This is tea from a tea bag, so right from the start, we're not dealing with the best quality. But, this sort of tea isn't for having a gourmet experience. If it were, they wouldn't sell it for a few dollars at the local supermarket. It's a daily tea. On that level, it does fine.

The flavor profile is different from Twining's Earl Grey (caffeinated). Let me compare the two since they're often sold side-by-side.

Bigelow's Earl Grey is more earthy and linear in its tea flavor. It's really not complex. The bergamot flavor is also very pointed and strong -- which means that I've felt more satisfied having it with honey alone, rather than the typical Earl Grey + honey + lemon combination.

Twining's is more woody and less earthy in its tea flavor, by comparison. The tea flavor is more diffused in terms of its notes. It's less linear, a tad more complex. The bergamot note with the Twining's is less pointed and much less strong. It's more diffused, as well. But, again, there's a bit more dimension to it. That said, it's not nearly as strong, meaning that it feels like something is missing when I only have it with honey.

I was never in the habit of drinking Bigelow brand. This was the first time I gave it a try. It's definitely a different experience, but I like it. It's not a gourmet tea, as I said. But, it's not meant to be. This is a different class of teas -- the buy-it-in-the-supermarket, daily drinker, don't-break-your-wallet variety. With that in mind, I think it's pretty good. I like the juxtaposition of the bergamot and the earthy tea notes. The contrast is stimulating and refreshing. I'm glad I gave it a try.

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