Yakushima Earl Grey — Benifuuki black tea with Yakushima bergamot, Japan
$45.00
$45.00

Yakushima "Earl Grey"

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Yakushima Earl Grey — Benifuuki black tea with Yakushima bergamot, Japan
  • Yakushima Earl Grey — Benifuuki black tea with Yakushima bergamot, Japan
  • Yakushima Earl Grey dry leaves — Benifuuki black tea scented with bergamot oil, Yakushima
  • Brewing Yakushima Earl Grey — bergamot-scented black tea from Yakushima Island, Japan
  • Yakushima Earl Grey liquor — dark amber, naturally creamy bergamot black tea, Yakushima
  • Yakushima Earl Grey wet leaves — Benifuuki bergamot black tea, Yakushima Island, Japan
  • Yakushima Earl Grey — Benifuuki black tea with Yakushima bergamot, Japan
  • Yakushima Earl Grey dry leaves — Benifuuki black tea scented with bergamot oil, Yakushima
  • Brewing Yakushima Earl Grey — bergamot-scented black tea from Yakushima Island, Japan
  • Yakushima Earl Grey liquor — dark amber, naturally creamy bergamot black tea, Yakushima
  • Yakushima Earl Grey wet leaves — Benifuuki bergamot black tea, Yakushima Island, Japan
Yakushima "Earl Grey"

Yakushima "Earl Grey"

$45.00
$45.00

"Earl Grey," perhaps the most widely recognized tea in the Western world, has come to refer to any black tea scented or combined with citrus oil -- most often, that of bergamot. This tea, that the cultivars named Earl Grey, is a special and highly localized take on this popular combination of tea and citrus, and the only Earl Grey that Cultivate carries.

Yakushima Island is famous for the range of fascinating varieties of oranges and pomelos that grow there. When we visited in January, it was the peak season of ponkan and taikan. Completely enchanted by the qualities of these fruits, we were excited to find an Earl Grey made entirely from plants that grow on Yakushima.

The tea used to make it is Benifuuki black tea, and it is scented with essential oil naturally extracted from the citrus fruit, bergamot. Bergamot is originally from the Mediterranean, but grows very well in the subtropical climate of Yakushima.

The result of this combination is a delicious and refreshing Earl Grey: refreshing in that it is uplifting, and also that it renews our idea of what an Earl Grey tea can be like! It brews a dark amber colour liquor with a well-balanced, full-bodied, and smooth mouthfeel.

The bergamot oil blends so well with the tannins of the Benifuuki tea, neither overpowers the other, and after a few sips we let go of trying to taste them apart. Together, their complementary qualities emulsify to yield a sweet, bright, and naturally creamy tea.
$45.00
$45.00

Preparation Guide

Recommended Brewing Vessels
Gaiwan Pitcher Tea Cup

We Recommend

Always use boiling water. Black tea leaves need the heat to fully open — it's what brings out their body, flavour, and depth.

Preparation

Water
120ml
Leaves
4 grams
Temperature
100°C

Infusion

First infusion: 5–15 seconds, until the leaves are submerged, wet.

Subsequent infusions: 5–10 seconds. Pour the water in, and pour the tea out as soon as the gaiwan is full.

From the 5th infusion: add 10–15 seconds each time.

Infusions: 6+