1. Yorkshire Tea (Red Label)
There is a reason this has become the UK's number one brew. Yorkshire Tea strikes the perfect balance between strength and flavor. It is significantly stronger than its competitors, producing a rich, malty "biscuit" taste that stands up perfectly to milk and sugar. It doesn't taste like dust; it tastes like tea.
- Robust, full-bodied flavor
- Excellent color (even with milk)
- Hard water variant available
- Slightly more expensive than Tetley
2. Yorkshire Gold
If the Red Label is a reliable sedan, Gold is the luxury tourer. It blends teas from the top 10 tea gardens in Assam, Kenya, and Rwanda. The result is smoother, brighter, and more complex than the original. It lacks the harsh astringency of cheaper blends, making it drinkable even without milk.
- Smoother, less bitter taste
- High-quality leaf origins
- Rich golden liquor
- Premium price point
3. Tetley Original
Tetley remains a solid choice for those who find Yorkshire Tea too aggressive. It has a mellower, slightly fruitier profile. While some critics find it a bit "cardboard-like" when black, it transforms well with a splash of milk. It is frequently on offer, making it a great budget staple.
- Very affordable
- Mellow, non-bitter taste
- Great with sugar
- Can taste weak if under-brewed
4. PG Tips Original (New Blend)
PG Tips recently ditched their famous pyramid bags for a new square design that claims to "brew in 60 seconds." Unfortunately, many long-time fans find the new blend lacks body and depth, often describing it as "bland" or "dusty". It brews fast, but the flavor sacrifices are noticeable compared to Yorkshire.
- Brews very quickly
- Biodegradable bags
- New blend lacks depth
- Thinner body than previous version
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