Whittard Darling Grey Tea Review Summary
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Aroma: ★★★✬☆ (3.5/5)
Taste: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Packaging: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Value for Money: ★★★★✬ (4.5/5)
Brand: Whittard of Chelsea
Blend: Black tea with flavoring, Lemon Peel (2%), Orange Peel (2%), Orange Blossom
Origin: Black tea of Chinese origin, blended and packed in the UK
Caffeine: Medium
Price: USD 4/20 bags or USD 8.69/50 bags
Brew: 90°C, 3 minutes
Pairing: A light yogurt cake or dark chocolate
Buy: Whittard
Whittard Darling Grey Detailed Tea Review
Overview:
Whittard of Chelsea’s Darling Grey tea is a refreshing twist on the classic Earl Grey, bringing in citrusy notes balanced with a touch of Bergamot.
When I first tried it, I instantly thought of an afternoon tea. It has that kind of bright, uplifting vibe that makes you want to sit back, relax, and enjoy a light snack.
If you’re someone who loves Earl Grey but wants something a little lighter and more citrus-forward, this could be the perfect cup for you.
In this article, I’ll cover:
- Brewing Conditions
- Aroma
- Taste
- Packaging
- Value for Money
- Caffeine Level
- Food Pairings
- About
- Where to Buy
Whittard Darling Grey Brewing Conditions:
To get the best out of Darling Grey, I found that brewing it at a slightly lower temperature than most black teas really helps. I recommend using water at around 90°C and steeping it for 3 minutes.
The Darling Grey tea becomes a bit bitter if brewed for too long or at a higher temperature, so sticking to a lower temperature and sort steeping time range helps maintain its delicate citrus balance.
Aroma (3.5/5):
The aroma of Darling Grey didn’t blow me away. But it was subtle and soothing.
As soon as I opened the box, I was greeted with a soft, flowery scent that wasn’t too overpowering. When brewed, the citrus really comes through, with a gentle Bergamot note that isn’t too strong but adds depth.
Taste (4/5):
When it comes to the taste, Darling Grey is very refreshing and uplifting. The citrusy aftertaste is quite nice, and I especially get a lot of orange peel flavor.
However, the bergamot flavor is a bit too subtle, which can be disappointing as it is usually the dominating flavor in a cup of Earl Grey. That said, it’s perfect if you’re after something calming and not too intense.
Whittard Darling Grey Packaging (4/5):
The Whittard Darling Grey box is a beautiful violet color with illustrations of cakes, sandwiches, and pastries next to a large garden window. This box is part of the Whittard Famous Tea Collection, a very aesthetically pleasing gift set.
The packaging is eco-conscious, with both the teabags and box being 100% compostable. Plus, the card is recyclable and FSC-certified, which I love for being environmentally friendly.
The tea bags are round and sealed in aluminum foil, but they’re not individually wrapped. Once you open the box, it’s best to transfer the tea into an airtight container to keep it fresh.
For those of us who receive this tea as part of a larger collection (like I did with nine other varieties), it can be a bit of a hassle. I had to keep finding the right airtight jar every time I opened a new box.
The packaging also mentions Whittard’s support for the Ethical Tea Partnership, but it doesn’t go into detail about where the black tea is sourced from beyond China. It would have been nice for tea lovers like me to know more about its origin!
Value for Money (4.5/5):
At USD 4 for 20 teabags, Darling Grey seems like a very good deal.
It’s not the boldest tea out there, but I think it offers very good value if you’re looking for something soothing yet refreshing.
Caffeine Level:
With medium caffeine content, I find this tea to be a perfect pick-me-up when I need something gentle in the afternoon.
It doesn’t leave me feeling jittery, but it gives me that little boost of energy that helps me stay focused without feeling overstimulated. It’s definitely not a tea I’d drink before bed, but it’s perfect for an afternoon break.
Food Pairings:
I think Darling Grey pairs best with something light and sweet. A yogurt cake or a soft sponge cake would be perfect. The subtle citrus notes really complement baked goods that aren’t too heavy.
If you’re hosting an afternoon tea, this would be a great tea to serve with some scones, cupcakes, or even a citrus-flavored biscuit. The refreshing flavor is ideal for pairing with sweet treats without overwhelming them.
About the brand:
Whittard of Chelsea was founded in 1886 by Walter Whittard, initially under a different name. The company is renowned for its premium tea, coffee, and hot chocolate. Whittard now operates over 50 stores across multiple countries and reaches customers digitally in over 40 countries.
You can learn more about their teas and sustainability practices by visiting their website.
Where to Buy:
Whittard Darling Grey tea can be found on their official Whittard UK website. It’s also available on Amazon and other online retailers, so no matter where you are, you should be able to get your hands on it. Whittard ships to multiple regions, including North America and Europe, so you can easily enjoy their teas wherever you are.
In conclusion, Whittard’s Darling Grey is a subtle, citrus-infused tea that’s perfect if you’re looking for something light and refreshing. While it may not have the boldness of a traditional Earl Grey, its gentle, uplifting flavor makes it a lovely choice for afternoon tea or a calming break during the day. It’s a tea I’d recommend if you enjoy delicate blends and are in the mood for something soothing but still flavorful.
