1. Fortnum & Mason Royal Blend
First blended for King Edward VII in 1902, this is the definition of a sophisticated breakfast tea. It blends low-grown Flowery Pekoe from Ceylon (which adds a honey-like lift) with maltier Assam. The result is smooth, incredibly rich, and robust enough to handle milk without losing its character.
- Historic recipe (100+ years)
- Smooth, honey-like notes
- Iconic Eau de Nil tin
- Premium price point
- Traditional profile (no fancy flavors)
2. Harney & Sons Paris
This is Harney's masterpiece. A tribute to Parisian tea shops, it starts with a black tea base and adds vanilla, caramel, and a hint of lemony bergamot. The aroma alone is intoxicating. It tastes like an Earl Grey that went to a patisserie. It is sweet, complex, and utterly unique.
- Incredible vanilla/caramel aroma
- Approachable for non-tea drinkers
- Beautiful tin design
- Contains natural/artificial flavorings
- Might be too sweet for purists
3. Fortnum & Mason Earl Grey Classic
British Prime Minister Charles Grey gave his name to this tea in the 1830s, and Fortnum's version is as classic as it gets. It uses simple, high-quality black tea scented with pure bergamot oil. It is refreshing, zesty, and lacks the heavy "creamy" vanilla notes found in modern American versions. A clean, afternoon classic.
- Pure, zesty bergamot flavor
- Refreshing afternoon tea
- No artificial aftertaste
- Lighter body than "Supreme" blends
4. Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice
This is Harney's most popular flavored tea for a reason. It is an assertive blend of black tea, three types of cinnamon, orange peel, and sweet cloves. It is naturally sweet (no sugar added) and leaves a distinct "hot" tingle on the tongue, similar to Red Hots candy. Perfect for cold winter days.
- Intense, warming flavor
- Naturally sweet (sugar-free)
- Great circulation booster
- Can be overpowering
- Clove notes are strong
5. Fortnum & Mason Famous Tea Selection
If you can't decide, or you need to buy a gift for a tea lover, this is the answer. It contains 60 tea bags across 6 of their most famous blends, including Royal Blend, Earl Grey Classic, and Breakfast Blend. The presentation box radiates luxury and allows you to tour the history of British tea in one package.
- Includes 6 different classic blends
- Stunning gift presentation
- Great way to taste-test
- Tea bags (not loose leaf)
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