I recently tried the Earl Grey from Gryphon Tea Company Singapore, and I have to admit, it surprised me. Not because it was flawless—it wasn’t, but because it felt like a tea that knew exactly what it wanted to be.
The aroma is the first thing that hits you. Bergamot is present but subtle, not the overpowering scent you sometimes encounter in commercial blends. It invites you to pause, to inhale slowly, and anticipate the flavour without shouting at you.
Brewing the tea is effortless. The leaves unfurl gracefully in hot water, releasing a dark, amber liquor that feels almost like a warm invitation. There is a gentle brightness to the taste, a floral note that lingers just long enough without becoming cloying. It is the kind of tea that encourages slow sipping, maybe even a second cup, because it feels worth the time.
What I appreciated most was the balance. The tea is neither too bold nor too timid. The bergamot complements the black tea base rather than dominating it. You notice the subtleties, a hint of citrus, a touch of briskness, but they are all in harmony. It reminded me why Earl Grey has endured as a classic: simplicity, elegance, and a touch of personality.
Of course, this tea will not convert someone who dislikes Earl Grey. It is still distinctly bergamot, still a black tea, still carrying its own character. But for those who enjoy a thoughtful cup of tea, it feels carefully considered, almost conversational in the way it unfolds with each sip.
In a city where tea options are abundant yet often fleeting in character, Gryphon Tea Company’s Earl Grey feels like a quiet reminder that the right blend can make even a familiar tea feel special. It is not flashy. It does not demand attention. It simply rewards those who are willing to slow down and notice.
For me, it was a moment of reflection. A reminder that the right cup of tea can be both comforting and quietly inspiring.
— Maria Tan
On tea, culture, and everyday rituals.
Why We Secretly Judge Tea Shops by Their Music
I never thought much about music in tea shops, until I started noticing patterns. The tea is brewed, the cups are warm, and the aroma drifts through the room. But then the music starts, and suddenly, the entire experience changes. Some shops play classical or soft jazz. Conversations linger. Sips are slow. Even the tea…
-
The Best Everyday and Gift-Worthy Blends from Gryphon Tea Singapore
I have a small confession. For the longest time, I treated tea like a background character in my day. It was just the thing I gulped between meetings, barely tasting it. Then a friend handed me a proper cup one quiet afternoon, and I finally slowed down enough to notice the aroma, the warmth, the…
-
We Talk Too Much About Tea and Not Enough About Drinking It
Tea culture has become remarkably good at talking about tea. We discuss origins. Elevation. Harvest seasons. Processing methods. Water temperatures. Brewing vessels. There are endless conversations about tea. And yet I sometimes wonder whether we spend enough time simply drinking it. This may sound like an odd criticism coming from someone who enjoys learning about…
-
High Tea St Regis: A Grand Afternoon Ritual at Regis Singapore
The light in the late afternoon does something quiet to a room. It softens. It lingers on the rim of a porcelain cup in the elegant Tea Room, slides along the curve of a silver pot, and settles into the folds of a linen napkin without asking for attention. There is a stillness here, the…
-
Why We Keep Looking for the Perfect Tea
I used to think there would be a moment when my tea journey felt complete. A tea so good that I would stop searching. A tea that would make every other tea feel unnecessary. Years later, I can confidently say that moment has never arrived. And I’m starting to think that’s the point. Tea drinkers…
-
Darjeeling First Flush: Capturing the Himalayan Spring in a Teacup
I still remember the first time someone handed me a cup of Darjeeling First Flush, a prized form of black tea, and asked me, quite seriously, not to add milk. I almost laughed. Tea without milk felt like toast without butter. But I humored my friend, took a sip, and paused. The liquid was pale…
-
What Kopi and Tea Say About Singapore
One of the things I love most about Singapore is that we never really chose between kopi and tea. We kept both. Walk into almost any hawker centre or coffee shop and you’ll see it immediately. One person orders kopi-o. Another asks for teh-c. Someone else is drinking Chinese tea from a flask they brought…
-
The Tea We Keep Saving for Later
Many tea drinkers have a tea they are saving. A special oolong purchased during a memorable trip. A rare tea gifted by a friend. A tea that feels too valuable, too limited, or too meaningful to drink casually. So it waits. Days become weeks. Weeks become months. The tea remains carefully stored while more ordinary…
-
Earl Grey Tea Benefits: What Is Earl Grey Tea and Why Has It Endured for Centuries?
Introduction Few teas are as instantly recognisable as Earl Grey tea. Even among people who do not regularly drink tea, the distinctive citrus aroma of Earl Grey often feels familiar. It appears in tea shops, cafés, afternoon tea menus, and kitchen cupboards around the world, yet many people still ask the same question: what is…
-
Is Tea Acidic? Understanding Tea Acidity and What It Means for Tea Drinkers
One of the most common questions among both new and experienced tea drinkers is surprisingly simple: is tea acidic? The answer is yes, but the reality is far more nuanced than a simple yes or no. Most teas fall on the mildly acidic side of the pH scale, yet they are generally far less acidic…
