The cup of Earl Grey changes quickly, the colour rising and settling into amber and copper before you can look away. In the swirl, nearly everything softens and gives in, except for one pale, curled piece that holds its shape against the water. The aroma lifts bright and sharp, then settles into something rounder and faintly bitter, a note that lingers after the sip is gone. The citrus in this blend is younger than it seems, a hybrid with a story that didn’t begin as planned. Most things that feel permanent turn out to be improvisations, arrived at by chance and kept because they worked.
Today's cup: Earl Grey — Camellia sinensis, bergamot, citrus peel, cornflower petals, bergamot essential oil.
1 tsp, 200mL, 100°C, two minutes straight or three-plus with milk.
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A tea and a musing every weekday morning.
Before It Begins is made by Impala & Peacock Artisan Teas, blended by hand in Melbourne. To join our tea ritual - click here.
