging is superior.

If you like a very mild black tea this may be one for you. To me, this one is very similar to a green tea. Very nice tea, quite mellow. But it is on the costly side for what you get. Comes in a sealed pouch. I transferred it to a canister to make access easier. I think you can find similar teas at a better price point.Edit: Now that I've had a bit more time with this tea I have to say it is quite good. The taste of the tea is quite good. In appearance it is light for a "black" tea. It the cup it is slightly darker that the green teas I have tried. Yes, a bit more than some others but you get what you pay for.

I've been taking saffron and vitamin D gummies along with drinking this tea every other day. I've been doing this to help with brain fog. I have been in such a good mood and have had a happy outlook on life and it isn't normal for me to feel that way. I realized that is one of the effects of saffron. I'm not being paid to say this either and I don't think it's placebo because I was taking it for other reasons. I also have been using manuka honey with this tea and it tastes amazing together. I will continue to purchase!

I've never had tea like this! Usually I drink assam with milk but this taste shouldn't be wasted. It came seriously shrink wrapped and with a foil zip container for it to be put into for convenience. Taste is indescribable. Wonderful stuff. Just ordered a variety pack to try more of their products. Very exciting.

Ok taste. Not real strong. Probably would not buy again.

This is a nice combination of minty with that little hit of ginger sharpness. I continue to purchase this.